By Kolby R. LaMarche

Residents across Burlington, particularly in the New North End, have reported a fishy, musty odor in their tap water in recent weeks, sparking frustrated discussions on social media and calls to the city’s Public Works Department.

The smell, described as resembling algae or a dirty fish tank, has raised concerns about water safety and quality in neighborhoods like the Old North End, New North End, and downtown.

The Burlington Public Works Department received multiple calls and SeeClickFix requests last week regarding taste, odor, and safety. Residents have expressed worry about potential health risks, with some noting mild discomfort they fear may be linked to the water.

The source of the odor is likely cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, which thrives in warm, nutrient-rich waters like Lake Champlain, Burlington’s primary water source. For the past few weeks, Burlington has struggled to keep its beaches open due to algae and bacterial outbreaks, such as those caused by cyanobacteria.

Algae blooms, driven by high temperatures and nutrients like phosphorus, can impart an earthy or fishy smell to treated water, even if filtered secondarily by a resident’s water system. The Burlington Public Works Water Division, which supplies the city’s water, assures residents that the water remains safe to drink. 

Through the Partnership for Safe Water, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency, the division adheres to strict standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986. Regular testing ensures microbial and chemical contaminants, including cyanotoxins, are within federal and state limits.

This issue, while unpleasant, is common and routine in communities drawing water from lakes during summer months. An environmental health scientist with the Vermont Department of Health explained that algae blooms are a natural occurrence, and residual smells can persist even after treatment. The Champlain Water District, recognized nationally by the EPA in 1998, uses advanced filtration, including activated carbon—the same filtration sometimes used in fish tanks—to remove algae and impurities.

Residents are advised to run taps for 60 seconds to clear stagnant water or use home carbon filters for improved taste. Although unconfirmed by the city, residents say the department recently made adjustments to the water treatment system, routine maintenance that can stir up debris.

Burlington officials continue to monitor Lake Champlain’s water quality, conducting daily cyanobacteria checks at local beaches and twice-weekly E. coli tests. Residents can access updates via the city’s website or the Vermont Department of Health’s Cyanobacteria Tracker.

While the fishy smell may persist intermittently, officials emphasize that rigorous treatment processes ensure Burlington’s tap water meets safety standards. Concerned residents can reach out directly to the department or submit a tip on the city’s SeeClickFix application.