Drinking Water Taste and Odour

Please be advised that residents may be noticing changes in the taste and or odour of their drinking water. We want to assure you that the water is safe to drink.

This is a natural seasonal occurrence common to water supplies that use lake or surface water as a source. The taste and small changes are associated with seasonal biological byproducts of algae breakdown called Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol which can be detected at very low level concentrations (parts per billion) by smell or taste.

During these natural seasonal fluctuations, the tap water that is supplied to residents of Kenora and Wauzhushk Onigum Nation remains safe to drink, meeting or exceeding Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards.

Operations staff are monitoring the situation continuously and making operational adjustments to minimize the sensation to the extent possible.  

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Bill Mundy, Manager, Water and Wastewater Treatment, at 807-467-2004 or bmundy@kenora.ca.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We’re committed to keeping your drinking water safe, reliable and of the highest quality.