Staff Report

An overabundance of algae is being blamed for giving city water an odd taste and smell.

Recent fluctuations in temperatures are creating the algae problem in water the city purchases from Portsmouth, said Dennis Craff, the city’s communications director. The city has alerted Portsmouth’s water department, which is addressing the problem.

&uot;Although is has an odor, the water is safe to drink,&uot; said Craff. &uot;There is no health risk.&uot;

The city has received numerous calls from residents, most of whom live in and around the downtown area.