United Water Lambertville Taste and Odor Q and A

Q. How long does it take for treatments to work?
A. That depends on many factors, including the size of the bloom. In the case of Lambertville, microscopic
analysis of reservoir samples one week after treatment showed that the algae in question had been
largely eliminated and the musty taste and odor was reduced but still apparent due to the by-products of
the algae bloom.
Q. What is United Water doing now to address the taste and odor of the water?
A. In October, an expanded distribution sampling program was initiated for various locations in our
system. Additional tests were conducted for taste and odor, algae, general water quality and secondary
parameters.
Though we are out of the active algae growing season and the musty taste and odor has been largely
reduced, the extent of the bloom has left a residual impact to the reservoir that has changed the
characteristics of the source water and will require installation of additional equipment to treat both the
reservoir and in the treatment facility. These changes take time to develop the correct approach so that
there are not unintended consequences on other treatment mechanisms. It also takes some time to
procure, install and test the new equipment and treatment processes.
In mid-January powdered activated carbon (PAC) will be applied to water in the treatment plant. PAC is
approved by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) as a treatment method for taste and
odor control, and is used successfully at other United Water facilities for seasonal taste and odor control
concerns.
Q. What is United Water doing to address problems related to future algae blooms in
Swan Creek Reservoir?
A. While these odor events can be difficult to predict and avoid, United Water is taking additional preparatory
steps. These steps include earlier and more frequent profile testing of the reservoir to look for the specific
taste and odor compounds; and how they relate to algal counts. To control algae blooms, United Water
will continue to apply small amounts of copper sulfate to the reservoir, adhering to strict federal and state
environmental protection guidelines outlined in United Water’s NJDEP-issued treatment permit.
Also, United Water is in the process of installing an enhanced aeration system in the reservoir to both
aerate water and mix the distinct layers of water to create an environment that inhibits large algae
blooms from forming in the future.