County, city water customers complain about taste, smell of water

PRESS RELEASE

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. –Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department is aware that some residents have reported that their water has an unusual taste and odor. Testing of the raw water from Lake Lanier has confirmed that levels of Methylisoborneol (MIB) and Geosmin are higher than have been seen in past years.

These two compounds are not harmful. However, they can cause an earthy, musty taste and odor in water. While some people may notice this, many others will not notice it. Unfortunately, this taste and odor are not easily removed by traditional treatment techniques.

This taste and odor can be caused by what is referred to as the “turn over,” or inversion, of Lake Lanier, as well as other land conditions which can release these naturally occurring compounds.

We are working to modify our treatment processes to reduce the levels of MIB and Geosmin in the finished water. We are already seeing the reductions from our process changes, but it may take a few days for it to improve at all locations.

Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department appreciates residents’ patience while we work through this situation. Please be assured that your water is safe to use and drink, even if it may smell and taste different than normal.

City of Cumming customers have also complained about the water and city officials say they are adding  an increased level of powdered activated carbon during the treatment process.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com