The City of Broken Arrow is increasing its water pretreatment operations in an effort to reduce taste and odor issues with its treated water.
The city said an earthy smell and taste are the only problems, though.
"We are not under a boil advisory. The water is safe to drink. The taste and odor issues are being caused by algae in the Verdigris River, which is the city’s main source of raw water," said city spokeswoman Krista Flasch.
Currently, Utilities Department employees are flushing the affected water out of the supply system at strategic locations throughout the City. Customers should begin to notice improvements within the next few days.
The City has received a number of complaints regarding the taste and odor of the treated water. Flasch encouraged residents to continue reporting water that doesn’t smell or taste right through the Action Center BA website and mobile app or by calling 918-258-3587.
"That way, we have data points so we know the amount and the concentration of where the problems are. And so, then we can go and flush the water in those locations," Flasch said.
Warmer temperatures, fluctuating levels of sunlight and calm waters can contribute to algae blooms.
