Corpus Christi residents may notice an earthy or musty taste or odor in their tap water in the coming days, but city officials say there is no reason for concern.
Corpus Christi Water said the city’s drinking water continues to meet federal and state health standards. Residents can safely use their tap water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other everyday activities.
The temporary change in taste and smell comes from naturally occurring compounds that can develop in source water under certain environmental conditions. While residents may notice the compounds, officials said they do not pose a health risk in treated drinking water.
Why Does Corpus Christi Water Smell Musty?
According to Corpus Christi Water, the unusual taste and odor can occur when environmental conditions favor naturally occurring compounds in source water.
Warm Weather Can Affect Water Quality
Sunlight, warmer temperatures, and available nutrients can help form these compounds. Because people can detect them at extremely low concentrations, even a small amount can change how tap water tastes or smells.
Importantly, however, a noticeable odor does not necessarily indicate that the water is unsafe.
Corpus Christi Water emphasized that the city’s treated drinking water continues to comply with applicable federal and state health requirements.
The utility is also closely monitoring its water supplies as weather and water conditions change.
City Adjusts Treatment to Improve Taste
To address the temporary taste and odor issue, Corpus Christi Water has increased monitoring of its source water supplies.
The utility is also adjusting treatment processes at the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant. These steps are intended to reduce the compounds responsible for the earthy or musty characteristics and improve the overall taste and odor of tap water.
Although residents may notice the difference, the city expects the condition to be temporary.
How Long Could the Taste and Odor Last?
The duration can vary depending on weather conditions and water temperature. According to the city, residents may notice the taste or odor for several days.
Environmental conditions can change quickly, so odor intensity may also vary from day to day.
Residents who experience the change should continue using their tap water normally unless they receive a separate notice from city officials.
What Residents Can Do About the Taste
Although the earthy or musty smell may be unpleasant, residents can take a few simple steps to make it less noticeable.
Corpus Christi Water recommends placing tap water in a covered pitcher and refrigerating it. Chilling the water may help reduce the perception of the taste and odor.
Residents should not add extra chlorine, bleach, or other household chemicals to their drinking water. Adding chemicals can create additional health and water-quality concerns.
Instead, residents can refrigerate the water and let the city’s treatment process address the naturally occurring compounds.
When Should Residents Report a Water Concern?
While the current taste and odor issue is considered temporary and does not affect the safety of treated drinking water, residents should report other unusual water-quality concerns.
Anyone who notices a water issue that appears different from the temporary earthy or musty odor can contact 311 for assistance.
Reporting concerns allows city officials to investigate potential problems and determine whether additional action is needed.
Corpus Christi Continues Monitoring Water Supplies
For now, Corpus Christi residents can continue using their tap water for normal household purposes.
The city’s increased source-water monitoring and treatment adjustments are designed to improve taste and odor while maintaining compliance with drinking-water standards.
As weather and water conditions shift, residents may notice temporary changes in their tap water. However, officials say the current earthy or musty taste and odor do not indicate a health threat in treated drinking water.
Residents can continue to monitor city updates and contact 311 if they have other water-quality concerns.