For Immediate Release – October 6, 2009

The Austin Water Utility (AWU) continues to evaluate the elevated levels of algae in Lake Austin which can cause an unusual taste and odor in drinking water. The algae are naturally occurring and do not affect the safety of the drinking water.

AWU in its routine sampling and testing of our raw water supply has detected elevated blue green algae levels that may impart a "musty" taste and odor. The taste and odor emanate from the completion of the blue green algae bloom. The water is safe to drink but as the algae complete the bloom it releases compounds that impart a grassy, earthy or musty taste to the water.

To minimize the impact, AWU has enhanced our water treatment process by adding activated carbon into the treatment process. The activated carbon adsorbs the compounds released by the algae that create the taste and odor in the water. By introducing activated carbon in advance AWU expects to minimize any potential taste and odor issues. However, introducing the activated carbon into the treatment process may not completely eliminate the problem.

AWU will continue to monitor and test the water at various points for potential taste and odor issues until we are confident that the algae bloom has subsided. It is important to understand Austin's tap water continues to meet all regulatory standards set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's and the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Act.

Media Contact:
Jill Mayfield
Email to: Jill.Mayfield@ci.austin.tx.us
City of Austin Water Utility
(512) 972-0150; pgr.(512) 802-8956