Houstonians report strange taste and smell in city’s water, but officials say it’s safe

HOUSTON – If you’ve noticed a difference in your drinking water, officials say you don’t need to be worried.

Houston Public Works put out a notice today saying changes in the city’s drinking water are because of, “naturally occurring compounds.”

Testing detected geosmin and MIB (2-methyl isoborneol) in the water. Geosmin is caused by soil bacteria and algae in water and is not toxic according to the National Institutes of Health. MIB (2-methyl isoborneol) can be produced by a variety of microorganisms. It is also not toxic at the levels found in drinking water according to NIH. Even though these compounds are harmless, Houston Public Works said they can cause a musty or earthy taste and color.

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The agency gave out the following recommendations for improving the taste of your water:

• Chilling the water or adding ice.
• Use a slice or drops of lemon.
• Use a carbon filter, such as a Brita filter.

If you still have questions or concerns, you can call 311.

We’ve reached out to Houston Public Works for more information but have not heard back yet.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.