Viennese water with a strange smell: what is behind it?

Viennese water with a strange smell: what is behind it?

At the beginning of December 2024, many Viennese citizens complain that their drinking water smells strangely. On Reddit, users from different parts of the city ask whether others also noticed this. A resident from the 6th district states: "For a few days now my water has smelled strange metallic." The assessments range from a burned or metallic smell to an intense fragrance of chlorine and sulfur, as another user from the 15th district describes. According to Today.

chlorine is used as a disinfectant in water treatment to eliminate bacterial pathogens. The concentration of chlorine in drinking water is legally limited to 0.3 milligrams per liter, such as FOCUS . In some cases, for example after repairs to water pipes or heavy rain, the amount of chlorine can increase at short notice, but consumers are informed about it. For the width mass, drinking slightly chlorinated water is harmless, even if the smell can be uncomfortable. However, sensitive people as well as pregnant women and babies should be more careful and, if necessary, consider solutions such as waiting for the evaporation of the chlorine or the boiling of the water.

health aspects and recommendations

The smells that currently occur in Vienna are therefore not harmful to health, but there are ways to reduce the chlorine smell in the water. Boiling, adding lemon juice or using water filters could help neutralize the unpleasant taste. It remains to be hoped that those responsible will quickly offer an explanation and keep consumers up to date on the quality of their drinking water.