‘Dirt-like’ taste reported in Macon drinking water, officials say. Is it safe?

Dirt-tasting, smelly, discolored tap water was reported in neighborhoods across Macon this month, according to the Macon Water Authority.

The agency blamed natural causes such as fires and seasonal changes for the “earthy or ‘dirt-like’ taste,” a news release from the water board said.

“Harmless organic compounds” were released into the water due to “seasonal changes” at Javors Lucas Lake, where Macon gets its water, the MWA said.

These substances seeped into the water after around 40 fires happened in recent weeks in Macon, and fire hydrants altered “flow patterns in the distribution system,” the news release said. Most of the water issues occurred where fires happened, “within the Rueben and Town Creek pressure zones.”

“While (these) factors can influence taste and color, they do not affect water safety or quality,” the water authority said.

The authority added that the water disturbances were temporary and do not impact the water quality.