Greeley officials said city drinking water remains safe to use despite a temporary taste and odor event at the Boyd Lake Water Treatment Plant.

This situation matters because changes in the smell or taste of municipal water often trigger public health concerns and requests for bottled water alternatives.

The issue began during the week of July 8, 2024 [1]. Residents reported that tap water had developed an earthy or algae-like smell and taste. City officials said the cause was a temporary issue at the treatment plant, though they noted that no contaminant levels exceed safety limits [1], [2].

"Our water is safe to drink, cook with and bathe in," a City of Greeley spokesperson said [2].

The city reported zero health incidents related to the water quality during this period [2]. Officials said that the sensory changes do not indicate a risk to the public. The Greeley Water Utility Manager said that the water supply remains safe for all normal uses despite the temporary taste and odor issue [1].

Water treatment plants can experience these events when organic materials or algae in the source water produce compounds that affect taste and smell without impacting safety. The city continues to monitor the Boyd Lake facility to resolve the issue, ensuring the water returns to its standard profile.

Residents are encouraged to follow official city communications for updates on the treatment process and the timeline for the resolution of the odor event.

“"Our water is safe to drink, cook with and bathe in."”

Taste and odor events are common in municipal water systems, often caused by seasonal algae blooms or organic matter that bypasses standard filtration. While these events can be alarming to consumers, they are typically aesthetic issues rather than toxicological threats, provided that the city maintains its safety limit monitoring.