Why does the water in Kansas City have a weird smell? Here’s what KC Water says
Quite a few Kansas City residents noticed a strong smell in their homes coming from an unlikely source.
The water from faucets and showers have been giving off a foul odor, according to some Kansas Citians.
After one resident complained about the smell on Reddit, another user said that KC Water told them the new smell is because of a new chemical that was added at the water treatment facility and the smell should go away in the next couple of days.
But KC Water spokesperson Jackson Overstreet said in an email to The Star that no new chemicals have been added to the city’s water supply, but the city department is aware of complaints from residents in regards to the smell.
As for what’s causing the smell, you can blame the change in the seasons and temperatures in the Missouri River. Seasonal changes can make the river muddy with silt and organic matter, causing earthy, musty odors and a greenish tint in drinking water, KC Water says on its website.
“This temporary change is caused by natural seasonal and temperature shifts in the Missouri River, the primary water source for the department,” Overstreet said in the email.
The changes in smell are harmless and can vary based on an individual’s senses, according to KC Water. It could last a few days or a few weeks, but the water is safe.
“While the odor may be noticeable, it is temporary and purely aesthetic and does not affect the safety or quality of your drinking water,” Overstreet said.
“KC Water conducts continuous monitoring and extensive laboratory testing to guarantee the safety of the water, meeting all state and federal drinking water standards.”
