Union County residents complain of taste, odor issues with their water

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — People in Union County told Channel 9 that their tap water smells and tastes bad.

Many are reporting an “earthy quality” to the water.

It appears the foul tasting water is impacting mostly the north and west areas of Union County including the towns of Waxhaw, Wesley Chapel, Weddington and Stallings. It has been reported in Monroe, Hemby Bridge and Indian Trail as well.

County officials said Public Works has been investigating and tests have shown the water is safe, but residents aren’t convinced.

One man invited Channel 9 into his home to show us the problem.

He said he’s lived in the Hunter Oaks Neighborhood in Waxhaw for more than seven years and this is the first time something like this has happened.

While the water may look fine, he said it doesn’t smell good, and tastes like dirt-- so he’s started drinking bottled water.

Residents said they’ve been using bottled water for some things, but it’s just too expensive to use bottled water for everything.

Channel 9 has gotten a lot of calls about the county’s water.

Some residents have said even a strong cup of coffee can’t hide the taste and showering is uncomfortable.

Many residents asked if it had anything to do with where the county was getting its water, but officials told Channel 9 that they have not changed their water source recently and 80% of the county’s water still comes from the Catawba River.

A Union County spokesperson gave two reasons for the water issues. They said the recent change in temperature and heavy rainfall can impact both taste and odor, but again tests show it’s fine.

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