News Detail

The Racine Water Utility is aware that some customers have noticed a change in taste and odor in their drinking water.

The good news is that your water remains safe to drink, cook with, and bathe in. The taste and odor may be unpleasant, but they do not pose a health risk, and the water continues to meet all state and federal drinking water standards.

What We’re Doing

Following last year’s seasonal taste and odor event, the City budgeted funds for additional treatment to better address these naturally occurring conditions. Racine Water Utility is actively monitoring lake conditions and testing water throughout the summer. We are also:

• Increasing hydrant flushing in areas where concerns have been reported to bring fresher water into the system.
• Working with engineering experts and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on final approval to implement activated carbon treatment, an investment the City made specifically to reduce seasonal taste and odor.
• Adjusting treatment operations as conditions change.

What You Can Do

• Refrigerate tap water before drinking.
• Let the cold water run briefly before filling a glass.

We understand that you expect your drinking water to not only be safe, but also taste and smell good. We appreciate your patience as we continue taking steps to minimize these seasonal taste and odor issues and will keep customers informed as conditions change.

Want to learn more? Download an FAQ document here.