Why does the water taste and smell different?

The City of Red Deer uses a surface water supply (Red Deer River), as a source of drinking water for its residents. All surface water supplies such as Red Deer’s are susceptible to high turbidity and high organic loading during the annual spring snowmelt and runoff. These conditions can give the raw water a disagreeable odor and taste.

The treatment process removes most of these tastes and odors; however, enough may remain after treatment to be noticeable to the consumer. The treated water at the tap is still safe to drink.