THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, May 23, 1995 TAG: 9505230315
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
As if the Lake Gaston debate between Norfolk and Virginia Beach weren't enough, blooming algae in some of Norfolk's lakes has turned its usually pristine water supply temporarily foul, officials said Monday.
Water going to Norfolk and Virginia Beach has developed a bad taste and odor in the past few days, but utilities officials in Norfolk said it is not harmful.
Residents using fertilizer on their lawns near the lakes probably caused the over-abundance of algae, officials said. The water is being treated in the lakes and in the water treatment plant to kill the algae and reduce its effects on drinking water.
Norfolk treats and supplies Virginia Beach's water.
Normally, the lake water would be mixed with water from Norfolk's western reservoirs, but the city is temporarily using only lake water because of work being done on the Moores Bridges treatment plant.
The plant is being improved to meet new federal drinking-water standards and is being expanded to handle the water from Lake Gaston.
Norfolk officials said residents may continue to occasionally notice different tastes and odors in the water while construction continues on the plant.
Norfolk customers with more questions can call the Division of Water Quality at 441-5678.
Virginia Beach customers can call the Public Utilities Laboratory at 427-7400. by CNB