Smell and taste are categorized together since those two senses are dependent upon the other for accurate characterization of an issue.  

The first step is to determine if the problem exists in the public water supply or in your plumbing.  If the water supply is the causing the odor, you will experience the odor at every water faucet and it will not fade as the water runs.  If it only occurs only in certain faucets, the problem is in the fixtures or pipes serving those specific faucets.  If the problem goes away after running the water for a few minutes, the problem is somewhere in your household plumbing system.  The best way to reduce chlorine taste and odor is to run the faucet for several minutes, put some water in a container, and then store it in the refrigerator.  You may also consider using or installing a certified water filter.

Chlorine, chemical or medicinal taste or odors: The City of Wenatchee chlorinates our water to prevent bacterial growth.  The typical level of free residual chlorine is around 0.25 parts per million (ppm).  Odors resulting from a chlorine addition usually go away if the water is exposed to air for a few minutes. In some cases, the added chlorine may interact with a build-up of organic materials in your plumbing system causing an odor to the water.  The odor should disappear after the water runs for a few minutes.  If the taste or odor seem unusually strong please contact the water utility.

Rotten eggs (Sulfurous), Decayed or Sewage-like odor: There are two common causes of a sulfurous, decayed or sewage like taste or odor to the water.

Bacterial growing in the drain: This is the most common cause of these types of odors.  Overtime, organic matter (such as hair, soap and food waste) can accumulate on the walls of the drain and bacterial can grow on these organic deposits.  The bacteria can produce a gas that smells like rotten eggs or sewage.  A good way to check if it is the water or the drain that has the odor is to partially fill a glass with water, step away from the sink and swirl the water in the glass.  If the problem is the drain, the tap water in the glass should not have an odor.  Disinfecting, cleaning and flushing the drain should eliminate the odor.

Bacterial growth in your hot water heater:  Bacteria growing in the water heater can also produce a rotten egg or sewage smell.  Frequently, this occurs if the hot water is unused, if the water heater is turned off for a significant period of time or if the thermostat on the heater is set too low.  Generally, the bacteria that produce the problem are not a health threat; however, the taste and odor can be very unpleasant.  A licensed plumber should be contacted to remedy this problem.

Musty, Moldy, Earthy, Grassy or Fishy Odor: By far the most common cause of this type of problem is decaying organic matter deposited in the drain over time.  Organic matter (such as hair, soap and food waste) can accumulate on the walls of the drain and bacterial can grow on these organic deposits.  The bacteria can produce a gas that smells.  A good way to check if it is the water or the drain that has the odor is to partially fill a glass with water, step away from the sink and swirl the water in the glass.  If the problem is the drain, the tap water in the glass should not have an odor.  Disinfecting, cleaning and flushing the drain should eliminate the odor.

The other cause of this type of odor or taste in the water is much less common and results from certain types of algae, fungi, and bacteria growing in or near the water source (usually lakes and rivers), especially during warm weather.  The City of Wenatchee does not draw water from lakes or rivers, the water source is exclusively well water.  Water systems maintain a small level of residual chlorine through out the water system, partially to prevent bacteria from growing in the supply lines.

Metallic Taste: A metallic taste in water is usually due to the presence or iron and/or copper, which can leach into water from pipes.  Less common metals, such as zinc and manganese, could also causes of a metallic taste.  The presence of these metals can be confirmed by having the water analyzed by a certified lab.

Salty Taste: High levels of naturally occurring sodium, magnesium, or potassium may cause a salty taste.  In costal areas it can be an indication of seawater seeping into the fresh water supply.

Petroleum, Gasoline, Turpentine, Fuel or Solvent Odors:  These odors are rare, but potentially serious.  Do not use the water and contact the water utility at (509) 888-3235 immediately.