Why does my water sometimes have a taste and odor?

All water has its own unique taste and odor characteristics. The City of Marshall, like many other water suppliers, occasionally experiences changes in taste and odor.

Algae and bacteria naturally found in surface waters can produce different types of tastes and odors. Geosim and 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) have been identified as odor-causing compounds and are detectable at levels as low as five parts per trillion (ppt or nanograms per liter). When conditions are favorable, the bacteria and certain blue-green algae produce a musty or earthy taste and odor.

Although these contaminants impact an unpleasant taste and odor, they do not have an established Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) nor pose any known health risk.

Show All Answers

1. Is the water meter read each month?
2. Is my water bill high?
3. When is my bill due?
4. Who provides refuse (garbage) and recycling service?
5. How does the City of Marshall treat the drinking water?
6. Why does my water sometimes have a taste and odor?
7. Why does my water appear cloudy or milky at times?
8. Why does my water sometimes look brown or red?
9. What is the white build-up on my faucet strainers?
10. Does Marshall fluoridate the water?
11. How do you know the water is safe to drink?