AWWA WQTC69487

This paper provides insight into the kinds of algae that occur at different locations in water treatment plants. Eight water treatment plants were sampled and analyzed for algae characterization. The problematic algae observed could lead to taste and odor episodes, clog filters or generate cyanotoxins. The taste and odor organisms observed had the potential to produce the off-flavor compounds, MIB and/or Geosmin. The filter-clogging taxa had the potential to diminish the efficiency of granular activated carbon (GAC) or anthracite/sand filters by decreasing water flow through the filters. The problem algae observed in this study all had the potential to negatively impact utility customers whether the resulting finished water possesses off-tastes and odors (MIB and Geosmin-producing algae) or water production is reduced or interrupted (filter-clogging algae). Includes 3 references.