My tap water sometimes has an earthy or musty taste and scent in the late summer. What causes this?
This is caused by an algae bloom at the water sources, Lake Chapman and Lake Lewisville. Most Texas lakes experience what is referred to as a “blue-green algae bloom” in late summers and, in rare occurrences, during exceptionally warm winters. The algae are removed during treatment, but the scent and taste issues still occur.

The treatment process aids with these issues, but no process has been developed anywhere to completely eliminate them. However, please note that these issues are not harmful to your health and that fire hydrant flushing does not relieve this problem. As algae levels normalize, so will the scent and taste of the water.

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1. What is wastewater and why do I pay for it?
2. Why do I sometimes see fire hydrants running when there is no fire?
3. My tap water sometimes has an earthy or musty taste and scent in the late summer. What causes this?