Calif. utility assures tap water is safe despite 'moldy dish water' smell

"Cal Water said in a statement that Stockton's tap water met all water quality standards and was safe to consume. The agency said that the noticeable odor was a result of a recent change in the water source. Residents were alarmed by the foul odor coming from home faucets earlier this week when dozens took to social media to discuss the issue, while others directed their concerns to Mayor Christina Fugazi's office."

"Craig Stevens, Cal Water's Stockton district manager, told SFGATE that mixing water from two unique sources can sometimes cause a change in taste and odor that is "out of the ordinary for customers" due to a water's "unique chemistry, organic content, minerals, and biological activity." Cal Water and the city of Stockton are currently flushing the distribution system to remove water from the previous source and help the new source flow into home faucets."

""Customers are experiencing an earthy [odor], which is related to the organics in the surface water being treated and delivered from our purchase water supplier," Stevens said. "... We're already seeing improvements in the majority of the distribution system and expect a complete turnover by this weekend.""

"Cal Water serves Central Valley cities with about 47,700 service connections. The water odor issue is only affecting Stockton customers at this time, Stevens said. In the meantime, Cal Water recommends that locals refrigerate tap water to help reduce the smell."

Stockton residents reported foul-smelling tap water, describing odors as sewage-like, moldy, vinegary, and fish-tank like. California Water Service stated the water meets all water quality standards and is safe to consume. The odor was attributed to a recent change in the water source, where mixing water from two different sources can alter taste and smell due to differences in chemistry, organic content, minerals, and biological activity. Cal Water and the city are flushing the distribution system to remove water from the previous source and allow the new source to reach home faucets. Improvements are already occurring across most of the system, with complete turnover expected by the weekend. Refrigerating tap water is recommended to reduce the smell.

Read at SFGATE