What is up with Topeka’s water? City officials explain

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) — Many Topekans have expressed concerns over their water this week, as some have discovered different tasting or smelling water.

13 NEWS spoke with the City of Topeka Utilities Department about what’s behind the changes.

“There is no danger to the public if you drink the water right now, ” Dean Grant, Deputy Director Over Operations, said.

“Any time that we have an event like this, it tends to last about three to four days, until the river settles down and allows the organics to start settling back out again.”

Grant says what people are noticing is natural after heavy storms, and will be back to normal soon. In the meantime, there is no risk.

“We’ve had several rain events that have had the water up in the river. those higher flows are stirring up sediment and organics in the water.”

“Typically tastes and odors of this nature are caused by MIB and geosmin. MIB and geosmin are by-products of algae dying off. They’re not harmful, they just cause an earthy, musty smell and taste to the water.”

“There are things that stay behind. Nothing harmful. MIB and geosmin are by-products of algae dying off. They’re not harmful, they just cause an earthy, musty smell and taste to the water.”

Grant expressed complete confidence that the city’s treatment facilities are taking care of all contaminants that would pose any risk.“I’m not worried about any bacteria. that’s the whole point of the tests that we take every month.”“In our treatment process, we utilize chlorine to kill off bacteria. i am very confident that any bacteria that comes through this plant is treated to the point that we meet all of the standards set forth by KDHE and the EPA.”