Smelly Sarasota County tap water linked to algae bloom

Sarasota County officials say the algae bloom is typical this time of year and the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority is treating it with activated charcoal to counter odor and taste issues.

SARASOTA COUNTY — Sarasota County water customers may have noticed a slight odor and taste difference in their tap water over the past few days.

Officials say that was caused by a recent algae bloom in the Peace River. Sarasota County customers use, on average, about 21 million gallons of water per day, and 15 million gallons a day comes from the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority.

Dave Cash, assistant director of public utilities for Sarasota County, said Wednesday that increased water temperatures prompted more algae growth in general.

“It’s typical in Southwest Florida this time of the year,” Cash said. “As the water temperature increases and conditions change in late spring, it’s not unusual to have algae blooms in large bodies of water.

“It’s safe to drink; it meets all standards. It’s a taste and odor issue only,” he later added. “What we get from them is finished water, and we receive and deliver it to our retail customers.