West Columbia Implements $40 Million Ozonation Technology to Enhance Water Quality

West Columbia Addresses Water Quality Concerns with Innovative Solutions

In the charming city of West Columbia, South Carolina, residents have been experiencing a couple of unsettling issues related to their water supply, particularly coming from beautiful Lake Murray. If you’ve noticed a funny taste or earthy smell in your tap water, you’re not alone! The City of West Columbia, along with the Town of Lexington and the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission, is rolling up their sleeves and getting to work on a solution that should delight the taste buds of water drinkers in the community.

Understanding the Problem

So, what’s going on with the water? According to Andy Zaengle, the Director of Engineering and Water Plants in West Columbia, the recent issues can be traced back to some peculiar weather patterns. Heavy rainfall, increased runoff, and those sweltering summer temperatures have contributed to a rise in algal blooms. When these algae die and break down, they release nasty organic compounds named MIB (methylisoborneol) and geosmin. These compounds are the culprits behind the unwelcome earthy taste and smell some residents have reported.

Some locals who live near the lake have even mentioned how noticeable the odor can be on windy days. One resident shared, “On windy days, especially, we noticed a very foul smell and fishy odor coming from the lake, which I sort of have always been told, ‘Oh, it’s just the lake, so it’s normal,’ but it’s not a nice smell.” Can you imagine how frustrating that must be?

A Robust Solution on the Horizon

But don’t fret, West Columbia! The city isn’t just sitting back and letting the bad smells win. A big part of the plan is an exciting expansion at the Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant, which includes a clever investment of around $40 million in ozonation technology specifically targeting these taste and odor issues. This technology is truly groundbreaking!

So how does it work? Zaengle explains that the process involves injecting ozone gas into the water. This gas does a fabulous job of breaking down the undesirable compounds that are causing the unpleasant experiences for many residents. Additionally, it offers the bonus of killing pesky viruses and bacteria without needing extra chemicals. Talk about a win-win!

“Ozone is a gas, so we are going to inject it into the water, and then we take that and put that into a much larger holding tank and let it mix,” Zaengle said. “So, we dissolve the gas into water, and it oxidizes those compounds.” Sounds pretty scientific, right? But at the end of the day, it’s all about keeping that water fresh and clean for the community.

What Can Residents Do?

Meanwhile, it’s important to note that officials have reassured residents that despite the taste and odor concerns, the water is still safe to drink. However, they do recommend a little extra care in your water preparation. It’s suggested that customers consider filtering their water and perhaps letting it chill overnight before drinking. Just a little tip for a much more pleasant experience!

When Can We Expect Relief?

The proposed solutions are slated for completion by the fall of 2027. Until then, the local officials are working hard to address these concerns so that every sip of water from Lake Murray can be as refreshing and delightful as it should be. The best is yet to come for the people of West Columbia!

So, as the city and its partners navigate these challenges, let’s stay hopeful and look forward to sipping clean, tasty water soon. Cheers to that!