Smelly Water Back in Temecula Valley, But It's OK, Officials Say

Some residents of southwestern Riverside County may detect an "earthy and musty" taste and smell in their tap water, but officials with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California said Friday the water does not pose a health risk.

According to the MWD, algae growth in Silverwood Lake is affecting the taste and odor of water sent to southwest Riverside County, eastern Los Angeles County and western San Bernardino County.

A similar issue was reported in May.

"Metropolitan receives a portion of its water through the State Water Project's east branch, which includes Silverwood Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains," according to Jim Green, MWD's water system operations manager. "We are working with the state Department of Water Resources, which owns and operates the state system, to address the situation.

"Consumers, however, can be assured that the taste and odor issues they may be experiencing in their tap water do not pose any health risks," he said.

State officials plan to begin treatment of the algae bloom early next week, according to MWD. The agency noted that algae growth is a typical problem with open surface reservoirs in warm months.

According to MWD, the problem is affecting customers served by the Eastern Municipal Water District and Western Municipal Water District in southwest Riverside County; Three Valleys Municipal Water District in eastern Los Angeles County; and the Inland Empire Utilities Agency in western San Bernardino County.

— City News Service.