Corpus Christi residents may temporarily notice an earthy or musty taste and odor in their tap water, but city officials said the water remains safe to use.
Corpus Christi Water said the city’s tap water continues to meet all federal and state health standards and is safe for drinking, cooking and other everyday uses.
According to the utility, the change is caused by naturally occurring compounds that can form in source water when sunlight, higher temperatures and nutrients create favorable conditions. People can detect the compounds at very low levels.
The compounds can affect the water’s taste and smell but do not pose a health risk in treated drinking water, Corpus Christi Water said.
The City said CCW has increased monitoring of all source water supplies and is adjusting treatment at the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant to improve the water’s taste and odor.
The taste and odor may persist for several days, depending on the weather and water temperature, according to the City.
Residents who notice the odor can refrigerate tap water in a covered pitcher, which may make it less noticeable. Corpus Christi Water warned customers not to add extra chlorine or household chemicals to their tap water.
Residents can report other water quality concerns by calling 311.