PSA: 8/14/2026 2:00 p.m.: Understanding the Temporary Odor in City Water & What the City Is Doing
- asalas843
- 1 day ago
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The City of Las Vegas is addressing recent reports from residents regarding a fishy, earthy, or otherwise unusual odor or taste in the City’s drinking water.
We understand that changes in the smell or taste of drinking water can be concerning. The City wants residents to know that these conditions can occur naturally during periods of extreme heat, drought, low source-water flows, and changing water temperatures. The Utilities Department is actively monitoring the water system and adjusting operations as necessary to maintain water quality.
Why Does the Water Smell Different?
During this period of record-breaking heat, rising water temperatures can affect the stability and decay rate of chlorine residuals throughout the water distribution system.
Chlorine is an essential disinfectant used to maintain safe drinking water as it travels from the treatment plant through the distribution system. As water temperatures increase, chemical reactions can occur more rapidly, which can increase the rate at which free chlorine residual decreases.
It is important to understand that an unusual taste or odor does not necessarily indicate that the water is unsafe to drink. The City continues to monitor water quality throughout the system, and routine compliance sampling is being conducted in accordance with New Mexico Drinking Water Bureau requirements. Current compliance monitoring remains within applicable requirements.
The City of Las Vegas Utilities Department is continuously working to maintain appropriate chlorine residuals throughout the distribution system while responding to the challenges created by extreme heat and drought conditions.
Why Is the City Flushing Water During a Drought?
Residents may also notice increased or targeted water flushing activities throughout the distribution system.
We recognize that flushing water during a drought may seem contradictory. However, controlled flushing is an important water-system management practice, particularly during periods of extreme heat, drought, and reduced water demand.
When water remains in portions of the distribution system for extended periods, it can become stagnant or "aged." As water age increases, disinfectant residuals such as chlorine can decline, and taste-and-odor concerns can become more noticeable.
Low-flow areas, dead-end water lines, and portions of the system with reduced circulation are particularly susceptible to these conditions.
The purpose of controlled flushing is to:
Move water through the distribution system;
Maintain circulation;
Reduce excessive water age;
Help maintain appropriate disinfectant residuals;
Improve overall water-quality conditions; and
Maintain the integrity and reliability of the distribution system.
Why Is System Flushing Especially Important Right Now?
Our community is experiencing significant drought conditions along with extreme heat. Low source-water flows require the City to carefully manage every available water source while continuing to protect water quality for our residents.
The City’s Water Treatment and Water Distribution divisions are balancing two critical responsibilities:
Conserve our limited water resources; and
Protect and maintain the water system and water quality.
For this reason, flushing is being conducted strategically and only where necessary to address specific areas of the distribution system and help maintain appropriate water-quality conditions.
What Can Residents Expect & Do?
The temporary taste or odor may come and go as water temperatures change. Residents may notice the odor more strongly at certain times or in certain areas of the community. These variations can occur because water travels through different portions of the distribution system and may have different water ages and flow conditions.
Residents can also help by allowing cold tap water to run briefly after water has been sitting in household plumbing, particularly first thing in the morning or after an extended period of no water use.
If you experience a persistent or unusually strong odor, discoloration, or another water-quality concern, please contact the City of Las Vegas Utilities Department at (505) 454-3832 so that staff can investigate the specific location and determine whether additional action is necessary.
Our Commitment to You
The City of Las Vegas understands that water is one of our community’s most important resources. During this period of drought and extreme heat, the Utilities Department is continuously monitoring the water system and adjusting operations to protect both water quality and our limited water supplies.
We appreciate our residents’ patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work through these challenging conditions. The City is conserving water, monitoring water quality, maintaining appropriate disinfectant levels, and taking necessary steps to keep water moving through the distribution system. Thank you for helping us conserve our community’s water supply and protect this vital resource.
City of Las Vegas Utilities Department
Water Treatment & Water Distribution
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