Customers who get their water from Fort Worth's Rolling Hills Water Treatment Plant may notice a change in the taste and odor of their water, but there's no reason for alarm.
The Tarrant Regional Water District says it will change its source for water for Fort Worth's Rolling Hills Water Treatment Plant on Monday.
The change comes as the TRWD performs maintenance on the 90-inch pipeline that carries in water from Richland-Chambers Reservoir.
Rolling Hills will receive 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 high levels of geosmin, which cause taste and odor issues. Geosmin is not an issue in the water from Cedar Creek Lake.
High levels of geosmin are a normal for this time of year. 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 according to the water department.
The water district will increase the dosage of ozone, used to disinfect the drinking water, at the Rolling Hills Treatment Plant, but it may not help.
The TRWD says even though it may have an earthy smell and taste, it is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing and all other purposes. Customers can help the taste of their drinking water by refrigerating the water in an open container or adding a slice of lemon or lime.
Maintenance on that pipeline is expected to take two weeks.
