Where does Smithville get its water?
Smithville treats water from Smithville Lake. 

How is lake water treated before it is delivered to the customer?
Water is pumped from Smithville Lake into the drinking water treatment plant. Upon entering the plant, a coagulant and a disinfectant are added to remove algae, dirt and other organics from the water. A small amount of fluoride is also added to help prevent tooth decay. The water then goes through a process of settling in three different treatment basins before it is filtered. Smithville uses sand and anthracite filters to filter the water before it is pumped to holding towers at the water treatment facilities. As it enters these holding towers a small amount of chlorine is added for disinfection. The treated water is then pumped to three towers at different locations throughout the city.  

Is Smithville`s water considered hard?
Smithville is not considered to have hard water. Since Smithville gets their water from the lake, there are very low concentrations of iron and other minerals that contribute to hard water. Most hard water comes from wells or ground water with high concentrations of these minerals. Smithville`s water hardness averages between 95-110 parts per million. This is equivalent to 5.5-6.4 grains per gallon.  

If Smithville`s water is not hard, why would I purchase a water softener?
If you prefer water that requires less soap for showering or less detergent for laundry, then a water softener may be a good solution for you. 

What is the average alkalinity of Smithville`s water?
Alkalinity averages between 88-105 parts per million.  

What is the PH of Smithville`s water?
PH averages between 7.8-8.3. 

How do I know my water is safe to drink?
Every public water supply in Missouri is regulated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. There are strict limits and regulations on minerals, chlorine and other disinfectants, disinfection by-products, nitrates, lead and copper and other chemicals for every supplier of public water.  

How do I know my water is meeting and adhering to these regulations?
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources requires the water supplier to inform the public immediately if a regulation that is considered to be a danger to public health is not being met. A Consumer Confidence Report is also provided every July to inform the customer of Smithville`s water quality. 

How do I reach the Missouri Department of Natural Resources if I have questions about the public`s water supply?
You can reach the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Kansas City regional office at (816) 622-7000 or visit their website at http://www.dnr.mo.gov/. 

Why does my water appear milky or cloudy?
The most common cause of cloudy water is air in the water main or the customer`s service line. Air may get in the water line because of a water break of water line repair. Cold water in winter months contains dissolved oxygen that will appear as air bubbles in the water as it warms up. To test this, fill a clear glass with water and allow it to sit out until it reaches room temperature. You should notice air bubbles along the side of the glass as the water warms. 

I sometimes notice a white, flaky scale in my water heater, my appliances or in a humidifier, what is this?
Smithville`s water does contain some calcium that can precipitate out and cause scaling or clogging of lines in appliances. Yearly flushing maintenance of your water heater is recommended to prevent build-up. Use white vinegar or a specialized product for scale removing in appliances. Scale build-up on plumbing fixtures can be removed with any lime-removing product. 

My water is discolored, what can I do about this?
Discolored water usually occurs when there has been a water break, a water main repair or addition of water mains into the distribution system. Water mains are always flushed after work is completed but some discolored water can enter into the customer`s service line. Flush all cold-water faucets in the house until the water runs clear. Avoid using any hot water during this process so you do not draw discolored water into your hot water heater. 

My water has a reddish tint that reoccurs but clears up after the water runs for a while, what causes this?
Water that has a reddish tint often indicates rust problems in the home`s plumbing. Contact a local plumber to determine if the plumbing is becoming corroded. Corroded plumbing in a home will eventually lead to a water leak at a weak spot in the pipe. 

My water has a cat urine smell to it, what causes this?
The water department utilizes a strong oxidant called chlorine dioxide to disinfect the water. Chlorine dioxide is a gas that can interact with other chemicals in the home to give off a cat urine type smell. This usually occurs in homes that have been newly built or have been recently remodeled. New paint and new carpeting will also react with chlorine dioxide.

Why does my water have a musty, earthy taste or smell?
Several types of blue-green algae are prevalent in Smithville Lake. As these algae bloom or decay they release chemical compounds that cause musty, earthy tastes and odors. These chemical compounds are called Geosmin and Methylisoborneol (MIB).

These compounds have no adverse health effects but do cause taste and odor complaints.  

I have black particles in my water, what are they?
Black particles can come from several different sources: the inside of steel pipe, a broken water filter, a degrading washer or gasket in a plumbing fixture or a disintegrating, black rubber, flexible supply line hose. 

I have white or tan particles in my water, what are they?
White or tan particles can come from several different sources: the inside of your plastic plumbing, your water heater or a water softener. 

My water has a metallic taste, why is this?
Smithville`s water does contain manganese at levels that can sometimes cause an objectionable metallic taste in the drinking water. Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral in the water that has no adverse health effects. 

What is the pink stuff in my pet`s water dish, in my toilet or in my shower?
The pink film that sometimes grows in these areas is serratia marcescens bacteria. These bacteria are naturally occurring in animal and human feces, dust, soil and can be carried in the air. They will grow in an environment that is moist and in areas that have soap and food residue. These bacteria cannot grow in chlorinated water. Homes that use carbon filters will often notice a greater problem with this bacteria due to the chlorine being stripped from the water.