BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Have you noticed a weird smell or taste in your water lately? The Erie County Water Authority is addressing the issue.
The authority has been fielding questions and concerns about this and says there's no threat to you.
"We haven't found anything, no toxins in the water," said Sabrina Figler, Director of Water Quality with ECWA. "This year seems to be out of the ordinary with the taste and odor issue."
She says this happens every year, but the dry, hot summer is making things worse all over Erie County. The change is caused by conditions and compounds being produced that can impact odor and taste, but it is natural, per ECWA.
"It was a moldy smell and a moldy taste to the water, and it surprised me because the water's always been fine here," said Sally Tanner from West Seneca. "If you take a quart of milk out of the refrigerator and it's long past its due, that's what it smells like."
The authority recommends chilling water, adding ice, or even adding a slice of lemon to offset the taste. Sally says using filtered water through her fridge helps.
WATCH: 'No threat': Erie County Water Authority addresses concerns about water taste and odor
How long will this last?
"Air temperatures go down, that's all gonna go away," said Figler. "Probably a couple more weeks."
She says they're going to do even more testing on the water since this year, the odor issue has been so bad.
People have noted having stomach issues. I asked Figler if this is tied to the water odor.
"No, no, these products do not impact human health or animal health," she replied.
