High MIB Levels in Drinking Water
Information Release For Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority’s Customers Regarding High MIB Levels in Drinking Water
High levels of MIB (2-Methylisoborneol) in drinking water are not considered a public health risk, but it can cause noticeable taste and odor issues, typically described as earthy or musty. MIB, together with geosmin, are naturally occurring byproducts of certain algae and bacteria often present in lakes and reservoirs. These compounds can increase in the Fall when warmer summer weather changes to cooler weather.
The Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA) provides drinking water via the Wyckoff Treatment Division in northwest Cobb County and the Quarles Treatment Division in east Cobb County. The CCMWA's Simmons Laboratory samples and measures for MIB and geosmin routinely at both the Wyckoff and Quarles Divisions. The Quarles plant, whose source water comes from the Chattahoochee River, is experiencing an increase in MIB. Wyckoff's water is excellent, without elevated MIB or related taste and odor issues. To help reduce MIB levels, CCMWA has shifted more water being treated at the Wyckoff plant. Simultaneously, Quarles plant has increased the powdered activated carbon (PAC) to mitigate taste and odor problem from treated water. Reducing the flow through the facility increases the effectiveness of PAC.
CCMWA continues to monitor MIB levels in the water and is taking measures to control the taste and odor problem. There is no cause for health concern related to MIB. Your water is safe to drink.
Customers can take actions to reduce the unpleasant taste and smell of water. An activated carbon filter (such as Brita or Pur) can be used to improve the water’s taste. Getting water from the refrigerator’s water dispenser or chilling the water in the refrigerator before consumption can help.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at (770) 514-5300 or your water service provider.
Wholesale customers of the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority include:
• Cobb County Water System
• City of Marietta
• City of Smyrna
• Paulding County Water System
• City of Austell
• City of Woodstock
• City of Mountain Park
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Douglasville/Douglas County Water & Sewerage Authority