We read a great article in Chemical & Engineering News examining the science behind ensuring drinking water is free of weird tastes and funky smells.

If water smells or tastes “off”, that doesn't necessarily mean there is something wrong with it, but that can be hard to explain to some. This is where taste and odor analysts, scientists and profilers come in. They work hard to help water utilities get their water tasting and smelling ideal, and they go through a lot training to be able to do that. We have the pleasure of using taste test experts to judge tap water entries at our "Best of the Best" Taste Test at our annual conference each year.

If you notice your water looks, tastes or smells weird, contact your local water utility. It could be nothing, or it could be a sign of an issue. Contact your water utility to find out.

Most people do not think about the actual science that goes into making sure that when you turn on your faucet at home or a drinking fountain in public, the water that flows out tastes and smells just right. We thank the scientists, analysts, engineers and operators working hard behind the scenes to make our water safe.