The most commonly reported taste and odor compounds, geosmin and MIB (2-methylisoborneol) are produced in surface water sources by naturally occurring cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) or actinomycetes bacteria.  Geosmin and MIB typically produce earthy or musty tastes and odors in water streams and can be detected at very low (part per trillion) concentration levels.

While there are no health-based regulations for taste and odor in drinking water, aesthetic secondary standards are commonplace, and many municipalities seek to control taste and odor issues to minimize consumer complaints.  Oftentimes, taste and odor episodes in drinking water supplies are seasonal, often in warm weather months with mid/late summer being the peak for many locations.

Among the methods to control taste and odor in drinking water, one of the more common technologies used is granular (GAC) or powdered (PAC) activated carbon.  In cases where taste and odor episodes are relatively short (only a few weeks) the most common treatment method is usage of PAC until the taste and odor excursion passes.  In cases where taste and odor episodes are longer, or there are other needs for organic removal, GAC will be employed.

Siemens Water Technologies offers our full line of Westates® granular and powdered activated carbon products for reduction of taste and odor in drinking water applications.  Our carbons are ANSI/NSF Standard 61 classified for potable water use, and are extensively quality checked at our State certified environmental and carbon testing laboratory located in Los Angeles, CA.  Siemens’ laboratory is fully equipped to provide complete quality control analyses using ASTM standard test methods in order to assure the consistent quality of all Westates® carbons. 

Siemens also provides reactivation services for the safe, environmentally friendly disposal of spent activated carbons used in drinking water treatment.  We operate three fully permitted reactivation facilities and provide carbon exchange services from our network of service branches across the United States.