City of Corpus Christi water customers are reporting an 'earthy' odor, taste. Here's why

Although about 30 Corpus Christi residents reported Friday that the water had an "earthy" odor and taste, the water is safe to drink and use, City Manager Peter Zanoni said.

Corpus Christi's water tower on Holly Road on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020.
Corpus Christi's water tower on Holly Road on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020.

While the calls are mostly isolated to the Calallen area, Zanoni said others throughout Corpus Christi could notice the different taste and smell.

The city of Corpus Christi relies on four surface sources for water: Choke Canyon Reservoir, Lake Corpus Christi, Lake Texana and the Colorado River via the Mary Rhodes Pipeline.

According to Zanoni, rain and heavy circulation can imbalance the water composition, creating a more "earthy" tone.

The city pulled more water from the Colorado River last week, causing more residents in some areas to notice a different taste and smell. To prevent further reactions, the city will reduce the amount of Colorado River intake and increase Lake Texana intake.

Zanoni said it could take a couple of days for the water to return to normal clarity. Some could notice an odor or taste throughout the weekend, but others may not even notice it.

If customers have any water quality concerns and would like a certified field technician onsite to assist, they can call 361-826-2489. Dispatch and field staff are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Ashlee Burns covers trending and breaking news in South Texas. See our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here's why some water in Corpus Christi homes smells, tastes earthy