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.

July 1, 2026 -- Aqua New Jersey Issues Mandatory Conservation Notice, Irrigation Schedule to Customers in Woolwich Township

Due to drier than normal weather conditions in New Jersey, Aqua is encouraging customers in Woolwich Township, Gloucester County to conserve water and adhere to an irrigation schedule along with limiting non-essential outdoor water use. This announcement comes as a Statewide Drought Warning from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection remains in effect.

All customers in Woolwich Township are asked to comply with the following schedule for non-essential outdoor water use and irrigation:

• Building and Construction Efforts: Monday and Thursday
• Even-numbered addresses Commercial/Residential (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Tuesday and Friday
• Odd-numbered addresses Commercial/Residential (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Wednesday and Saturday

Some other helpful tips on reducing water use include:

• Don’t leave the water running when brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Take showers, not baths: Showers are more efficient and use less water. The shorter the shower, the better. A 10-minute shower uses half the amount of water as a full bathtub.
• Cut back on rinsing dishes. Scrape off the food and let the dishwasher do the rest. Only run the dishwasher when it is full.

To be clear, Aqua monitors and manages our water supplies actively every day, and we are confident in being able to supply our systems, but we are issuing the conservation notice as a precaution. While we cannot predict how long the dry weather will continue, our operations, environmental and compliance experts plan for this type of weather event with our customers in mind. Aqua’s drought team will continue to monitor the situation to ensure continued service and reliability. To this end, we ask our customers to use water wisely in this abnormal period that is affecting the Garden State.  As always, if our customers have any specific concerns or questions, please reach out to us at 877.987.2782.  We will keep you updated on any significant changes.

For more water conservation tips, please visit https://aquawater.com/customers/guides-and-tips.php.