Putting filters to test on Houston's foul-tasting water

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- People living in some areas of town are complaining about a funny smell or taste in their tap water.

Houston City Public Works confirms they've received hundreds of calls from residents complaining about the water smelling foul and tasting gritty even sandy. Still, city officials say the water is safe to drink and blame the funny taste or odor on naturally occurring compounds sometimes produced by algae.

Heights resident, and pregnant mother of a three-year-old, Colleen Johnson said, "It's hard to believe when I hear on the news that this is perfectly fine to be drinking. It's really hard to believe that."

The city suggests using filtration systems to curb the smell and taste. So with the help of Colleen we put two to the test -- a Brita water filter pitcher and a Zerowater portable filtration system, both found at a home improvement store.

Johnson reported that the Zerowater mug helped with the taste, but not so much with the smell. The Brita, she says, did not help with the taste. So at least their family will be returning to bottled water for now.