Temperature changes may affect appearance of drinking water; no safety concerns for residents

Kawartha Lakes – With the fluctuations in temperature and warmer weather on its way, the Water and Wastewater Division would like to advise residents that although the water in municipal systems can become cloudy or greyish-coloured due to unseasonably warm temperatures during the day and colder temperatures at night, the water remains safe to drink.

Fluctuating temperatures can cause more air to be trapped in the water, creating tiny bubbles which result in a “cloudy” appearance to the water. This has no effect on the quality of the water.

Should you notice cloudiness in your water, please run your cold water tap for a few minutes or put water into a jug or container and place it in the fridge. Hot water that is cloudy can usually be resolved by lowering the setting on your hot water heater.

If you experience a chlorine smell:

Chlorine is added to the water to kill any harmful germs and to make it safe for drinking. Chlorine levels are kept well within the regulated limits and are monitored 24-hours a day. Chlorine smell in the water is often caused by the dissipation of the gas from the water, changes in water temperature, high demand for water or a change in operational demands. To reduce the smell or taste of chlorine, residents can keep a jug of water in the fridge as chlorine disperses over time.

Please reach out at any time if you have questions or concerns regarding your drinking water. For additional information on water quality and treatment in Kawartha Lakes please visit the Water Quality page on our website.

For Annual Drinking Water Reports please visit the Water, Wastewater and Sewer page and look for the Annual Reports (Drinking Water and Wastewater) tab.

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