Columbia Water is continuing its efforts to address the taste and odor issue that is affecting customers served by its Canal Water Treatment Plant. The musty taste and odor is harmless. It is caused by geosmin, which is produced from algae in water and is naturally occurring in the environment.
We increased our capacity to add activated carbon by relocating the carbon feed system and continue to add it to the treatment process. We have also been adding copper sulfate, a chemical commonly used for addressing algae problems, since June 6 with DHEC’s approval.
Geosmin levels skyrocketed between June 6 – 9, reaching more than 900 parts per trillion. DHEC testing indicated that the algae bloom might have extended as far upstream as the Parr Reservoir. However, with Mother Nature’s help, our efforts appear to be paying off. Recent rains have helped reduce the geosmin levels entering the canal, and our additives have been able to reduce geosmin in our finished water below the sensory detection levels of 5 parts per trillion. As the chart and table indicate, the trend is encouraging. For clarification, Canal Source Geosmin is the raw water in the canal before it enters the plant. Canal Finished Geosmin refers to treated water as it leaves the plant and enters the distribution system to customers.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of our efforts and adjust accordingly. To learn more about the issue and how we are treating it, please visit our web page at https://columbiascwater.net/geosmin-and-mib/.
