Taste & Odor

Likely causes of taste and odor of your water are:

1. Chlorine is added to drinking water to disinfect it and prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. While it effectively ensures water safety, chlorine can create a distinct taste and smell that some find unpleasant. The Delaware Office of Drinking Water and the U.S. EPA, require water utilities to maintain chlorine levels to protect public health. This process starts at treatment plants and continues through the distribution system to ensure clean and safe drinking water reaches every home.
2. Algae: Seasonal changes and algae outbreaks can lead to earthy or musty tastes and odors in water.
3. Road Salt: During winter, salt used on roads can find its way into water sources, affecting taste temporarily.

Other possible causes of taste and odor include:

• Internal Plumbing Problems: Issues within your home's plumbing system, such as drain odors or contaminants, can affect the taste and smell of your water. To check if the water itself is affected, fill a clean glass with water from the tap and move away from the sink. If the odor persists, please call our Call Center at 302-576-3878 or the Water Quality Lab at 302-571-4158.
• Unmaintained Water Treatment Devices: Home water treatment devices can introduce taste and odor issues into your water supply, if not properly maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Hot Water Heaters: Infrequent flushing of hot water heaters can lead to unpleasant tastes and odors, such as a rotten egg smell in hot water. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for regular maintenance to avoid these issues.
• Stagnant Water: Water that sits unused in pipes for an extended period may develop noticeable tastes and odors. Flushing your taps after returning home from a trip or after water has been stagnant for 24 hours can help alleviate this problem.
• Medications: Certain medications can heighten a person's sensitivity to taste and odors in water, causing them to perceive changes more acutely. Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect this may be affecting you.

At the City's Water Treatment Facilities, chlorine is added to the drinking water after it goes through the filtering process. Chlorine helps kill harmful microorganisms that can make people sick as water travels through the City's pipes. Some people are more sensitive to smells and might notice the chlorine odor in the water. However, it's important to know that the presence of chlorine is harmless and is essential for keeping the City's drinking water safe.

Seasonally, taste and odor of drinking water can occur due to increased algae in our water source. This can cause the water to have an earthy taste and smell.

The water remains safe to drink because our treatment plants remove the algae, and the City operates a significant water quality monitoring program to ensure Federal and State water quality standards are always met.  While our treatment process removes most compounds from the algae, some taste- and odor-causing metabolites may remain. These compounds are harmless but can still be detected by sensitive noses.

A rotten egg smell might occur if the drain is partially blocked. When water goes into a partially blocked drain, the odor from the blockage can escape through the drain. To check, fill a cup with the same water. If the smell isn't present in the cup, the issue is likely a drain blockage.

A rotten egg smell can also be caused by hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. While usually harmless at low levels in household water, it is unpleasant. Hot water tanks can produce hydrogen sulfide gas when they become rusty. If the rotten egg smell persists, replacing the hot water tank's anode rod might help. Always refer to the hot water tank's manual or consult a plumber before attempting any repairs.

Yes, the water is safe to drink. Our treatment plants ensure that the water meets Federal and State standards for safety.

Algae (Earthy Taste and Smell): The water is safe to drink because treatment plants effectively remove the algae, and ongoing monitoring ensures that Federal and State water quality standards are met. Any remaining taste- and odor-causing compounds are harmless.

Chlorine (Chemical Taste and Smell): Chlorine is added to disinfect the water and eliminate harmful microorganisms. Its levels are regulated by the Delaware Office of Drinking Water and the U.S. EPA, ensuring the water remains safe to drink.

Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell: Hydrogen sulfide, which can cause a rotten egg smell, is generally harmless at low levels in household water. The water remains safe to drink, though persistent odors may require inspection of the hot water tank.

We understand that these issues may be unpleasant, but rest assured, they are not a health concern. Below are suggestions to improve taste and odor issues:

Algae (Earthy Taste and Smell): To reduce the taste and odor, pour the water into a pitcher and refrigerate it overnight.

Chlorine (Chemical Taste and Smell): If you are very sensitive to chlorine, consider using a filter designed to remove chlorine. Boiling water for five minutes can also reduce chlorine levels, but it is advised to refrigerate the water afterward to prevent bacterial growth. Remember that Wilmington Water must chlorinate the drinking water to comply with State and Federal regulations.

Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell: If the smell is due to a blocked drain, clear the drain or contact a plumber for assistance.

LG Sonic is a water treatment technology that uses ultrasonic sound waves to control algae growth without the need for chemicals, helping improve water quality. This device disrupts algae cells, preventing their growth, which helps reduce taste and odor issues in the water.

Yes, it enhances monitoring with real-time water quality data, allowing for quick adjustments to maintain optimal water conditions. It also reduces operation and maintenance costs associated with chemical treatments and manual algae removal while promoting healthier ecosystems.

Yes, LG Sonic is an approved treatment method that is environmentally friendly and poses no risk to human health. It uses ultrasonic sound waves to manage algae growth without chemicals, ensuring it's non-disruptive to aquatic life. With no chemicals involved, there’s no concern for human exposure, and the water remains clean and drinkable after the treatment process. Additionally, real-time monitoring ensures that the water consistently meets safety and quality standards.

Wilmington Water is committed to providing you with high-quality drinking water. We also understand that concerns may arise at your tap, and we strive to address these quickly and efficiently. 

Please Contact Us to report an issue or ask questions. You will be asked a series of questions regarding your concern and then the appropriate Water Department personnel will be contacted to address your problem. If you would like your water to be sampled, one of our Water Quality Specialists will call you to schedule a time that is convenient for you.