Every fall, the lakes that feed a lot of our tap water do a slow somersault. Here’s what’s going on.
All summer, a lake sits in layers. Warm water floats on top. Cold water sinks to the bottom. The two barely mix.
Then the nights turn cold. That top layer chills, gets heavier, and sinks. The bottom water rises to take its place. The whole lake stirs itself top to bottom. Water pros call it turnover.
Why should you care at your kitchen sink? That big stir drags up whatever settled down deep all summer — minerals, bits of algae, gases. For a week or two, city water can pick up an earthy or musty taste and smell. It usually clears on its own once the lake settles into winter mode.
Your move: if your tap tastes off this month, run the cold water for a minute and try again. Fill a pitcher and let it sit in the fridge overnight — the taste often fades by morning. If it lingers past two weeks, call your water provider and ask what’s changed.
Nature flips the lake. Your water just tells the story. iSee, iPour, iDrink.
Inspired by the Water Quality Association‘s Friday Fact
Leave a Reply