Broken Arrow says algae bloom, not contamination, behind smelly tap water
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. – Broken Arrow residents have flooded Facebook with complaints this week, comparing their tap water to mold, chlorine, and dirt. News On 6 spoke with the city’s utilities director, Timothy Robins, to find out what’s behind it — and whether it’s safe to drink.
Q: What’s causing the smell and taste in Broken Arrow tap water?
Robins says it’s a direct result of the extended heat the area has seen, with temperatures topping 100 degrees. That heat builds algae growth off the Verdigris River, which supplies the city’s water. The algae growth creates a compound called MIB, which produces the earthy smell and taste residents are noticing.
Q: Is this a new problem?
No. Robins says it’s a common occurrence in Oklahoma during extended heat periods, and that the city’s operators are experienced in treating and adjusting for it.
Q: Why do some people describe it differently — dirt, chlorine, mold?
Robins says everyone’s sensitivity to MIB is different, so the same water can come across differently depending on the person.
Q: What is the City of Broken Arrow doing to fix the smelly tap water?
The city pulls water from multiple raw-water basins. Robins says operators isolated the basin with a higher algae count and are treating it with chemicals to kill the algae before blending it back into the system. They’ve also made adjustments to the raw water coming in from the river.
Q: How many people have reported the tap water problem?
The city says it has received about 26 calls over the past week.
Q: Which areas of Broken Arrow are affected?
Robins says south Broken Arrow has felt it the most, since it’s the farthest point in the city’s distribution system, which spans more than 1,200 miles of water lines.
Q: Is the Broken Arrow water actually safe to drink?
Yes, according to the city. Robins says the water meets and exceeds all city, state, and federal guidelines for drinking water despite the odor.
Q: How can Broken Arrow residents find out who their water provider is?
Some Broken Arrow addresses are actually served by other providers, including nearby rural water districts. Robins recommends checking a water bill to confirm the provider before reporting an issue.
Q: What should Broken Arrow residents do if they’re having water concerns?
The city says posting on Facebook won’t get a response — staff don’t routinely monitor social media. Robins asks residents to call the city’s action line directly so crews can evaluate and flush the affected area if needed.
Q: Is the Broken Arrow tap water getting better?
Robins says cooler temperatures moving into the area should help bring the algae growth down further, and the city expects the smell to clear up soon…