Does your water suddenly taste like a pool? SLO County warns of upcoming chemical change
Water in parts of San Luis Obispo County may taste different for a bit.
According to a news release from the San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Works, South County residents in the Five Cities area may notice the change in taste due to a switch of disinfectant in the Lopez Project distribution system.
The change to free chlorine will be made from Nov. 13 through Dec. 2, which is more effective than the usual blended chlorine treatment as a disinfectant, according to the release.
Depending on the person, water consumers may have varying sensitivity to the taste or smell of chlorine in the water, according to the release.
Chlorination is the most commonly used method for drinking water, and is safe for most consumers without special precautions under state and federal standards, according to the release.
“While some may not notice any change, others might detect a taste or odor similar to that of a swimming pool,” the release read. “To reduce or remove free chlorine, you can boil the water, use a carbon filter, or let the water sit uncovered overnight to allow the chlorine to dissipate.”
