City of Boulder water customers in eastern parts of Boulder, primarily in areas east of Foothills Parkway, including Gunbarrel, have noticed a change to their drinking water’s odor and/or taste. The difference in taste and odor does not adversely affect the quality of the water. The water conforms to all applicable Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

A canal that distributes water to Boulder Reservoir has been shut down for several weeks due to a lack of water calls to downstream farms. Due to high temperatures and a lack of new flow into the reservoir, the taste of Boulder Reservoir water is more noticeable than usual.

The change in the water taste is due to certain algae present in the reservoir. Although there is always a mix of algae in the reservoir, particularly during warmer months, certain algae can produce a specific earthy or musty taste.

The canal that feeds the reservoir is expected to come back online in approximately two weeks. At that point, water customers should notice an improved taste.

Western Boulder water customers are not affected because they get their water from the Barker Reservoir and the Betasso Water Treatment Facility.

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