Auburn residents are getting an earthy taste and taste in their tap water. The Placer County Water Agency is advising that while the water supplier understands ita s an inconvenience, the water customers get at the tap is still safe for consumption.A The water agency is adding activated carbon to its treatment process to resolve the issue. The condition is called Geosmin which is an organic compound with an earthly flavor and aroma produced by certain bacteria that contributes to the same sent that occurs when rain falls into the air following a long period of dry conditions. A PCWA Spokesman said as freshly treated water replaces the water that is currently in the distribution mains, there may still be slight variations in taste or smell, but it will diminish in time.
