http://www.kptv.com/story/15661711/lake-oswego-smelly-water-not-a-health-issue?tweet=ptl1&utm_source=tweetdeck&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tweetdeckPosted: Oct 10, 2011 8:26 PM PDT Updated: Oct 10, 2011 9:37 PM PDT

 

LAKE OSWEGO, OR (KPTV) -

Water Treatment workers say the earthy and musty tasting water coming out of Lake Oswego taps is not a health issue.

Water customers began complaining about the smell and flavor of their tap water last week, and the city's water treatment plant has been treating the water for taste and odor problems since then.

Kari Duncan, Lake Oswego's water treatment manager, says the taste and odor problems are caused by algae in the Clackamas River and can occur between August and October. She says the algae does not pose a health risk, but does make tap water less pleasant to drink.

The city began adjusting its treatment method and flushing water lines to address the concerns on Sept. 30. It takes about a week to clear the system of the objectionable tasting water.

Currently, the city uses activated carbon to treat the smell, but Duncan says a new system is on the horizon. The Lake Oswego Tigard Water Partnership's upgraded water treatment facility will use ozone to treat taste and odor problems.

Duncan says the ozone system will operate year-round, which means any earthy smell or taste will be removed from the water before it reaches any taps.

Copyright KPTV 2011. All rights reserved.

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