Update from Water Quality Team – Sept. 19, 2023

As part of normal water supply operations, Marin Water will switch the source of local water produced for customers from Kent Lake to Nicasio Reservoir. Some customers may notice changes to the taste and smell of their drinking water in the coming days due to this operational shift in water sources.

Occasionally, during the warmer months and when shifting water sources, some customers experience a different taste or odor in their drinking water. Some describe the water as tasting and smelling earthy or musty. This is caused by naturally occurring compounds produced by algae in our reservoirs. Algae are a natural phenomenon, particularly during the warm summer months, and are a reminder that our lakes are living water bodies.

These slight changes, which are common in surface water, do not affect the safety of your water. Your water is treated and meets or exceeds all state and federal requirements. Although algae levels are low currently, customers may notice changes to taste and odor due to the operational shift in water sources. For those who are more sensitive to taste and odor changes, chilling the water during these periods will help reduce the temporary change in taste or smell of your water. For questions or for more information, visit marinwater.org/Water-Quality or contact us at WaterQuality@MarinWater.org or at 415.945.1550.