Cold snap complicates Marion water issues as residents report foul odor

Temperatures have dropped into the single digits, affecting water systems Aqua relies on daily.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Bitter cold temperatures across central Ohio are creating challenges for Aqua Ohio, as some Marion residents report foul-smelling tap water.

Temperatures have dropped into the single digits, affecting water systems Aqua relies on daily. Fire hydrants, often used to flush systems and clear odor issues, do not function the same way in extreme cold.

Several residents say the water coming from their faucets smells and tastes unusual.

“It smells foul, and usually tastes as foul as it smells,” said Vicki Arthur, a Marion resident.

Arthur said she left her faucets dripping over the weekend, but it was not enough to prevent frozen pipes. By Monday morning, her pipes were frozen solid. While she continues to use the water for showering and cleaning, she avoids drinking or cooking with it.

Down the street, neighbor Angela shared similar concerns, saying the water smells chemical-like.

“Chemicals, like getting out of a pool,” she said.

Although tap water and bottled water appear the same in color, residents say the smell is noticeably different. When compared side by side, the tap water had a strong chemical odor.

Aqua Ohio, Marion’s water supplier, says the water is safe to drink despite the complaints coming in from across the city.

“Yes, it is safe to drink,” Aqua Ohio spokesperson Jeffrey LaRue said. “It does have these organic compounds that people can detect, which most people describe as earthy.”

LaRue said operators at Aqua’s Marion Water Treatment Plant detected an organic odor in the water entering the plant over the weekend. While the compound is not considered a health threat, it can cause taste and odor issues.

In response, Aqua adjusted its treatment process.

“Operators changed the source water mix entering the plant,” LaRue said. “We started taking in more water from our wells to dilute that organic compound, and we enhanced the water treatment process.”

Under normal conditions, Aqua would flush fire hydrants to eliminate the odor more quickly. However, freezing temperatures make that unsafe.

“With these frigid temperatures, we just can’t do that because it would cause large ice patches on roads throughout the community,” LaRue said.

Aqua says customers may choose to boil water or drink bottled water if it provides peace of mind, but officials stress it is not necessary.

Some residents, however, remain unconvinced.

“Do you cook or eat with the water?” asked 10TV’s Bryn Caswell.

“No, never,” said Angela. 

Aqua says if temperatures rise in the coming days, crews may be able to flush some hydrants. Until then, the utility maintains the water is safe to drink and says the odor could dissipate within the next 24 to 48 hours.