If you live in the Triangle, here’s why your water might taste (and smell) a little funky
It’s not your imagination. The water does taste a little off.
But it’s not permanent. And it’s meant to keep the water safe and clean.
The city of Raleigh began its annual disinfection changeover Thursday, which can cause the tap water to have a different taste or smell, usually like chlorine. That’s because the city is using chlorine-only disinfection during the changeover instead of the chloramine method, which uses chlorine and ammonia.
This annual change is recommended by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
Folks may also notice a change in how the water looks. The city will be “flushing” the system to change the disinfected methods, which might cause water discoloration. Raleigh recommends running the tap until the water turns clear.
The change lasts until April 10.
The city of Raleigh provides water to Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, Zebulon and parts of unincorporated Wake County.
And the city of Raleigh isn’t the only one
▪ Cary: The town of Cary announced it would temporarily stop adding ammonia to its water treatment disinfection process starting Saturday. The change will last through April 10. Cary provides water to the town, Apex, Morrisville, Raleigh-Durham International Airport and the Wake County part of Research Triangle Park.
People who have questions or concerns can call 311 if they live within town and 919-469-4000 if they live outside town limits.
▪ Durham: The city of Durham began its disinfection changeover on Feb. 25 and it will last until April 11.
▪ Hillsborough: The town of Hillsborough will begin its disinfection change on March 1 and continue through the month.
▪ Orange Water and Sewer Authority: OWASA provides water to Chapel Hill and Carrboro. It will begin disinfecting on March 1 and continue through mid-April.
How to fix the taste
There are a couple of ways to help get rid of the chlorine taste.
- Lemon contains ascorbic acid so adding lemon slices to pitchers of water can neutralize the taste of the chlorine, according to OWASA.
- Putting water in a “wide or shallow container” will let more air reach the water to help get rid of the taste, according to the town of Hillsborough.
- Durham recommends putting the water in the fridge for a few hours to help the chlorine taste dissipate.
- Several municipalities say boiling the water or using an activated carbon filter, like a Brita filter, will get rid of the taste
