Greeley addresses short-term water taste and smell issue

Greeley officials say the city’s drinking water remains safe to drink, cook with, bathe in and use normally while utilities staff work to reduce a temporary earthy or algae-like taste and odor.

The city said the issue is tied to naturally occurring algal compounds in the Boyd Lake Water Treatment Plant source water system. Water Quality and Regulatory Compliance Manager Michaela Jackson said customers may notice a difference in the way their water tastes or smells, but that it remains safe to use and consume.

City staff are increasing water quality monitoring, taking additional source water samples, using enhanced treatment and managing water in the distribution system, according to the city. Officials said they are optimizing powdered activated carbon, which is commonly used to remove compounds that cause taste and odor, and increasing irrigation at city parks to help clear affected water from the system sooner.

The city said warmer temperatures and dry conditions can contribute to algal activity in source water systems. Officials also said drought conditions this year have limited Greeley’s ability to switch or blend water sources to help manage the issue.

Customers can continue to use Greeley water as normal while the city monitors conditions and adjusts treatment to reduce the taste and odor, according to the release.