Officials Call Green Tint in Tap Water Harmless

It may not look particularly savory, but the green water flowing from some taps in the San Fernando Valley is safe to drink, according to a Department of Water and Power official.

The cause of the coloration is algae, which was discovered Tuesday growing in the Los Angeles Reservoir, near the intersection of the Golden State and San Diego freeways. The water, which tastes something like apples, has prompted complaint calls from 30 DWP customers, most of them in the eastern and southern Valley, according to Raul Sosa, a water quality engineer.

“In large quantities, like a pool or bathtub, you can see it,” Sosa said. “But, in a glass of water, it’s so faint you probably won’t notice it. It is absolutely safe.”

The department has been treating the reservoir with copper sulfate in an effort to kill the plant life, and officials hope to rid the water of its green tinge by the weekend, Sosa said. The sulfate, he said, is used in small quantities and does not affect the taste of the water.

Although green water has appeared in other reservoirs in the city, Sosa said this is the first episode at the Los Angeles Reservoir. Because the Los Angeles reservoir supplies water for up to 80% of the city, green water could show up in any home or business.

“We don’t know what caused it,” Sosa said. “We’re looking into that now.”