Corpus Christi residents who noticed an earthy or musty taste and smell in their tap water may soon see conditions return to normal.
Corpus Christi Water says the unusual taste and odor were caused by naturally occurring organic material that entered the city’s water supply from western reservoirs through the Nueces River. The material reached the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant last week, prompting residents in some areas to notice a temporary change in their drinking water.
However, the utility says the situation is improving.
As of Thursday afternoon, the compounds responsible for the unusual taste and odor were no longer being detected in water entering the treatment plant. Even so, residents may continue to notice the issue because some of the previously affected water remains in the city’s distribution system.
Why Does Corpus Christi Water Taste Different?
Natural compounds entered the water supply.
The temporary change in water taste and odor resulted from naturally occurring organic material that traveled from western reservoirs into the Nueces River.
When the material reached the city’s water treatment system, it contributed to the earthy or musty characteristics some residents noticed in their tap water.
Importantly, Corpus Christi Water says the water remains safe to use.
The utility continues to monitor water quality throughout the system as the affected water gradually moves through the distribution network.
Because water already treated by the plant can remain in pipelines for a period of time, improvements at the treatment plant do not immediately translate into identical conditions at every household.
As a result, some residents may continue noticing the taste or smell even though the compounds are no longer being detected in incoming water.
When Will the Taste and Smell Go Away?
Corpus Christi Water expects most areas to experience noticeable improvement by early this week.
Nevertheless, the timeline may differ between neighborhoods.
Water moves through the distribution system at different rates depending on location and demand. Therefore, some areas could take longer to receive water that has passed through the treatment plant after the compounds were no longer detected.
Residents who continue to notice an earthy or musty smell should not necessarily interpret it as a sign that the situation is worsening.
Instead, the remaining odor or taste may be associated with water that entered the distribution system before conditions improved at the treatment plant.
City Advises Against Flushing Water Lines
Normally, flushing water lines can help remove water with an unusual taste or odor from sections of a distribution system.
However, Corpus Christi Water is currently not recommending that residents or crews flush the system for this issue.
The utility said crews are working on repairs to the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, which affects the city’s water operations.
Because of those ongoing repairs, the city is taking a more cautious approach while monitoring water conditions and allowing the distribution system to transition naturally.
Residents should therefore follow official guidance rather than unnecessarily running large amounts of tap water in an attempt to eliminate the taste.
Water Remains Safe for Residents
The unusual taste and smell may be unpleasant, but Corpus Christi Water says the water remains safe to use.
The utility is continuing to monitor water quality throughout the system while the remaining affected water moves through the distribution network.
The city first notified residents about the unusual taste and odor on September 16. Since then, officials have continued tracking the water supply and treatment process.
The latest update indicates that the compounds are no longer being detected in water entering the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant.
That development is an important step toward resolving the issue. Still, residents should expect conditions to improve gradually rather than simultaneously across the entire city.
What Corpus Christi Residents Should Do
Residents who have questions or concerns about their tap water can contact the city by calling 3-1-1.
During normal business hours, residents can speak with the appropriate city service representatives. After hours, callers should follow the instructions provided by the automated telephone system.
Meanwhile, residents can continue using their tap water as normal based on the city’s current guidance.
Anyone who notices a persistent or unusual water issue can report the concern through 3-1-1 so city personnel can determine whether additional follow-up is necessary.
Water Conditions Expected to Improve
For now, some Corpus Christi households may continue to notice an earthy or musty taste or smell in their tap water. However, the latest update indicates that the source of the temporary change is no longer being detected at the treatment plant.
As the remaining affected water moves out of the distribution system, conditions should gradually improve.
Corpus Christi Water will continue monitoring the system and water quality as the city works through the temporary issue.
Residents are encouraged to remain patient during the transition and rely on official city updates for the latest information about Corpus Christi water conditions.