Tap water in parts of the Waxhaw area smells and tastes like rotten eggs, according to a growing number of complaints to Union County Water.

People in the Lawson and Silver Creek neighborhoods, along with parts of Indian Trail, have been reporting foul-smelling water, WSOC-TV first reported Thursday, Sept. 24. Social media comments described the water as smelling like "a gas station toilet," "dirt," "grassy" and "moldy almost."

John Michael Veltri, a middle school football coach who lives in the area, told WSOC-TV he fills water jugs at home and hauls them to practice. His players have noticed the change.

"I usually fill up my water jugs here at the house because it's a lot easier and just transport them, but, lately, the boys are saying, 'Man, this water really tastes bad,'" Veltri said.

WSOC-TV reporter Jason Stoogenke visited western Union County and described the water as smelling and tasting "earthy."

Union County Water, in an email to WSOC-TV, confirmed some customers are experiencing taste and odor changes. The utility said it had sent direct communications to customers about the issue during the week before Sept. 24.

The cause, according to the utility, is naturally occurring algae blooms in the water source. Algae grows during warm weather and releases compounds that create a musty or earthy taste and smell. Those compounds can linger even after treatment, according to Union County Water's seasonal taste and odor page.

The utility said all tests show the water meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water standards. It called the situation a temporary seasonal change that should naturally resolve soon.

Union County Water said its operations team is flushing water lines throughout the system to reduce the impact. For residents who notice the taste, the utility suggested chilling the water or using a filtered pitcher or faucet filter.

The problem is not unique to Union County. The utility said similar reports have surfaced at other water systems across the Carolinas, driven by extended hot weather stretching into fall and higher levels of iron and manganese in water sources.

Union County Water's seasonal page notes the phenomenon can occur in spring or fall as temperatures shift. The utility said it would contact customers directly if the safety of the water were ever a concern.

Residents with questions can contact Brian Jackson at Union County Water at 704-296-4210 or email [email protected].