# The City of Cape Town reassured residents who have detected an earthy flavour to their tap water that it remains safe to drink. Mayoral committee member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien says the change in taste is due to geosmin in the raw water supply. He says geosmin poses no threat to human health. It is a naturally occurring organic compound and is  sometimes present in water, particularly during periods of hot weather. Badroodien says council is monitoring the situation during water treatment processes.