The temporary “earthy or musty” smell and taste of Corpus Christi’s tap water, as described by officials, may last a few more days as the water continues through the pipelines, according to a news release.
Corpus Christi Water representatives on Sept. 16 had issued a separate news release acknowledging that some customers may notice the change but that the system remained in regulatory compliance.
In a Sept. 20 news release, city officials noted that “increased organic levels from the western reservoirs, transported via the Nueces River,” had been found in the water treatment plant the previous week.
“The increased organics are naturally occurring and are the
cause of the taste and odor conditions in the water,” it states. “As of Thursday afternoon, compounds associated with taste and odor were no longer detected in the source water of [the water treatment plant]. The organic compounds are moving through the distribution system, and residents may continue to notice them at home until the water has fully cleared.”
In the Sept. 16 news release, officials had elaborated on the cause, pointing to “naturally occurring compounds that can form in source water when sunlight, higher temperatures, and nutrients are favorable.”
Officials expect the unpleasant effects to improve around most of the city — but possibly not all — within a few days.
“Water movement is driven by demand, resulting in varying flows through the distribution system,” according to the email. “Typically, flushing water through the system is used to address this issue. However, with repairs underway on the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, this would not be a prudent action.”
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: Here’s how long Corpus Christi tap water will taste or smell ‘musty’
