By Theresa-Marie Wilson ~
There might be some unusual smelling and tasting water coming from local taps, but county officials assure residents that it is safe to drink.
The drinking water in the Five Cities and surrounding areas may have an earthy taste or odor, but it meets all regulatory requirements and is safe to drink.
The change is due to a recent and temporary increase in blue-green algae, in both Lopez Lake and state water supplies, which will likely continue over the next few weeks.
Both of these water sources provide surface water to many south county residents. Water monitoring and testing are routinely performed to ensure south San Luis Obispo County water customers continue to receive safe drinking water that meets water quality standards.
“If the water is not treated, there could be some concerns, but our water is treated,” said Andrea Montes Utilities Division Program Manager with County Department of Public Works. “We are in compliance. We test regularly, and our water is treated. Despite the algae growing there is no health risk.
According to the California Department of Public Health Website, blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are any of a number of species of microscopic bacteria that are photosynthetic. They may exist as single cells or groups of cells. They occur naturally in surface waters.
Blue-green algae can become very abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed surface water that receives a lot of sunlight. When this occurs, they can form blooms that discolor the water or produce floating rafts or scums on the surface of the water.
“The drought does play a role in that sometimes, the heat, or sometimes it can just be the organic matter within the water,” Montes said. “Our water is not unique. This is something that is taking place throughout the state of California.”
The Website also lists potential adverse health effects associated with the algae that could cause concerns to folks in the area such as liver toxicity, skin rashes, tumor growth and more.
“Maybe if it wasn’t treated,” said Montes. “We are not talking about the same type of water.”
State public health recommends that pets and small children avoid body contact with blue-green algae blooms by not wading or playing in water where it is present.
Water customers can alleviate some of the taste and odor issues in their drinking water by utilizing carbon water filters, which can be purchased at most grocery, hardware or drug stores; or by adding lemon to help mask any unpleasant taste and odor.
For questions regarding the quality of drinking water, contact your local water agency.
