The City of Bethlehem announced Monday that customers who rely on its drinking water system are experiencing taste and odor issues due to a seasonal turnover–or inversion–of its reservoirs.
According to a press release, the turnover, which occurs every spring and fall, stirs up impurities in the reservoirs that can cause the water to smell or taste “stale,” “musty” or “metallic.” Some customers have also reported a “moldy” taste.
While this is a common occurrence, residents are noticing it more this fall, which has been unusually dry. The city said the turnover is a “transient event” that may last a few days and that the water is safe to drink.
“Poor taste and odor is caused by benign compounds released from dead algae and bacteria following disinfection,” the release said. “There are no harmful compounds associated with this natural turnover of the reservoirs.”
The water system’s service territory includes the City of Bethlehem plus portions of 11 surrounding municipalities in Northampton and Lehigh counties with a total population of approximately 120,000. Among the municipalities that are partly or entirely served by the system are Fountain Hill borough, Bethlehem Township and Hanover Township, Northampton County.
This local news story was reported with generative AI assistance.