West Columbia Collaborates to Enhance Water Quality at Lake Murray

West Columbia Takes Steps to Improve Water Quality at Lake Murray

West Columbia, S.C. is buzzing with news about the collaboration between the City of West Columbia, the Town of Lexington, and the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission. This united effort is aimed at tackling some pesky taste and odor issues that have been bothering local residents who rely on water from Lake Murray.

The Source of the Problem

So, what’s causing the earthy taste and smell that’s got folks talking? According to Andy Zaengle, the Director of Engineering and Water Plants for West Columbia, this situation can be traced back to some unusual weather patterns we’ve seen lately. The heavy rainfall and increased runoff, combined with high temperatures, have led to a surge in algal blooms. Sounds familiar, right?

Zaengle explains that when certain types of algae die and start to decay, they release two organic compounds known as methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin. These compounds are primarily responsible for the earthy taste and smell in the water. “These two different types of algae, when they die and decay and their cell ruptures, they release these compounds that create that earthy taste and smell in the water,” he noted.

Residents Share Their Experience

Local residents haven’t held back in sharing their experiences with the water’s taste and smell. One woman who lives right on the lake recalled a particularly unusual smell she noticed during some windy days. “We noticed a very foul smell and fishy odor coming from the lake. I always assumed it was just a normal lake thing,” she reminisced, “but it’s definitely not a nice smell.”

The Solution is on the Way!

Fortunately, solutions are already in the pipeline! The fixes are part of the ongoing Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant expansion, which is backed by a hefty $40 million investment in ozonation technology specifically focused on improving the taste and odor issues. Zaengle describes this innovative ozone treatment as quite the game changer, stating that it effectively breaks down the compounds causing these unpleasant tastes and smells.

He elaborates on the process: “Ozone is a gas, so we are going to inject it into the water. Then, we take that and put it into a much larger holding tank and let it mix. We dissolve the gas into the water, and it oxidizes those compounds.” Not only does ozone tackle taste and odor woes, but it also helps eliminate viruses and bacteria without relying on additional chemicals. Talk about a win-win!

Safety First

Officials have reassured residents that the water is safe to drink. However, they do recommend filtering the water and letting it chill overnight before use for those who are still concerned about the taste.

Looking Ahead

As exciting as this news is, the proposed solutions are expected to be fully implemented by fall 2027. In the meantime, West Columbia and its neighbors are working hard to ensure that residents can enjoy clean and tasty water.

It’s great to see local communities coming together to tackle these challenges. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to keep an eye (and nose) on your water!