PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES CENTER Tech Brief: Taste and Odor Control

Abstract

Complaints about the taste and smell of drinking water are all too common for many systems. This Tech Brief examines common taste and odor problems and provides techniques for dealing with them in the treatment plant. My Water Tastes Funny Experienced water system personnel are well aware that most customer complaints are related to taste and odor problems. In fact, one reason that bottled water is popular with people is that taste and odor are less noticeable in the bottled water, or at least that’s the perception. By employing certain treatment techniques, plant operators may be able to reduce customer taste and odor complaints. Here are some typical complaints