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: 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.