Frequently Asked Questions
To serve you better, we've assembled a list of our customers' most frequently asked questions. If you don't find your answer here, feel free to contact us.
Why does my water have a strong chlorine taste and smell?
RRWA changes from chloramines to free chlorine as our disinfectant one time each year. This change to free chlorine helps maintain the sanitary condition of our distribution system. RRWA usually makes this change to free chlorine in the spring of each year and it lasts for approximately two weeks. Your water may have a stronger chlorine taste and smell during this time, but it is safe to drink. RRWA notifies our customers about this annual change so that those who may be affected by free chlorine in their drinking water can take any necessary steps.
My water has an earthy and musty taste and odor, is it safe to drink?
Earthy and musty tastes and odors in RRWA's water are most likely caused by naturally occurring chemical compounds that can be found in Rathbun Lake. The common source of these compounds is cyanobactera (blue-green algae). These tastes and odors usually occur in late summer and early fall. Even though RRWA's water treatment removes most of these compounds, some individuals are sensitive to the tastes and odors caused by very small amounts. Yes, RRWA's water is safe to drink. The tastes and odors caused by these compounds in your drinking water will not have any direct health impacts.
Why do you put fluoride in my water?
RRWA adds fluoride to your drinking water to help prevent tooth decay. This is especially beneficial for young children. Children who drink fluoridated water will have stronger, more decay resistant teeth over their lifetime. The use of fluoride in drinking water for the prevention and control of tooth decay is both safe and effective. RRWA maintains the concentration of fluoride in your drinking water at 0.7 parts per million as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
How do you test my drinking water to make sure it is safe?
RRWA monitors the quality of your drinking water at all steps in the treatment process. A number of the water quality parameters such as turbidity and chlorine are monitored continuously. RRWA also performs dozens of laboratory tests each day to monitor the quality of water produced in our treatment plants. In addition, RRWA routinely conducts tests throughout the distribution system in order to be certain that the drinking water delivered to our customers is always safe and of the highest quality.