Mesa says drinking water is safe despite odd smell, taste

PHOENIX — The city of Mesa said its tap water was safe to drink and use, despite it having an odd taste and smell.

“The water is safe to drink. It’s from a seasonal algae that forms in surface water and it produces something called geosmin,” Mesa Water Resources Department spokeswoman Kathy MacDonald said.

Geosmin is an organic compound that has an earthy flavor. It is also responsible for the smell that occurs after rain falls.

MacDonald said the issue was temporary and will be back to normal in a few weeks.

The water met all state and federal drinking water standards.

Mesa’s water treatment plant was using carbon treatment to reduce the algae in the water distribution system.

KTAR News’ Griselda Zetino and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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