BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) — The utility that supplies drinking water to southwestern Illinois communities says it is addressing complaints that the tap water has a bad odor and taste.

Illinois American Water spokeswoman Karen Cotton says issues with the water appear due to the low levels of the drought-plagued Mississippi River changing the water’s composition.

Cotton says engineers are working to remedy the problem through the treatment process. But she says the water is still safe to consume and meets all federal health standards.

For now, Cotton says residents should place the water in a container in the refrigerator for one hour to combat the problem.

© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.