You may be noticing an "earthy" taste to the water. This morning Helix staff confirmed that the source of this taste and odor is the result of a harmless byproduct from an algae bloom at El Capitan Reservoir.

Ozonation, the primary disinfectant at the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant, is able to remove 70 to 80 percent of this byproduct.

However, the concentration in the raw water coming into the treatment plant is high, and the finished water contains remnants of the taste and odor.

We have discontinued using water from El Capitan Reservoir and are drawing water from the aqueduct and Lake Jennings, neither of which is affected by the algae. As the alternate-source water makes its way through the distribution system, the taste and odor will fade and disappear over the next several days.

We want our customers to know:

• The water is safe to drink
• The off-taste is due to an algae bloom in one of our local reservoirs
• We have switched to other raw water sources
• Over the next few days, the taste and odor will improve
  

If you have any concerns, please, call: (619) 443-1031