Does your tap water taste 'dirty?' Here's why
Have you noticed an unusual smell or flavor in your tap water over the past few days?
Multiple people have contacted WRAL News asking about an unexpected smell that had many Raleigh residents concerned.
One local described it as "almost like tea tree oil or menthol, a strong different scent."
Several other viewers described the water as smelling and tasting like dirt or soil.
On Saturday, the city of Raleigh shared an article to help explain the issue, writing, "Some Raleigh Water customers have reported issues with a musty smell/taste in their water. The water is safe to drink and use for all purposes."
According to the post, the odor and flavor are a 'springtime occurrence' and 'purely an aesthetic issue.'
The post reiterates Raleigh Water is working to treat the water to remove the taste and smell but that the drinking water continues to surpass all regulatory standards for safety.
What is causing Raleigh's water to smell and taste different?
The city of Raleigh explains their water system is supplied by Falls Lake and Lake Benson, and seasonal variations like temperature and available sunlight can cause changes in naturally occurring algae.
"One way algal concerns are most notable to water customers is unpleasant taste and odor," according to the city. "Customers typically characterize the unpleasant taste and odor as 'earthy' or 'musty.'"
Raleigh officials say these changes in taste and odor most commonly occur in spring and fall.
It may take a few days for the taste and odor to improve, but water officials are currently working on addressing the issue, writing, "Activated carbon and ozone have been increased to address these aesthetic issues."
In the meantime, they say residents can improve the flavor at home by adding a lemon wedge to a refrigerated open pitcher of drinking water. Customers can also use home water filtration systems with fresh carbon.
The city of Raleigh has a full explanation on its website.
