Publisher's Synopsis
While water utilities operate their systems primarily to meet mandatory water quality requirements, many experts in the taste and odor field suspect that most drinking water utilities in North America are poorly prepared for taste and odor (T&O) events. The sporadic and transitory nature of T&O events and difficulties associated with their proper identification and response has led many utilities to approach these events with limited or no "tools" available to address recurring problems. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess the preparedness level of North American drinking water utilities for T&O events by creating an on-line survey, (2) develop a decision-tree tool to help utilities identify and manage a T&O event, and (3) develop a self-assessment tool that will allow a utility to identify its strengths and weaknesses regarding T&O preparedness. Almost every water utility has been or will be affected by a T&O event. Currently, no information readily exists for identifying, controlling, or managing T&O events. The decision tree will help utilities identify the source of the T&O event through sensory descriptors. The self-assessment will emphasize a utility?s ability to quickly identify the source of a problem, implement a control strategy, and communicate with its stakeholders. The survey will provide insight on how well-prepared utilities are regarding T&O events.
