Beginning in late October, the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) will temporarily turn off its ozone system at the North Side Linnwood Water Treatment Plant so infrastructure improvements can be installed at the plant.

As a result, some customers who use tap water originating from the Linnwood Plant may notice a subtle difference in the taste or smell of their water. However, the tap water from the Linnwood Treatment Plant is safe to drink and use during the project.

The rest of the water treatment system at the Linnwood plant will be fully operational, including chlorine disinfection, which provides effective disinfectant to meet all water quality standards and regulations.

"The City of Milwaukee Health Department works closely with Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) to assure safe drinking water for area residents, including reviewing treatment plant operations and water samples during these types of plant improvements," said Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker.

"Milwaukee continues to have consistently high standards for drinking water, and has some of the safest drinking water in the nation – working together, we will keep it that way."

MWW is installing valves upstream of the ozone process to facilitate different water flow paths through the treatment process. This will increase the flexibility in operating the plant and will add a layer of redundancy, to the benefit of all customers.

Ozone must be turned off so workers can install these valves. Ozone treatment at the Linnwood Water Treatment Plant is expected to resume within 12 weeks.

For more information, visit milwaukee.gov/water or call the MWW at (414) 286-2830.