July 23, 2024

Occasionally, during the warmer months, some customers experience a different taste or odor in their drinking water. Some describe the water as tasting and smelling earthy or musty. This temporary change is caused by naturally occurring compounds produced by algae growth which occurs in some areas of our reservoirs during sunnier times of the year. 

These slight changes, which are common in lake/reservoir water, do not affect the safety of your water. Your water continues to be properly treated and meets or exceeds all state and federal requirements. 

Some customers may also notice changes to the taste and smell of their water in the coming days due to an operational shift in water sources from Nicasio Reservoir to Kent Lake. 

For those who are more sensitive to taste and odor changes, chilling the water during these periods will help reduce the temporary change in taste or smell of your water. 

For questions or for more information, visit our water quality page, or you may also contact us by emailing WaterQuality@MarinWater.org or by calling 415.945.1550.