Aqua Marion, Ohio customers: Taste and Odor Issues: Updated Wednesday, December 17 at 2:30 p.m. EST

Advanced analysis of samples collected from the Marion water system have confirmed earlier evaluations that the compound causing taste and odor issues was geosmin, an organic compound that is detectable by humans at extremely low levels often resulting in smells that people describe as “earthy.” 

There are no health concerns related to geosmin at detected levels and water from the system can be used normally. There is no need to boil water.

When the odor was detected over the weekend, operators changed the source water mix entering the plant and enhanced the water treatment process with carbon to better absorb the odor. 

The odors are expected to dissipate over the next few days as the geosmin migrates through and out of the Marion distribution system. Above-freezing temperatures are allowing crews to open select fire hydrants in the system to flush the compound from water mains during daytime hours. This will expedite purging the geosmin from the system.

Once the geosmin has dissipated, customers may still detect odors especially those that are more sensitive to smells. Heating the water can increase the intensity of the smell. Customers may choose to run their hot water for several minutes to help remove the compound from water heaters.

For more information customers can visit the disruption map page or call Aqua customer service at 877.987.2782.

Aqua Marion, Ohio customers: Taste and Odor Issues

Over the weekend, operators at Aqua’s Marion water treatment plant detected an organic odor in the water entering the plant. The compound is not considered a health threat but may result in taste and odor issues. 

In response, operators changed source water mix entering the plant from river water to primarily well water. Some river water is still being used to meet supply demands. Staff also enhanced the water treatment process to better absorb the odor and have increased water quality testing. 

The odors are expected to dissipate over the next few days.

The water meets state and federal requirements and there is no need to boil water. 

For more information customers can visit the disruption map or call Aqua customer service at 877.987.2782.

Aqua Marion, Ohio customers: Taste and Odor Issues: Updated Wednesday, December 17 at 2:30 p.m. EST

Advanced analysis of samples collected from the Marion water system have confirmed earlier evaluations that the compound causing taste and odor issues was geosmin, an organic compound that is detectable by humans at extremely low levels often resulting in smells that people describe as “earthy.” 

There are no health concerns related to geosmin at detected levels and water from the system can be used normally. There is no need to boil water.

When the odor was detected over the weekend, operators changed the source water mix entering the plant and enhanced the water treatment process with carbon to better absorb the odor. 

The odors are expected to dissipate over the next few days as the geosmin migrates through and out of the Marion distribution system. Above-freezing temperatures are allowing crews to open select fire hydrants in the system to flush the compound from water mains during daytime hours. This will expedite purging the geosmin from the system.

Once the geosmin has dissipated, customers may still detect odors especially those that are more sensitive to smells. Heating the water can increase the intensity of the smell. Customers may choose to run their hot water for several minutes to help remove the compound from water heaters.

For more information customers can visit the disruption map page or call Aqua customer service at 877.987.2782.

Aqua Ohio Customers: Taste and Odor Alert

February 2, 2026 -- Over the weekend, operators at Aqua’s Marion water treatment plant detected an organic odor caused by geosmin in the water entering the plant. The compound is not considered a health threat but may result in taste and odor issues in tap water. 

Staff continue to operate enhanced water treatment with the addition of carbon to absorb taste and odor causing organic compounds that may exist. Crews have also increased water quality testing and targeted flushing. 

The water meets state and federal requirements and there is no need to boil water. Aqua continues to work with the Ohio EPA to ensure safe water.

For more information customers can visit the disruption map or call Aqua customer service at 877.987.2782.

February 16, 2026 -- Earlier this morning, operators at the Marion water treatment plant again detected taste and odor issues in the water system. They made treatment and source water adjustments and have not been able to detect any issues since 6:00am.

Crews are working to locate any appearances of the compound causing the issue as it moves through the distribution system and are opening hydrants to remove it.

If you noticed a change in water taste or odor today, it is important to contact our customer service department at 877.987.2782. This will allow us to log the appearance and to dispatch staff to respond in that area. Tests have not indicated any regulatory exceedances and there is no need to boil water.