Metallic Taste
Metallic tasting water is usually associated with either yellow water or air bubbles in the water (white or cloudy water).

Chlorine Taste & Odor
We add chlorine to our water supply to kill bacteria and other microbes. Some chlorine taste and odor may offend sensitive individuals during different times of the year.

During the late spring and summer, residual levels of chlorine may appear to be higher due to the combination of chlorine with naturally occurring plant materials in the Green River. After September these levels will appear to be lower and chlorine odor and taste should be less.

You may find drinking water more appealing if you to fill a pitcher of water and let it stand in the refrigerator overnight. This should minimize chlorine taste and odor problems.

Earthy/Musty Taste and Odor
Earthy or musty tastes and odors occur in Tacoma’s river water, most often in in July, August and September. The odor is produced by algae when their growth increases because of warmer weather and sunlight. The odor increases where fresh water becomes more aged, such as in a cul-de-sac, dead-ended water main or stale water areas in the home. The odor is more noticeable in hot water, particularly in a shower.

If the cold water smells immediately after letting it run for 3 to 5 minutes, the odor is most likely from the water main. We have a program for flushing stale areas of the water system to help minimize odors.