Martinez Water Smells and Tastes 'Unpleasant,' But Safe to Drink

Officials are reminding Martinez residents the city’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink despite a seasonal algae bloom in the water supply that produces an “unpleasant” taste and odor.

Here’s the notice from the city:

[The Contra Costa Water District] has treated the source water to bring the algae under control, and the City has adjusted the treatment process to control taste and odor in customers’ drinking water. Over a short period of time, this two-pronged approach is expected to resolve the issues.

These algal tastes and odors are purely aesthetic and pose no health risks.  These tastes and odors are more noticeable in hot water, rather than cold.  To reduce unpleasant taste and odor for drinking, fill a pitcher and chill the water.  This practice also conserves water by avoiding running water through the tap until it is cold.