What's wrong with Raleigh tap water? Algae bloom at Falls Lake behind the smell, color

Multiple people have contacted WRAL News asking about an unexpected smell that had many Raleigh residents concerned.

One local described it as "almost like tea tree oil or menthol, a strong different scent."

Several other viewers described the water as smelling and tasting like dirt or soil.

Amanda Dale was visiting family in Raleigh. "It tasted like dirt," she said.

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The reason: The weather.

Warmer weather and storms created perfect conditions for algae blooms in Falls Lake, which provides about 80 percent of the water to folks in Raleigh.

Buchan says the odor and flavor are a "springtime occurrence" and "purely an aesthetic issue."

"This one just kind of caught us by surprise, given the intensity of it," he said.

"We've not seen something this significant in my time here, which is 18 years."

The city of Raleigh explains the water in Falls Lake and Lake Benson is subject to seasonal variations like temperature and available sunlight can cause changes in naturally occurring algae.

"One way algal concerns are most notable to water customers is unpleasant taste and odor," according to the city. "Customers typically characterize the unpleasant taste and odor as 'earthy' or 'musty.'"

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It may take a few days for the taste and odor to improve, but water officials are currently working on addressing the issue, writing, "Activated carbon and ozone have been increased to address these aesthetic issues."

Meanwhile, Buchan says the water is safe to drink.

"I can tell people that it's safe because I know what the disinfection process is like and our disinfection levels," he said.

In the meantime, residents can improve the flavor at home by adding a lemon wedge to a refrigerated open pitcher of drinking water. Customers can also use home water filtration systems with fresh carbon.