The strange taste and odor of Snyder's
water supply is a direct result of the level
of Lake J.B. Thomas, but Snyder water
department officials assure the public
that the water is safe to drink.
"We've had quite a few complaints," said Chris Woodard, water and wastewater superintendent. "The water is clean and potable (drinkable), but it is not palatable."
Woodard said the water from Lake Thomas does not contain any sediment, but the odor and taste of that sediments stays with the water even after treatment.
The lake, which is now less than 0.9 percent full, will run dry sometime this summer, with estimates from the Colorado River Municipal Water District indicating that the lake will be gone by June.
The lake did not receive any inflow of water from Monday's storm. Woodard said that the $2 million pipeline -- located between the Snyder intake station and the Big Spring/Odessa intake station -- has been completed and that the district has started charging the lines, with an eye on blending the water from Thomas and the O.H. Ivie Reservoir.
Many residents have complained about the taste and smell of the city's water, with some describing the taste as "dirty" while others have noted a chemical aftertaste.
"We are working on the problem and doing a better job of treating it," Woodard said. "The water is crystal clear and we have chlorine levels that are cutting out some of the taste and odor. I know people find it hard to believe, but the water is safe to drink."
Last week, CRMWD General Manager John Grant said the pipeline is now in position to move water into Snyder.
"We've had quite a few complaints," said Chris Woodard, water and wastewater superintendent. "The water is clean and potable (drinkable), but it is not palatable."
Woodard said the water from Lake Thomas does not contain any sediment, but the odor and taste of that sediments stays with the water even after treatment.
The lake, which is now less than 0.9 percent full, will run dry sometime this summer, with estimates from the Colorado River Municipal Water District indicating that the lake will be gone by June.
The lake did not receive any inflow of water from Monday's storm. Woodard said that the $2 million pipeline -- located between the Snyder intake station and the Big Spring/Odessa intake station -- has been completed and that the district has started charging the lines, with an eye on blending the water from Thomas and the O.H. Ivie Reservoir.
Many residents have complained about the taste and smell of the city's water, with some describing the taste as "dirty" while others have noted a chemical aftertaste.
"We are working on the problem and doing a better job of treating it," Woodard said. "The water is crystal clear and we have chlorine levels that are cutting out some of the taste and odor. I know people find it hard to believe, but the water is safe to drink."
Last week, CRMWD General Manager John Grant said the pipeline is now in position to move water into Snyder.
