This is Why Tap Water Tastes Odd During Summer Months

Have you ever noticed an odd taste in tap water during the summer? Complaints of an “earthy” or “musty” taste or smell during the summer are common for many water systems but it’s likely not “forever chemicals” that are giving your water a funky taste. Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae can create two compounds that make an unpleasant taste or order.

Source: 40/29 News/Youtube

An odd taste in water in summer is likely from the accelerated growth of some algae compounds due to the warmer weather. Wilmington, Delaware, officials said in a news release this summer that it is “metabolites from the algae that are producing the slightly off-putting smell and taste.” The city assured residents that the water is safe to drink and there is no need to boil the water.

However, many health officials warn of cyanobacteria found in waterways that can be dangerous to drinking water systems if left untreated. Officials in Tampa, Florida, warned residents last week that algae had been found in the water and could potentially kill pets within minutes of exposure.

According to the EPA, traditional water treatment generally removes cyanotoxins from the bacteria in the source waters. However, during warm weather, when algae grow faster, it can be harder for water systems to control.

Read these articles to learn what you can do to help, Toxic Algae Blooms Threaten Humans and Marine Animals: How We Can Make a Difference and Animal Agriculture – Killing More than Just Cows. How Farm Run-Off Threatens Marine Life. Or read more about the link between dairy and algae blooms, Reality Check: Our Obsession With Cheese is Turning Lake Erie Into Toxic Dump. And how you can help the Great Lakes, The Great Lakes are in Great Trouble, but There’s One Simple Thing You Can Do to Save Them.

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• Finally, EPA to Regulate PFAs in Drinking Water!
• Lake Erie Provides Drinking Water For 11 Million People and Now it’s Polluted with Toxic Algae

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