Adrian, MI – The City of Adrian Utilities Department has released more information as to why many residents are experiencing taste and odor issues with their water. Will Sadler, Utilities Director with the City , says that they have received numerous taste and odor complaints regarding the drinking water.
He says that concentrations of naturally occurring compounds – Geosmin and Methylisoborneal – have been higher than normal this time of year in the water drawn from the lake. The higher-than-normal concentrations may be attributed to the unusual and mild winter we are experiencing. He said in a news release Friday that these compounds produce an unpleasant taste and odor but are not toxic and do not pose a public health risk.
Humans can detect these compounds at the nanograms per liter level (ng/L or parts per trillion, ppt) and every person has a different sensitivity level. The latest data showed levels in the drinking water at 25.8 ng/L.
The Adrian Water Treatment Plant is responding by adding activated carbon to the water treatment process. Normally, this is only done in the summer months. Additionally, one of the City’s four ground water wells has been out of service for maintenance. This is typically not an issue during the cold weather months because Geosmin and Methylisoborneol levels are normally low during cold weather. Well repairs will be completed in the next few weeks. Even with only three wells online, the water supplied is still 80% ground water and only 20% lake water.
On-going monitoring and testing of Adrian’s drinking water shows it complies with Michigan’s drinking water standards. Routine sampling of toxic-forming algae species has been consistently non-detect. The Department is actively investigating other long-term options to improve the water’s taste and odor. If you have any questions, contact the Water Treatment Plant directly at 517-264-4820. Drinking water monthly reports and other lab reports can be found at the link below:
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