 Delaware's News Radio. Customers served by Wilmington Water may notice an earthy taste and odor in drinking water from the tap. It's due to algae growth at the system's water source brought on by recent weather conditions. Wilmington Water says the city's treatment plants remove the algae and the water is safe to drink. It may be helpful to fill a pitcher with drinking water and refrigerate it overnight to reduce the taste and smell. The Water Division is exploring long-term solutions to the seasonal issue.