Santa Margarita Water District

If you are experiencing earthy, musty odors in your tap water, the source is an increased level of a naturally occurring taste and odor compound, commonly referred to as “MIB” (2-methyl-isoborneol). MIB poses no health risks, and all water supplies remain safe.

MIB is produced by algae in State Project water from Silverwood Lake, a part of the imported water system operated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California uses some water from that supply, which they filter and disinfect before delivering to SMWD for service.  To address this, DWR has treated the California Aqueduct with copper sulfate in the past two weeks. And in cooperation with Metropolitan Water District, they continue to monitor this condition, which may persist for several days.

Again, it is important to note that MIB poses no health risks and that your treated water supplies remain safe. However, some consumers may be able to detect MIB in their treated water supplies, which they may describe as an earthy or musty odor.

If you have any questions, please call Amber Baylor, SMWD Laboratory Supervisor, at 949-459-6673.

News Release

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

September 30, 2011

Consumers in portions of four Southern California counties may notice a musty taste and odor in their tap water, but it is an aesthetic problem and not a health hazard, according to water quality experts. Read More...