The Laredo City Council meeting on July 21, 2025, focused primarily on addressing recent water quality concerns raised by residents, particularly regarding odor and taste issues in the city's water supply. City officials reported receiving approximately 300 complaints about unpleasant odors, described as musty and earthy, from various neighborhoods throughout Laredo.

The discussion began with a presentation from city water officials who explained that the odor was linked to the presence of algae in the water system, specifically a compound known as MIB, which is produced during algae metabolism. Officials clarified that while the odor was bothersome, it did not pose a health risk, as all water samples collected were compliant with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

To address the issue, the city undertook several measures, including flushing the distribution system and conducting extensive sampling before and after these flushes. Results indicated that while flushing reduced the concentration of MIB, the compound was still present in the raw water sourced from the Alpico River. This led officials to conclude that the algae-related odor was not a result of the distribution system but rather a natural occurrence in the river, exacerbated by factors such as low water flow, high temperatures, and nutrient levels.

City officials proposed the installation of activated carbon filters as a long-term solution to effectively remove the odor-causing compounds. They noted that the existing sand filters were inadequate for this purpose and that the city had not upgraded its filtration system in over 15 years. The council discussed the potential costs and logistics of implementing these new filtration units, with officials promising to provide further assessments in the future.

Additionally, the meeting touched on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in the water, which have been reported by residents as being higher than expected. Officials reassured the council that while TDS levels were above the EPA's recommended limits, they did not pose a health risk and were unrelated to the odor issues. The council emphasized the importance of clear communication with the public to alleviate concerns and misinformation regarding water quality.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing water quality issues through immediate actions and long-term solutions, while also recognizing the need for better public communication to manage residents' concerns effectively. The council plans to continue monitoring the situation and will keep the community informed of any developments.