Ekurhuleni customers may recently have experienced an unusual odour in their water.
According to the Ekurhuleni metro, this is due to the presence of geosmin, a substance that mostly occurs in the hot summer season. There is no need to be alarmed, the water is safe to drink, said Zweli Dlamini, acting spokesperson for the metro.
Geosmin is a naturally occurring compound produced by bacteria in soil and algae found in surface water. The intensity of the odour currently being experienced is related to the increased density of blue-green algae on the surface of the Vaal Dam during the summer.
“Rand Water has put in place an extensive water quality monitoring programme,” said Dlamini.
“Should there be an indication of an increase in frequency and duration of geosmin occurrences, precautionary measures will be
taken to remedy the problem in due course.”
According to the statement, geosmin is harmless. However, those who are very sensitive to the flavour of geosmin can offset the taste by:
• Using a carbon filter. While the filter may not eliminate the taste entirely, using one can improve the flavour and make water more palatable.
• Investing in a reverse-osmosis water-treatment system. This is the most effective system for removing all geosmin from the water.
• Cooling your water in the fridge. The colder water will make your taste buds less receptive to the flavour of geosmin (this is a temporary solution).
Customers are advised to visit www.reservoir.co.za for more information on the water quality in their area.
