Residents of Fort Worth may detect a change in the taste and odor of drinking water, officials say.
Tarrant Regional Water District changed 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 causes 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 will be most affected by the source change which is only expected to last 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.
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.
The department says that customers can 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.
