The city of Burnsville, MN got so many complaints about the foul odor and taste in their drinking water that they brought in an outside water consultant to figure out what’s causing the problem.
One resident described the city’s tap was as “Chlorinated, dirty, smelly, scummy pond water”.
Independent testing confirmed chlorine levels at .7ppm (parts per million) which is about the same as a swimming pool. Most communities in the Twin Cities have chlorine levels that range from .3ppm – .5ppm.
The water problems seem to come from a new city water treatment plant that re-uses waste water from a Burnsville mining company. Officials say the cause of the foul odor is from build-up of algae and organic compounds.
Officials say as bad as the water might smell, it doesn’t pose any health risks. The city is working on the problem, but unfortunately, it can’t happen overnight.
“It’s perfectly safe to drink. There’s no concerns with that. You might not like the smell or the taste at this time, but it is getting better,” said Burnsville City Council Member Dan Gustafson.
Burnsville, like many suburbs in the Twin Cities, does a good job at keeping their tap water “safe”, but not necessarily “delicious”. More and more homeowners and businesses are dissatisfied with tap water because of this.
The water filtration and purification systems we carry are both environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solutions to these tap water dilemmas. Our clients get water that is safe AND great tasting: You should too!!!
We moved into Burnsville in October of 2013. We live on Eagle Ridge Dr, across from Heart of the City Cub Store. I have never liked the bad smell or taste of our tap water, and I am beginning to suspect it has caused a rather severe case of skin reactions which I did not have before moving into this apartment building.
In researching water quality reports; I can find none more recent than 2012; this is on the city website regarding this topic. In further reading, I saw where city officials assured the public, some years back (lacking more recent reporting), that the water was, indeed, safe for consumption. (This was after city acknowledgement of unpleasant smell and taste). Any input would be geatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
As far as we know all contaminants have been under the EPA legal limits.
A lot of people have found removing chlorine/chloramines can improve skin. Not a miracle cure, just taking away a source of irritation.
Always best to consult a dermatologist, as we are a water treatment company, and not doctors.
Shoot us an email if you’d like a quote on a filter to remove chlorine, etc. We can test the water and help determine the best model for you needs.
Thanks,
Lars