Fremont, Ohio – A handful of residents in different neighborhoods of Fremont have raised concerns that the city’s tap water now has an unpleasant taste and smell. The complaints, which began about a month ago, describe the water as “nasty, nauseating and mildewy,” and have led some homeowners to switch to bottled water.
Residents describe the problem
Veronica Rohm, who lives west of the Sandusky River, said the water’s flavor is so bad it makes her feel like vomiting. She also claims her pets have become ill after drinking the tap water. “I can’t afford a filtration system and I don’t think the water is safe to drink,” Rohm told reporters.
Adriana Burkin and Tracy Alexander, who live farther south, echoed similar frustrations. Alexander said the taste ruins her morning oatmeal, while Burkin said she now has to use water from the refrigerator for cooking. Both women asked the city for greater transparency about the issue and suggested a temporary reduction in water bills until the taste returns to normal.
Contrasting experiences
Not all Fremont households are experiencing the same problem. Brian Tuthill, who lives east of the Sandusky River, reported that his water is clear, tasteless and odorless. “Nothing’s wrong with my water,” he said, adding that the perceived change might be due to something inside individual homes rather than a citywide issue.
City response
Fremont Safety Service Director Robert Gross acknowledged the complaints and said the city is actively working to identify the cause. Gross referenced a recent press release in which city staff confirmed they are focused on correcting the taste and smell. When asked whether the proposed water‑bill reduction was under consideration, Gross said the city had not yet explored that option, emphasizing that the priority is to resolve the water quality concerns.
“I do feel they’re doing what they can do but they just need to help the citizens out a little bit more,” Rohm added, urging the city to provide additional assistance while the investigation continues.
Next steps
The city has not released a timeline for when the issue might be resolved. Residents are encouraged to report any ongoing problems to the Safety Service Department so officials can track the scope of the complaint and prioritize testing. In the meantime, those who are uncomfortable with the tap water are advised to use bottled or filtered water for drinking and cooking.
Fremont officials plan to update the community as more information becomes available, and they have pledged to keep residents informed through public notices and the city’s website.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.