Occasionally Columbus water has an earthy, musty or fishy taste and odor.
These seasonal phenomena can be caused by the bi-annual turnover of our city reservoirs, or with the presence of varied algal blooms (photo) in the reservoirs or rivers.
It is important to note this taste and odor poses no health concern but one of aesthetic quality. Advanced treatment techniques involving powder activated carbon and remote real-time sensors are being used to help mitigate this problem.
FAQs About Algae in Drinking Water Algae has been a growing concern in some of Ohio's lakes and waterways, and we want to inform our customers about the many efforts undertaken by the Columbus Division of Water to ensure water quality.
Simple steps you can take at home to prevent water pollution.
Signage installed at Griggs, O'Shaughnessy & Hoover Reservoirs invites park visitors to take a self-guided tour along the shoreline & learn about the green infrastructure installed there.
Rain gardens, porous pavement & more can improve the quality of storm water entering the reservoirs that supply our drinking water.
Protect our Waterways Illustration Courtesy of NCDENR