Kitchen taps from parts of Brevard County are suddenly serving up what locals say smells like pool water and tastes metallic or chemical, rattling neighborhoods on Melbourne’s municipal water system. City officials insist the water is still safe to drink and are pointing to an algal bloom in the local source water as the likely culprit for the funky flavor and odor.
As reported by FOX 35 Orlando, neighbors say the change in taste and smell has crept in over the past week, with some residents sharing photos and videos of discolored water and algae blooms in nearby canals. According to the station, Melbourne utilities officials told residents that routine treatment is keeping the water within safety standards, but that the visible bloom is driving a spike in “taste and odor” complaints.
Lake Washington’s Long History With Blooms
Much of Melbourne’s finished drinking water comes from Lake Washington, a shallow lake known for periodic blue-green algal blooms that can foul taste and smell and, at times, release cyanotoxins. A monitoring study published in 2022 detected microcystins and nodularins in Lake Washington samples during peak bloom season, according to Frontiers in Water. In response to nutrient concerns, the city has put measures in place, including a summer fertilizer ban intended to reduce runoff, per the City of Melbourne.
Public Health Agencies Keeping Watch
The Florida Department of Health says it works with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to track harmful algal blooms and to issue health cautions or alerts when tests detect toxins that could put people or pets at risk. Officials advise residents to check agency updates and follow any posted health cautions for both recreation and drinking water guidance.
What Residents Can Do Now
Brevard County Utility Services notes that public water systems run routine sampling and publish annual Consumer Confidence Reports that show whether finished water meets state and federal standards. If you notice odd smells or discoloration, they recommend running cold water for several minutes before using it, refrigerating water in an open pitcher, or using a certified carbon filter for drinking water. Dialysis patients and aquarium owners should talk with their providers about any special precautions, as advised by local outlets like WFTV.
Melbourne is urging customers in its water service area to sign up for AlertBrevard for time-sensitive messages and says it will post lab results and advisories on the city’s water quality pages, according to the city’s public works newsletter. Customers can register online or call the ECO division for help setting up alerts and to request the city’s annual water quality report.
