Auburn, Ala.- The Water Works Board of the City of Auburn is aware that some customers have recently noticed off-flavored tastes and odors in their water that could be described as earthy or musty. The Board wants to assure its customers that its water meets and exceeds all state and federal regulations. These conditions pose no health risk, and the water is safe for consumption.

This condition is caused by naturally occurring compounds that are sometimes present in surface waters such as lakes, rivers, and streams. These occurrences are ordinarily seasonal and often occur during the transitions from winter to spring, and from summer to fall.

Much of Alabama, and especially Lee County, is experiencing drought conditions. Lack of rainfall and above average temperatures in the area have contributed to this issue. The Board does expect the situation to improve, though improvements are greatly reliant on weather conditions. An increase in rainfall will assist in improving these conditions as well as rising water temperatures will reduce the risk of the earthy or musty taste and odor conditions.

The Board apologizes for any inconvenience and will continue to respond to customer water quality concerns and employ operational and maintenance techniques where possible to provide some improvement. If you would like to report a water concern, please call 334-501-3050 so that it is properly recorded.