Joburg Water comments on bad-tasting drinking water

Joburg Water said that, according to its bulk drinking water supplier Rand Water, an earthy tasting compound called geosmin has been detected in the drinking water it supplies to the residents of Joburg.

In a recent statement, Joburg Water said that the taste and odour will sometimes manifest itself in the potable water supply.

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“The substances causing these odours are not harmful to human health. This problem occurs infrequently and is usually of short duration,” Joburg Water stated.

“As is typical during warm periods, the raw water source – which is the Vaal Dam – experiences blue-green algae which result in the unwelcomed taste and odour constituents in the drinking water. Consumers may detect an intermittent earthy or musty taste due to the intermittent presence of geosmin.

Taste and odour problems are not unique to the Rand Water’s area of supply but are experienced world-wide.”