Still Drinking Stinky Water
How many weeks has it been? Oh, we’re talking six MONTHS now? Yes, that’s how long LA’s water has had that strange musty taste and smell. They projected that it would be over in a matter of weeks, but we’re stretching on to half a year already.
Water authorities claim that the purely-aesthetic problem with the water is the result of a particularly large and persistent algae bloom in the east branch of the State Water Project. The algae bloom produces 2-methylisoborneal, which proliferates even more quickly as the weather warms. They have been applying copper sulfate to control the algae growth and have attempted reducing the amount of water pulled from the affected areas.
Unfortunately, 2-methylisoborneal has a very noticeable smell and taste, and many people have been able to detect the compound even in the municipality treated water. People with sensitive taste and smell can detect the substance in water levels as low as 5 parts-per-trillion, but LA’s water has experienced concentrations as high as 20 parts-per-trillion.
While officials affirm that there is no health risk at all, many folks simply don’t like the idea of drinking algae and the chemicals used to kill its growth, much less enjoy the smell and taste. Fortunately, you do have options! Something as a salt-free water conditioner can improve the taste and smell of your water. Or, if you prefer a drinking water system, a reverse osmosis system or water cooler can deliver great tasting drinking water at the touch of a button. Not only will these systems take care of the -hopefully – temporary problem of the algae bloom, but they will also continue to take care of the smells and tastes of chlorine.
