Algae Bloom Causes Unpleasant Taste in Groesbeck Water, But Officials Assure It’s Safe to Drink

Residents of Groesbeck may have noticed an earthy or musty taste in their tap water this week, but city officials assure the public that the water remains safe to drink and use as normal.
According to Keith Tilley, Director of Public Works for the City of Groesbeck, the issue stems from a periodic algae bloom in the Navasota River, the city’s primary water source. When chlorine is added during the water treatment process, it causes the algae to release a naturally occurring compound called geosmin, which produces the distinctive odor and taste.
“This phenomenon usually happens about once per year and is normally short-lived,” Tilley said. “It definitely causes an unpleasant taste when drinking it, but it is safe to drink or use as you normally do.”
Geosmin, while harmless, is highly detectable by the human nose and palate. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), even tiny concentrations — as low as 5 parts per trillion — can be noticeable. It does not pose a health risk, though it may affect consumers’ perceptions of water quality.
Tilley noted that a heavy rain could help resolve the issue more quickly by flushing the algae bloom out of the river, but emphasized that weather conditions are unpredictable.
“In the 43 years I have worked for the City of Groesbeck, there have been numerous occasions where this issue has caused the water to taste unpleasant,” he said. “I believe the last episode of this was about four to five years ago.”
Algae blooms are not uncommon in surface water sources across Texas and the U.S., especially during warm weather and low-flow conditions. According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), such blooms can be influenced by nutrient runoff, water temperature, and other environmental factors.
While there is no set timeline for the current bloom to dissipate, city officials are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to treat the water to ensure its safety.
For updates, residents are encouraged to follow official City of Groesbeck communications or contact the Public Works Department directly.