For much of late last week, a number of Cadiz residents took to social media expressing serious concerns, questions and dismay about the town’s drinking water quality.
Among the top notes: different tastes and different smells. Not all good. And several unpleasant experiences.
However, on-call officials have been investigating and monitoring the before, during, and after this alleged occurrence, and took Monday morning to assure the public of one thing:
The water was safe before, during and after these possible issues, and it’s safer than it’s ever been.
All recent calls and notes have been recorded and logged regarding the water’s aesthetics, but it is chemically sound and safe for consumption.
Perry Alexander, of the Cadiz Water Treatment Plant, confirmed it.
Public Works Director Craig Oakley also confirmed it, noting the water passes every current test “with flying colors,” and that there have been zero violations — especially with the water’s source, Little River.
Though a “river water” taste is always possible, Oakley said they started getting calls last Wednesday and Thursday, and have been responding to at least one a day since.
So what has changed for Cadiz over the last six weeks, if anything?
Oakley said officials are currently in the process of flushing hydrants and water tanks in the community — a process that is only legally required once a year, but something Cadiz opts to do twice a year (once in the spring, once in the fall) in order to keep even fresher water quality.
Furthermore, according to the monthly report for October, Little River’s water temperature dipped from 22 degrees Celsius to 17 degrees Celsius — a sharp, but expected, decline in weather.
Coupled with less than five inches of fresh rainfall, both Alexander and Oakley said it’s possible this would bring about a more earthy, musty taste.
Also worth noting in October: alkalinity and hardness tests both came back, on average, below 185 parts per million — and Alexander urged there was once a time in Cadiz where such readings weren’t even possible.
Alexander said, to him, the water has no taste, and that as a consumer, one can only judge this based on preference. He did mention that lemon juice, and/or ice, could change the water’s flavor more favorably.
As of Monday morning, Oakley and Alexander said no residents had reported “dirty,” or “cloudy,” water in Cadiz, and that most recollections have been “clear-as-a-bell” H2O.
Testing, Alexander further assured, happens consistently and at certain intervals.
There are other tips for consumers, they said, that could help with consumption:
— A light bleaching of sinks, drain traps and garbage disposals, with boiling water, can impact taste in a positive way.
— New, or old, plumbing can have varying effects on flavor.
— BRITA and other water filters will only further distill the water’s taste.
— And if all else fails, boiling water for at least three minutes could bring one at ease.
Any and all inquiries should be directed by phone: (270) 522-8244.
