Residents of Melbourne have reported a musty or moldy odor in their tap water over the past week, but the City of Melbourne says the water is safe to drink. The city confirmed in a statement on July 21, 2026, that it has received multiple complaints about changes in the taste and smell of drinking water. Officials attributed the issue to recent heavy rains affecting Lake Washington, the primary water source for the city.
The city acknowledged the problem in a post on its official government page, stating, 'Some water customers have reported changes in the taste and odor of our drinking water.' City officials emphasized that the water 'remains safe for drinking' and that treatment plant operators are adjusting processes to address the issue. The adjustments are expected to resolve the taste and odor problems for all customers soon.
Lake Washington provides roughly two-thirds of the water for Melbourne residents and is part of the St. Johns River system. The city said heavy rains have altered the aesthetic quality of raw water entering the treatment plant. Officials noted that the water is tested at multiple points—before treatment, after processing, and throughout the distribution network—to ensure safety.
The city’s testing regimen includes checking water quality at the intake, during treatment, and at various points in the distribution system. Officials said they are monitoring the situation closely and making real-time adjustments to treatment processes. No health risks have been identified, and the city reiterated that the water meets all safety standards.