Consumer Tips
Appearance
Brown or Red Water
If your cold tap water appears brown or red it is probably mineral deposits (tuberculation) in your water caused by:- Water main break
- Water or sewer workers flushing fire hydrants
- Vibrations caused by construction
- Children playing with fire hydrants
Cloudy Water
If your water appears cloudy in winter or early spring it is most likely trapped air. Cold water has a much greater capacity to hold gas than warm water, and if this tendency is combined with a faucet aerator, your water may appear cloudy due to air bubbles. If the water is allowed to sit for a short while, the bubbles will eventually rise to the surface and dissipate.To report these problems, call the Water Division at (505) 863-1207. Once the reason has been identified and the disruption of the water main has ceased, run your cold water tap until it clears.
Taste & Odor
Chlorine Taste
After chlorination there remains a minute amount of chlorine in tap water known as residual chlorine. This residual is necessary to maintain a disinfected water supply. Many consumers dislike the inherent taste. The following are some ways to eliminate or improve this taste:- Expose water, in a clear uncapped bottle, to sunlight for one hour, and the smell of chlorine will be removed.
- Cool water to less than 60°F in the summer. Cool water definitely tastes better. If the smell of chlorine is removed before cooling, the taste will be much better.
- Leave water in a kettle overnight. The smell of chlorine will be removed.
- Boil water for 5 minutes in a kettle with the lid off, cool to room temperature, then place in a refrigerator with the lid on, but not air tight, until cool.
- A well-maintained point-of-use charcoal filter will eliminate the smell of chlorine.