Algal Bloom Affects Water Taste, Odor: Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Some people might notice a temporary change in their water taste or odor because of algae blooms in Lake Manatee, according to a Manatee County news release.

Though this may be noticeable, the water is safe to drink, the county said. These blooms are seasonal and vary in frequency and length.

“We will continue monitoring and conducting treatment efforts until water quality returns to normal,” Katie Gilmore, Manatee County utilities deputy director, said. “It is our hope that by informing the public of this algal bloom, we can alleviate any concerns that may arise should a customer experience taste or odor issues in their drinking water.”

Since the detection of these compounds in Lake Manatee, the county has implemented a treatment process that involves the addition of powdered-activated carbon. This process will help remove the taste- and odor-causing compounds.

However, when the levels reach quantities that exceed the limit of the systems' removal capability, customers may notice a slight earthy or musty taste to their water.

While the water remains entirely safe for consumption, customers can use a carbon filter hooked up to the faucet to the water system of the refrigerator or a filter pitcher designed for taste and odor removal to help minimize the off-taste and/or odor, the county said.