City fights musty odor in drinking water caused by naturally occurring algae – Estes Park Trail-Gazette
The City of Estes Park Water Department has responded to recent complaints from residents about a musty smell and taste in the city’s drinking water. The problem has been traced to naturally occurring algae in the water supply, which, while affecting the taste and smell of the water, poses no health risks.
Kate Miller, spokesperson for the City of Estes Park, said the water department regularly monitors water quality parameters, including the compounds geosmin and 2-MIB, which are known to cause musty odors and tastes in water. These compounds, which can be detected by the human nose in very small amounts, do not pose a health risk.
City of Estes Park – Image courtesy
The compounds geosmin and 2-MIB, known to cause musty odor and taste in water, are detectable in very small amounts by the human nose but do not pose a health risk. (City of Estes Park – Image courtesy)
“The Estes Park Water Department monitors these compounds in our Grand Lake spring water weekly and has noticed a decrease in the musty odor in recent days,” Miller explained.
She noted that the water department uses powdered activated carbon (PAC) as a treatment method to reduce the concentration of these compounds. Miller said the city’s water continues to comply with all EPA and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regulations.
Geosmin and methyl-isoborneol (2-MIB) are naturally occurring compounds produced by algae and bacteria in lakes and reservoirs. These compounds are particularly difficult to remove using conventional water treatment processes. According to the Water Department, geosmin and 2-MIB become detectable to the average person at concentrations of about ten parts per trillion. However, some people can detect them at even lower concentrations.
Miller explained that these compounds are most common in the summer and early fall when water temperatures rise. Current levels are declining and the problem should be resolved in the coming weeks.
For people with odor and taste sensitivity, the Water Department recommends simple remedies such as adding a few drops of lemon juice to the water and chilling it in the refrigerator. This can improve the taste and reduce lingering odors.
The City will continue to closely monitor water quality and provide updates if there are significant changes.
Residents can obtain detailed water quality reports in the City’s annual Consumer Confidence Report, available on the City of Estes Park website.
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