Town officials are responding to concerns recently raised over what some residents are saying is water that tastes and smells bad.
On Tuesday, Gary LeBlanc, director of the Department of Public Works, maintained the water is safe.
“I understand these issues are of utmost importance to our residents and I appreciate their patience as we address them,” he said. “First and foremost, the water is safe to use and consume. The recent reports of an ‘earthy’ taste in our tap water can be attributed to warm weather conditions, which accelerate the presence of natural organic compounds.”
While LeBlanc said such compounds are harmless and not toxic, town officials recognize “that taste can be an issue for some residents.”
“If the taste is bothersome, we suggest adding lemon juice or chilling the water before consumption, or considering the use of a carbon filter,” said LeBlanc.
Several residents have recently addressed the municipal water supply, with many posting comments on the Facebook page “Rockport Stuff.”
Rockport resident Camilla Ayers said while she did not experience poor water at home, she did drink a cup of water at the Rockport Senior Center that was less than desirable.
“It tasted like soil,” she said. “My own water is OK. Thank goodness it is. I’ve always used the water in Rockport. But at the Senior Center, I find it very noticeable.”
Ayers heard others in town have also had bad experiences with water.
“We go through spells with people complaining about the water,” she said.
Rockport resident Bobbi Evans echoed the sentiments expressed by others about the water.
“The smell of the water is awful and so is the taste,” she said. “I keep thinking what it would be like to drink out of Mill Pond. I wash my dishes by hand and glasses and pottery are slippery. I have to re-rinse in bottled water when I’m done.”
Resident Charlie Seavey, who lives off Thatcher Road, said his belief is that the problem could be localized in some parts of town. While Seavey himself said he has not experienced poor water, he has heard others express dissatisfaction.
“The fact is I drink it every day,” he said. “But you can’t miss the complaining about the water.”
LeBlanc said the smell and taste is natural.
“Tap water that tastes musty or even earthy is usually due to the presence of algal blooms … or the growth of harmless, naturally occurring bacteria,” he said. “As water temperature increases in the spring and summertime, algal blooms produce chemicals that cause water to taste musty or earthy.”
The town’s municipal water system is treated with a disinfectant which eliminates algae or bacteria before it gets to the tap. However, the musty or earthy flavor may linger, LeBlanc said.
“We are actively adjusting our treatment processes to help alleviate the taste and odor issue (and) treatment plant staff is making chemical adjustments including implementing the addition of powered carbon to the raw water coming from Cape Pond to improve taste quality during the warmer months,” he said.
“The benefits of these changes may not be seen quickly in the water distribution system because it will take time to turn the water over in the storage tanks and to reach the ends of the system.”
In the meantime, LeBlanc is urging those with questions about the town’s water supply to contact the DPW at www.rockportma.gov or via e-mail at dpw@rockportma.gov. He suggested those with concerns read the Consumer Confidence Report, available on the town’s Water Department page.
“We are committed to providing safe drinking water and ensuring transparency through regular updates on water quality,” he said. “We anticipate significant improvement in water taste as our adjustments take effect. Your satisfaction and trust in our water supply are our top priorities and we appreciate your understanding as we work to deliver premier drinking water for our community.”
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.