Iowa American Water

Please read the information and article regarding the water quality update from Iowa American Water for LeClaire Water.  The following statement is also the latest update given to us from Iowa American Water (December, 2022):

"Over the past week or so, some customers in the Iowa Quad Cities District were noticing a musty taste and odor in their water. Iowa American Water is aware of this temporary issue with the water and is adjusting its treatment process to alleviate the issue. This is not a health concern. The water continues to meet all water quality standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is safe for consumption and all other uses. It is important to note that some customers may have a greater sensitivity to water taste and odors, just as some people have reactions to some perfumes, for example.

Changes in Mississippi River water conditions occur daily, and Iowa American Water’s water quality team must continuously monitor, test, and make appropriate adjustments to its treatment processes. Recently, Iowa American Water experienced an elevation in organics in the Mississippi River. Organics are routinely removed through the disinfection process, however, in the spring and fall, higher levels can result, and when these are combined with chlorine in the disinfection process, it can result in the development of various taste and odors, like a stronger chlorine or musty smell or taste like that currently being experienced by some customers. There actually is NOT more chlorine in the water, but rather the chlorine smell and taste is a byproduct of disinfecting the water.

Our water quality team consistently monitors the water throughout the treatment process and into the distribution system and is making adjustments to minimize the taste and odor concerns that some customers are experiencing. The levels of agricultural chemicals we find in the Mississippi River are usually considerably less that is found in smaller rivers and streams due to the huge dilution factor of the Mississippi River. In addition, since 1973, Iowa American Water has used granular activated carbon filtration in its treatment process, which is one of the technologies recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the removal of agricultural chemicals and resulting taste and odors.

Iowa American Water crews also are continuing to perform water main flushing throughout portions of the Iowa Quad Cities distribution system to flush water though its pipes to resolve the taste and odor issue as quickly as possible. While no interruptions in water service will occur because of the work, Iowa American Water advises that when crews are flushing nearby, customers may experience a drop in water pressure or some discoloration of their water. Iowa American Water recommends that any customers experiencing discolored water let their cold water run to clear before using it again and refrain from doing laundry during that time. Any water discoloration or low-pressure problems should last only a short period of time. If problems persist, notify Iowa American Water’s customer service center toll free 24-hours-a-day at 1-866-641-2108.

We will continue to work diligently on the issue making treatment adjustments as necessary and flushing our Quad Cities distribution system. We also want to stress that while the taste/odor has been unpleasant for some of our customers, the water continues to meet all federal and state water quality regulations and is safe for consumption. We thank our customers for their patience and understanding and apologize for the inconvenience being experienced."