Houston residents are noticing an unusual earthy smell and taste in their tap water. Houston Public Works is investigating and assures everyone that there’s no cause for alarm. The source of the issue is natural compounds called geosmin and MIB, which are responsible for the musty flavor.
"Everything is still within regulatory compliance level," Public Works spokesperson Erin Jones said in a statement obtained by Houston Chronicle. The message is clear: the water is safe to drink, despite its odd taste. To make it more palatable, Houston Public Works recommends chilling the water or adding lemon to mask the flavor. Using carbon filters, like a Brita, can also help remove the geosmin and MIB for a more permanent solution.
The fluctuation in taste and odor is not an uncommon phenomenon, hitting the Houston metro area roughly twice a year, particularly as temperatures rise and contribute to a bloom in these naturally occurring compounds. This year, the phenomenon has seemed to concentrate along the Trinity River, one of the city's water sources, but reports of the dank water have surfaced from all around the city. According to a news release from the Houston Public Works department covered by FOX 26 Houston, officials continue to monitor levels and are prepared to adjust treatment processes should the situation necessitate.
Residents making reports through Houston's 311 service can assist the department in narrowing down the affected areas. "Based on the complaints the water department received, Eyerly said officials think the concentration of those two compounds is happening in the Trinity River, where Houston Water pulls some of its supply. But, the issue has appeared across the city," Jones told Houston Chronicle. Despite the current inconvenience, Public Works has indicated that Houstonians should expect the taste and smell to normalize in a few days. In the meantime, residents can reach out to the Houston Public Works by calling 713.837.0311, emailing [email protected], visiting the website at houstontx.gov/311, or using the handy Houston 311 App for their concerns and reports.
