Have you noticed a strange taste in Airdrie's water?

Some Airdrie residents have noted that their water tastes and smells not quite right - and they are right - there is something to it, but it's not what you may think.

Kelly McKeague, Team Leader for Water Services at the City of Airdrie said the taste and smell is produced by geosmin, a naturally occurring compound in water. 

"With the extended hot temperatures and dry conditions that we've experienced this summer, it's very normal for there to be a temporary increase in geosmin [and] this can produce a noticeable earthy or musty change to the taste and odour of the water, but does not impact the safety of the drinking water," he said.

McKeague explained that due to the very low flow conditions in both the Bow and Elbow Rivers, there is less dilution, which can contribute to geosmin building up in the water, and because Airdrie's water is purchased and treated from the City of Calgary, Airdrie residents are impacted by this.

"The human nose is extremely sensitive to geosmin and some people can detect it at a very low level, in fact, five parts per trillion. We recommend if customers are sensitive to the changes; to keep a pitcher of water with a lemon slice in the fridge, or use an activated carbon charcoal filter to help absorb geosmin."

With cooler temperatures now being experienced in the Airdrie and Calgary area, McKeague predicts that the levels of geosmin in the water will drop in mid-October. 

"For more than 60 years geosmin levels have always remained low, but in recent years, we're starting to see temporary periods with increased levels. As a result, the City of Calgary, Calgary is conducting research to understand sources and environmental conditions leading to the production of geosmin in the water source."

When asked if The City has received complaints from residents, McKeague said the City has received notice from some residents, but noted that these observations occur every year at this time.

Low flow conditions continue to be observed in Nose Creek and Elbow River. In response to drought-like conditions, both the City of Airdrie and The City of Calgary continue to be under water restrictions.

In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM