Why Does My Water Smell Like Chlorine? 

Just like many public water systems, the Village of Sussex uses chlorine to disinfect its potable water. Chlorine kills viruses, bacteria, and other waterborne diseases, to make your water safe. 

What are the regulations for chlorine in my drinking water? 

The Village of Sussex is regulated by the EPA and Wisconsin DNR. The MCL (Maximum Contaminant Limit) for chlorine is 4mg/L. The Village of Sussex maintains a trace to 1.0mg/L of chlorine in the water system. With changes in water chemistry, the Village routinely tests the chlorine residual in the water system to maintain the desired range. This harmless amount of chlorine helps keep the water protected all the way to your tap. 

Are you experiencing chlorine smell in your drinking water? 

It is common to notice a chlorine smell in your potable water coming from your tap or other fixtures. Some people are more sensitive to the chlorine taste and odor than others. This chlorine smell can be caused by a variety of reasons.

• The odor of chlorine in the air after taking a shower or running a faucet is most likely due to the presence of chloramines. Chloramines are a byproduct of the reaction between chlorine and organic matter such as sweat, oils, and urine that can accumulate in enclosed spaces like a bathroom. 
• If there is a filtration system present, it may not be working properly or the filters are overdue for a changeout. Filters can promote bacterial growth over time and may consume more chlorine than usual. 
• Sediment collects in the water distribution pipes between hydrant flushing causing the chlorine demand to increase. The Village of Sussex flushes all hydrants a minimum of two times a year (spring and fall), as required by WI DNR, to remove sediment in the water mains and improve water quality.  

What can I do to reduce or eliminate the chlorine smell in my water? 

• Add a whole house filtration system. Activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems are common for removing chlorine from your water. These filters remove residual chlorine. 
• Add a POU (Point of Use) filter on your faucet or other fixtures that are used most often. 
• Fill a pitcher of water for drinking and allow the chlorine to evaporate before you drink it. Most if not all the chlorine should evaporate overnight. You can purchase a pitcher that has an integrated filter for a more immediate result. 

The Village of Sussex is committed to providing safe water to your homes and businesses. If you are experiencing a strong chlorine smell, please call us at (262) 246-5200. We will troubleshoot your concern and address it promptly. 

2023 Consumer Confidence Report

2022 Consumer Confidence Report

2021 Consumer Confidence Report

2020 Consumer Confidence Report

If you feel your bill is unusually high, review some of the common causes listed below:

• Has your household water usage changed?  Is a child home from school or have you had guests staying with you? The average person uses 40-80 gallons of water per day.  
• Have you been watering your lawn or garden more than usual?  If you have a lawn irrigation system, be sure it is checked regularly for leaks and that the timer is programmed properly.  
• Do you have a leaking/continuously running toilet or dripping faucet?  Even small leaks can waste hundreds and even thousands of gallons of water.  Routinely check your plumbing and home for any leaks.  Toilets are the cause of high bills over 90% of the time.  You can also review a helpful tutorial on our Water Utility page to check your toilet yourself.  

Please attempt to identify these potential leaks on your own.  If you need assistance on locating these leaks you can request a Flow Test to be performed by our Water Utility Department. Flow tests can generally be scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To request and schedule a flow test, call the Sussex Civic Center at 262-246-5200.

Remember, residents are responsible for all water usage that passes through the meter (including leaks).  

If you have any questions about your utility bill please call the utility clerk at 262-246-5224 or send an email.

The Sussex Water Utility conducts hydrant flushing throughout the Village annually to remove sediment and maintain clarity and quality in the water distribution system. Two types of flushing are done, mainline and dead end.

Main line hydrant flushing is done in the spring and fall. Water may become discolored after this hydrant flushing. If this occurs, run your cold water tap for a few minutes until the water clears. If the water doesn't clear the first time, wait a few minutes and run the water again. You should avoid washing clothes until the water clears.

Dead-end hydrant flushing is done each summer and helps ensure good water quality by increasing water circulation in areas with a dead-end water main. Village of Sussex staff will place an orange cone on top of the hydrant when the flushing is occurring. You should experience no water quality or water clarity issues during this type of hydrant flushing. Unlike hydrant flushing on main lines, you do not need to refrain from washing clothes when dead-end flushing is occurring.

Save money and conserve water by identifying and correcting leaks early. View a video to show you how you can check to see if you have a leaking toilet.

1. Drop about 10 drops of food coloring in the tank.
2. Wait 15 minutes. Do not flush the toilet during this time. 
3. Look in the bowl. If any color made it to the bowl, the toilet is leaking. 
4. Flush the toilet to remove all color from the bowl and tank.

While you are checking for leaks in your toilet, also check if your tank is filling up too far. The water level should stop at least one inch below the overflow tube in the tank.

Pink discoloration of the water is caused by an imbalance of the additive Sodium Permanganate, which is approved by the EPA and DNR to treat radium levels in the water. Pink water is safe to drink and use.

If you have pink water, please call the Civic Center (262) 246-5200 to report the incident. Office Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. If you notice this outside of normal business hours, call Waukesha Communications Center (262) 446-5070. The water utility staff will be notified and will address the issue.

The utility customer is responsible for all plumbing and valves within the home. If you are experiencing a leak at one or both of the connections to the water meter, please contact the Village of Sussex to resolve. (The meter is owned by the water utility; DO NOT tamper with the meter or it's direct connections.)

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