St. John’s recommends lemon to offset ‘pondy’ taste in water

HOLLY MCKENZIE-SUTTER THE CANADIAN PRESS

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.— The city of St. John’s, N.L., is advising residents to season their tap water with “lemon or other citrus fruits” to offset a funky, but harmless taste permeating the water supply.

Residents were informed in a statement Wednesday evening that the “earthy” or “musty” odour in the water is not toxic or harmful, and often occurs during the summer months.

The city said the aroma is a result of naturally occurring organic substances in the water supply, and that it can become more potent when the water is boiled.

St. John’s resident Kent Barrett said Thursday he has noticed a flavour change, but hasn’t really been bothered by similar tastes over the years.

“As long as I can remember, certain times of year the water in town can taste a little ‘pondy,’ ” Barrett said. “It doesn’t last and I’ve never noticed any ill effect.”

Sarah Crocker, an environmental tech- nician for Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program, researches the health of the province’s watersheds, including those that supply water to St. John’s.

Crocker said the odour comes from geosmin, an organic compound produced by algae and bacteria as the weather warms up. That makes the phenomenon a somewhat regular occurrence during warm summer months.

Humans are particularly sensitive to the smell, she said, and trace amounts as small as five parts per trillion are detectable by people drinking the water.

But, Crocker said it’s perfectly safe to drink and is found in things such as beets. “It’s that smell in the soil after a rain. We’re just very sensitive to the smell of this particular bacteria.”

Crocker said the city’s advice about adding lemon slices to the water holds up scientifically. Increasing acidity in the water will decrease the presence of geosmin, so the acidity of a lemon would dilute the strong scent, she said.