Water Taste / Odor

1. Daily water plant testing and ongoing TDEC testing do not indicate a health concern. We continue to monitor the water, and if conditions change, the public will be notified immediately. We are not aware of any related concerns regarding recreation on the Hiwassee River.
2. The source of the earthy taste and odor is from a naturally occurring, algae-compound found in the Hiwassee River.
3. All parties continue to collect and analyze water samples to identify the cause of the algae and develop potential solutions.
4. All water flow during the weeks preceding, and also since algae was detected, have been above the minimum amount of flow as set forth in TVA's Reservoir Operations Policy. TVA is continuing to supply water flows that are at or in excess of the required minimum flow.

Cleveland Utilities (CU) has been diligently working to determine the cause for the water taste and odor changes that have been ongoing since late April.  A large majority of CU’s drinking water supply is from the Hiwassee River just upstream of Charleston, TN.  Since these taste and odor issues have started, CU has and continues to meet all primary drinking water standards of the treated water.

Recent tests indicate the source of the taste and odor issue is primarily 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB or MIB) and is located on the Hiwassee River (upstream of the confluence with the Ocoee River).  Geosmin and MIB are naturally occurring algae-derived compounds often found in surface water supplies (lakes and reservoirs) across the United States. These geosmin and MIB compounds have an earthy/musty taste and odor and are not harmful.  

CU, along with its partners at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) continue to collect and analyze data to gain more information on the cause of the taste and odor issue as well as the quickest way to remedy it. While we continue analyzing the source water, CU has already proactively implemented an additional treatment measure to help minimize the taste and odor changes some customers are experiencing. Additionally, CU is actively identifying potential advanced treatment options to improve the taste and odor while maintaining primary drinking water standards.

Since the City of Cleveland began using the Hiwassee River as a water source almost 70 years ago, CU has never experienced any taste and odor issues with the source water.  CU is very proud of its history in providing quality drinking water to its valued customers.  We are working diligently to improve the situation and will continue to keep you informed. As always, we care and appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work through this issue.