Alerts
July 11, 2025
NOAA has predicted an extensive hypoxia event in the western basin of Lake Erie for July 11, 2025. This is due to the rapid increase in water temperature due to the recent heat event our area experienced. The water temperature of Lake Erie has risen from 26C (79F) to 30C (86F) in some areas. This increased water temperature is causing some localized hypoxic events. These events can create some taste and odor issues for our area.
Residents of the Ruthven Water Treatment Plant should note that operators are working to mitigate the taste and odor issues by adjusting the treatment process. These adjustments do take time to work their way through the system, approximately 24-48 hours. The water remains safe to drink, and all testing is within standards. We will continue to monitor these issues and adjust operations as need be.
We are hopeful that winds over the weekend will stir Lake Erie mixing the water to alleviate some of the current hypoxia issues. Updates will be posted as they become available. For further information please visit our Hypoxia Forecast Page.
Drinking Water Taste and Odour Issues - Geosmin
Drinking Water Taste and Odour Issues - Geosmin - July 22, 2025
To the residents of the Union Water Supply System, over the past two (2) weeks there have been several taste and odour complaints, some being heard through the local municipalities and others on various social media platforms. Rest assured that your water is safe to drink.
Since the end of June 2025, the lake temperatures have gone from a nice cool 21C (70F) to 27 C (82F) plus, or higher in some areas. With this sudden change comes changes to the smells and the taste that is naturally produced within the Lake Erie waters.
The earthy or musty taste in the water is caused by a naturally occurring compound called Geosmin. Humans can distinguish Geosmin in extremely small quantities: from 0.01 ng/L or 10 parts per trillion, but some people who are very sensitive to this issue can distinguish it as low as 0.05 ng/L or 5 parts per trillion. This is the same compound that makes the air smell musty after a rainstorm.
It should be noted that Geosmin does not pose a public health risk. Our water remains safe to drink and continues to meet all guidelines set by provincial and federal health standards.
Please know that our operators at the Ruthven Treatment Plant have been working diligently to combat this issue. They have made some process adjustments and hopefully, you have noticed less taste and odour issues with the drinking water..
One way to lessen the musty taste of water at home, is to keep a jug of tap water in the refrigerator to remain cold. Drinking water taste and odour issues will decrease when the seasons change and the water goes back down to a colder temperature.
Contact Us
Union Water Supply System
1615 Union Ave., Box 340
Ruthven, Ontario
N0P 2G0
Phone: 519-326-1668
Between 8:30 to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
365 days a year to answer any questions,
Call: 519-326-4447