Have you noticed a funny smell or taste in south London’s water? Here’s why it’s still safe to drink

A person holds a glass under a running water faucet in this generic image. (Source: Getty Images)

If you live in south London and have noticed your drinking water has an odd taste or scent to it, the city wants to reassure you it’s still safe to drink.

According to a news release from the City of London Wednesday, the city is advising residents in the south end that they might have recently noticed a change in taste or odour in their drinking water but say it’s still safe for consumption.

The “seasonal” changes are due to naturally occurring organic compounds in Lake Erie, and the temporary change is expected to last one week.

Residents can reduce the taste or odour with a cartridge water filter, or by placing a water pitcher in the fridge before drinking.

London’s drinking water comes from two of the five Great Lakes. Approximately 85 per cent comes from Lake Huron, while the remaining 15 per cent comes from Lake Erie.

More than 12,000 water quality tests are conducted each year.

The city says the Elgin Area Water Treatment Plant regularly collects samples to test the water quality and adjusts as needed.

Residents can learn more about the process of treating London’s drinking water on the City of London’s website.