Жители Лас-Вегаса сообщают о странном запахе воды, несмотря на заверения властей в её безопасности

Las Vegas residents report unusual water odors as city assures supply is safe LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Residents in Las Vegas say their tap water has developed a fishy, earthy or otherwise unusual odor in recent weeks, prompting some households and businesses to stop drinking it despite assurances from city officials that the water remains safe. Julieanna Lesse, a Las Vegas resident and employee at JC’s New York Pizza Department, said the smell has become difficult to ignore. “It’s been about two weeks now,” Lesse said. “I can’t describe the smell. It’s just so bad that I start gagging.” Lesse said she no longer drinks the tap water. At her workplace, employees have switched to using paper plates rather than washing dishes with water they say smells unpleasant. “You take a hot shower and it’s just coming down on you, and you can smell it,” she said. The complaints come as northeastern New Mexico experiences prolonged drought conditions and record-breaking heat. City officials say elevated water temperatures can trigger chemical reactions involving chlorine used in the treatment process, leading to odor and taste changes. “Right now the water is safe to drink because it is monitored by the Drinking Water Bureau,” said Travis Martinez, director of Las Vegas Water Utilities. “We do our monthly samples, we do our residual samples all the time, and everything has been within compliance.” According to city officials, crews have been flushing portions of the water system to reduce stagnation and improve water quality. “It’s a balance between water restrictions and saving water, but then also getting the water moving and flushing it where we need to, to keep it to where we don’t have those odors and other challenges,” City Manager Robert Anaya said. “So it’s a constant balance.” Not all local businesses have noticed changes. Sarah Jo Matthews, owner of Borrachos, said her restaurant has not encountered unusual odors in its water supply. However, she believes the region’s ongoing water challenges are connected to the aftermath of the Calf Canyon-Hermits Peak Fire. “Our community is an important place with deep roots, and the fire that was started by the U.S. government has been slowly suffocating our community,” Matthews said. “We have not received all the help we need, and we’re experiencing hardships today in 2026 as a result of the fire that was started in 2022.” City leaders say drought conditions and extreme heat could create similar water quality concerns in communities throughout the region. Officials recommend that residents who notice unusual tastes, odors or other concerns contact their local utility provider, which can conduct additional water testing.