Update:  August 28, 2020

There aretwo things we want you to know about your water from Forsyth County. 

1)     It is safe to drink.

2)     We are continually testing andmonitoring to ensure the safety of the water.

Here isan update on two items.

Unusual Odor and Taste

Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department has installed apowder activated carbon (PAC) system at the drinking water treatment facilityto help reduce the levels of MIB and Geosmin in the water. 

While the PAC system is designed to reduce these levels, itmay take time for the results to be seen throughout the county. Even once theMIB and Geosmin levels have been reduced in the finished water, it is possiblethat some individuals will still be able to detect them.

As the circumstances in Lake Lanier change and the levels ofthese compounds in the raw water are reduced, it will naturally reduce thelevels in the finished water that is sent to customers’ homes.

Cloudy/Milky Water

As part of the process to move the PAC system water throughthe pipes, the Water and Sewer Department has been flushing the system atvarious points. This is done by opening a fire hydrant to allow large amountsof water to pass through.

When this is done, it can introduce air into the waterdistribution system. The water is safe to drink, it just may have a cloudy ormilky appearance. By letting the container of water sit for a few minutes, theair bubbles will rise to the top and the water will be clear again.

Initial Post: August 21, 2020

Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department is aware that someresidents have reported that their water has an unusual taste and odor. Testingof the raw water from Lake Lanier has confirmed that levels of Methylisoborneol(MIB) and Geosmin are higher than have been seen in past years. 

These two compounds are not harmful. However, they can causean earthy, musty taste and odor in water. While some people may notice this,many others will not notice it. Unfortunately, this taste and odor are noteasily removed by traditional treatment techniques.  

This earthy, musty taste and odor can be caused by what isreferred to as the “turn over,” or inversion, of Lake Lanier, as well as otherland conditions which can release these naturally occurring compounds.

We are working to modify our treatment processes to reducethe levels of MIB and Geosmin in the finished water. We are already seeing thereductions from our process changes, but it may take a few days for it toimprove at all locations.

Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department appreciatesresidents’ patience while we work through this situation. Please be assuredthat your water is safe to use and drink, even if it may smell and tastedifferent than normal.