Almost everyone in the county has noticed their water tastes like dirt. A random survey of 10 local restaurants found that every single establishment had received complaints about the taste of water and may said even many are complaining about the taste of the iced tea.
The problem is not dirt, but blue green algae, also known as pond scum. All of Anderson is dependent on Hartwell Lake for drinking water, and, depending on whom you ask either the drought of 2012 or the record rainfall of 2013 are to blame for the dirty water.
Whatever the cause, the result is the blue‐green algae which produces Geosmin and Methylisoborneol (MIB) compounds. Long-term ingestion of these substances have been found in some studies to potentially cause liver problems. Other studies are inconclusive.
Current plans by the Anderson Regional Joint Water System are to use Powder Activated Carbon (PAC) treatment system to clean up the water beginning June 30.
Reports from both said it could take from 4-6 weeks after the PAC process begins before water will begin to taste normal again.
The Anderson Regional Joint Water System includes:
Watch here for updates.
Article originally appeared on The Anderson Observer (http://andersonobserver.squarespace.com/).
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