Low-flow river conditions cause tastes/odors in finished drinking water

Below normal rainfall in the Bluegrass and in southeast Kentucky has resulted in low flow conditions in the Kentucky River. The lower flows, along with the warmer air temperatures, create the perfect storm of conditions that lead to taste and odor compounds that can be described as musty, earthy or dirty.

Customers may notice the odor in warm water when bathing or showering and the taste when heating water for coffee or tea. Flushing cold water taps in the morning or when returning home in the afternoon will help move fresher water into residential plumbing.

FPB’s water treatment plant is closely monitoring the river conditions and optimizing treatment to resolve the situation. River conditions will improve once the river watershed experiences sufficient rainfall to increase flow.

FPB assures its customers that the water meets water quality standards and is safe to drink.