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Laredo officials investigate musty odor in tap water; tests show algal compound in Rio Grande
Summary
City testing found traces of compounds produced by cyanobacteria (MIB/geosmin) in raw river water that can cause taste and odor problems though not a public-health risk. City officials said they will flush lines, replace filter media and evaluate activated-carbon “polishing” to address recurring episodes.
Council members and city staff moved Friday to brief residents and begin technical work after a surge of complaints about a musty, earthy taste and odor in Laredo tap water.
City utility and public-health officials said tests show the odorous compound originates in the Rio Grande and is attributable to algal metabolites (commonly measured as MIB and geosmin). Staff said the levels detected are an aesthetic issue — affecting taste and smell — and not a bacteriological or acute health hazard.
Public-health and utilities staff told the City Council they received several hundred resident reports in June…
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