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Moorhead drinking water safe despite taste, odor complaints from residents

Valley News Live · last updated

MOORHEAD, Minn. (Valley News Live) — Moorhead Public Service (MPS) is responding to customer complaints about taste and odor changes in drinking water caused by rapid snowmelt flowing into the Red River.

According to MPS, recent warm weather melted much of the area’s snowpack, sending runoff into the Red River that carries organic matter, debris, and naturally occurring compounds that affect water taste and smell.

MPS began blending well water with Red River water and adjusting its ozone disinfection system before customers started reporting issues Saturday, February 14, 2026.

“Staff has confirmed that the drinking water remains safe for customer use and continues to meet and exceed all State and Federal safety standards,” MPS said in a statement Tuesday.

The utility further adjusted its ozone disinfection system after receiving customer questions to improve the water’s aesthetic quality. Water treatment plant staff say they’re continuing to work to resolve the taste and odor concerns.

MPS said the aesthetic issues do not pose health or safety concerns for customers.

Copyright 2026 KVLY. All rights reserved.

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