Ekurhuleni communities may have experienced an earthy taste and petricoh odour in their water recently.<\/p>\n
This is due to the presence of geosmin that mostly occurs in the summer season.<\/p>
\u201cThere is no need to be alarmed, the water is safe to drink,\u201d said acting spokesperson for the metro, Zweli Dlamini.<\/p>\n
Geosmin is an organic synthesis made up of a type of actinobacteria found in surface water.<\/p>
The odour intensifies due to increased densities of blue-green algae which is normally found on the surface water of the Vaal Dam during the summer.<\/p>\n
Rand Water has assured the public that they have put in an extensive water quality-monitoring programme.<\/p>\n
\u201cShould there be an increase in frequency and duration of geosmin occurrences, precautionary measures will be taken to remedy the problem,\u201d Rand Water disclosed.<\/p>\n
Although geosmin is harmless, Rand Water has put together a few tips to help those who are sensitive to the flavour to offset the taste:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Use a carbon filter. While the filter may not eliminate the taste entirely, using one can improve the flavour and make water more palatable.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Invest in a reverse-osmosis water-treatment system; this is the most effective system for removing all geosmin from the water.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Cool your water in the fridge. The colder water will make your taste buds less receptive to the flavour of geosmin (this is a temporary solution).<\/p>\n
Customers are advised to visit www.reservoir.co.za<\/a> for more information on the water quality in their area.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ:<\/p>\n Power outages continue to plague residents<\/a><\/p>\n Overhead<\/a> power line replacement causes outage<\/a><\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n