Thursday, March 28, 2024

Customers May Detect Change in Taste & Odor of Drinking Water

FORT WORTH, Texas – Tarrant Regional Water District had to change the water source late Thursday afternoon for Fort Worth’s Rolling Hills Water Treatment Plant after a construction contractor struck the 90-inch water supply line from Richland-Chamber Reservoir. 

The Rolling Hills WTP is receiving a blend of water from Cedar Creek Lake and Lake Benbrook. Lake Benbrook water is of the most concern to customers because tests are showing elevated levels of geosmin, which cause taste and odor issues. Geosmin is not an issue in the water from Cedar Creek Lake, which means the blend should reduce the effects of the geosmin. 

Customers in south and east Fort Worth are most affected by this source change. This change is expected to last only a few days. Once the pipeline is repaired and returned to service, Rolling Hills will revert to the source water blend from Richland Chambers Reservoir and Cedar Creek Lake. 

In an attempt to mitigate the issue, the department has increased the dosage of ozone disinfectant, which can help with resolving taste and odor issues. The Water Department assures customers the water is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing and all other purposes, even though it may have an earthy smell and taste. 

Geosmin is a naturally occurring compound produced by bacteria in soil and algae found in surface water. Cold temperatures kill off the algae in surface water, and the dead algae release the geosmin. Customers may improve the taste of their drinking water by refrigerating the water in an open container; or adding a slice of lemon or lime.

The wholesale customers that regularly purchase water include Bethesda Water Supply Corp., Burleson, Crowley, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dalworthington Gardens, Edgecliff Village, Everman, Forest Hill, Grand Prairie, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst , Keller, Kennedale, Lake Worth, Northlake, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, Roanoke, Saginaw, Southlake, Trophy Club Municipal Utility District, Westlake, Westover Hills, Westworth Village and White Settlement.

 

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