The city of Corpus Christi’s municipal water may have an odd odor or taste for the next few days — but, officials say, it is safe and the system remains in regulatory compliance.
In a news release issued
on the evening of Sept. 16, Corpus Christi Water representatives noted that its customers “may notice a temporary earthy or musty taste and odor in their tap water.”
“The change results from naturally occurring compounds that can form in source water when sunlight, higher temperatures, and nutrients are favorable,” the email states. “These compounds can be detected by the general public at very low levels. They influence taste and smell but do not pose health risks in treated drinking water.”
The length of time the “earthy or musty” odor and taste will last will at least in part be determined by the weather and water temperatures, officials wrote.
CCW workers in the meantime are giving source waters extra monitoring and are seeking to mitigate the issue by using a modified water treatment “to improve water aesthetics,” according to the email.
Residents shouldn’t add chemicals to the municipal water, the news release states, instead advising that the water be refrigerated in a covered pitcher, which officials stated can help offset its odor.
Residents can call 3-1-1 to relay concerns with the water quality, according to the message.
Kirsten Crow covers city government and water news. Have a story idea? Contact her at kirsten.crow@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Does you tap water have a funny smell or taste? Here's why.
