The impacts of drought continue to be far-reaching in Colorado, and in a recent update from Cañon City, the dry conditions are described as a key factor in local residents’ concern over water quality.

According to the Cañon City government, their water department has received numerous complaints as of late related to the taste and odor of local drinking water. Officials say that the taste has been impacted by naturally occurring compounds geosmin and methy-isoborneol, which are associated with algae in water that tends to appear in mid-to-late summer. Low flow of the Arkansas River along with the resulting increased water temperature has meant more algae, though the city says the drinking water is still safe to consume.

Further impacting the water has been how drought-related concerns have resulted in water conservation efforts. With less hydrant flushing and lower residential usage, water sits in the water system for longer, which can further impact taste and cause odors.

That said, the water is being regularly tested and meets the state’s safety standards. According to officials, both geosmin and methy-isoborneol have not been shown to result in adverse health effects in a situation of this nature, despite making the water drinking experience unpleasant.

The city of Cañon City is working to address concerns about taste and odor by adding additional chlorine dioxide treatments into the supply, though this process is done over time instead of all at once. Additionally, they’re working to lower tank levels and fill them more often so that water is fresher.

In the meantime, residents have been advised to utilize water filters with activated carbon to help manage taste and odor issues. Additionally, reporting issues to the water department is still encouraged, as this can mean additional testing to verify safe drinking water and to help identify localized issues.

“The Cañon City Water Department takes great pride in our long history of delivering safe and clean drinking water to our customers,” reads a press release on the matter. “We have been working on this issue and will continue to work on addressing this issue until it is resolved.”

Additional information related to tests that have been conducted can be found here.

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