The City of Cape Town has issued a statement assuring residents that despite an earthy taste in their tap water it is still safe to drink and compliant with SANS241 standards.
The change of taste is because of the presence of geosmin in the raw water supply.
The City said geosmin poses no threat to human health and it is a naturally occurring organic compound that is responsible for the earthy taste of beetroot and the scent that occurs in the air when rain falls after a dry spell. Geosmin is at times found in water, especially during periods of hot weather.
“The City of Cape Town advises residents that we are currently experiencing high levels of geosmin in our raw water supply from the Voëlvlei Dam. This is currently affecting the taste and smell of the water supplied from the Voëlvlei Water Treatment Plant to the Western areas of Cape Town.”
“Initial reports were received from consumers in the Parklands and Sunningdale areas.”
To lessen the effect of geosmin the City is adding powdered activated carbon during the water treatment process. Although the City has said it will take a while for the taste and the smell of the water to become normal.
The City continues to appeal to residents to practice water conservation and make saving water a way of life.
More: Cape Argus