Ogden City provides safe and clean drinking water for residents. Ogden’s water system is continually monitored to ensure State and Federal regulations are met or exceeded and by keeping businesses and citizens in compliance with water usage regulations.

Consumer Confidence Report

Each year the Public Utilities division prepares a Consumer Confidence Report that shares the results of water testing conducted in the area throughout the year. The report also includes current and pressing water-related issues as well as everyday tips and suggestions for residents that will help keep our water system clean. The report is mailed to residents in June, and can be downloaded here at any time.

Water Contamination

One of the efforts toward a clean water supply is something residents can help with directly. The city’s entire water supply can easily become contaminated from backflow or backsiphonage. This happens when non-drinkable water is pulled back into the pipes due to a change in water pressure in the system. For example, a garden hose left submerged in a pool or fish pond may pull the non-drinkable water back into the pipes in a resident’s home if the water pressure changes.

Water supply systems are pressurized in order to enable water to flow from taps, showers, and faucets in homes. However, when water pressure fails or is reduced or reversed as may happen in the case of a water main burst, a frozen pipe, or an unexpected demand on the water system, the pressure in the pipe may be reduce and may flow backward allowing contaminated water to be drawn into the system.

To prevent backflow from happening, residents can use simple and inexpensive ($5 to $10) atmospheric vacuum breakers which attach easily to hose bibs. For help with installation and maintenance, contact an Ogden City backflow technician.

The City has approved ordinances and regulations relating to backflow and cross-connections that minimize the risk of backflow and help ensure our drinking water is not at risk for a backflow incident.

Water Taste, Color, and Odor

Unfortunately from time to time some residents may experience discoloration, odor, or foul taste in their tap water.

Discoloration may occur if the rate of flow is disturbed, for instance if a fire hydrant or water main valve is opened. It can also come from the internal piping of a resident’s own home. In either case, the discoloration comes from a stirring of rust and sediment within the pipe, and it still safe to drink though it may be unappealing. Open the faucet and let the water run until it appears clear in color before drinking.

During the summer months, tap water may sometimes have an unpleasant smell or taste. This happens when the water level in Pineview Reservoir is low during a hot dry summer, and is caused from the flourishing plant life in the water. The water treatment facility uses various techniques to help lessen the intensity, but sometimes those techniques cannot fully eliminate taste and odor. The water is still safe to drink, and the temporary problem goes away with the changing of the season and the weather.

Residents who experience discolored water or objectionable tastes and odors for a prolonged period may contact the Water Utility department. Be prepared to report the day and time you first noticed the problem, whether it affects both the hot and cold tap water, if you have recently installed a water heater, and if others in the neighborhood are experiencing the same issues.