LAKE RATHBUN, IOWA -- Over the past few months, customers of the Rural Rathbun Water Association have been contacting KTVO saying that their drinking water smells and tastes bad.
KTVO contacted Ron Eggernan, the plant manager of the RRWA; he informed KTVO that at this time, the water is much better at the plant than it has been in the past few weeks.
First and foremost, residents should know that the water has always been safe to consume.
"I am not saying that the odors are completely gone, because unfortunately, consumers that are further away from the plant are going to have to persist with this for a little while longer," said Eggernan.
Eggernan say the problem is because of a natural process taking place within the lake.
"They are caused by two compounds as a result of dying and decomposing vegetation in Rathbun Lake," said Eggernan.
The water may smell, but it is safe to consume.
"Even though the odors are their, and they have been rather intense at times, the water is still safe to drink. In regards to bacteria and al the other parameters that we would be responsible for due to the safe drinking water act," said Eggernan.
This by far, since 1977, is the worst they have seen these types of conditions, and it is all because of the weather.
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