Sewerage & Water Board Of New Orleans Community & Intergovernmental Relations Department 625 St. Joseph Street, Room B-47 New Orleans, Louisiana 70165 504-585-2175
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 9, 2005
Statement Regarding Water Odor

The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans said today that a musty odor and taste in the city's water supply are caused by an algae problem in the Mississippi River, where conditions at this time are conducive to algae growth.

Algae is not present in the water system, but natural compounds produced by the algae are responsible for the unusual taste and odor. These harmless compounds are found at extremely low levels.

The Sewerage & Water Board is continually monitoring the situation and adding activated carbon to the treatment process. However, it is unlikely that the problem will be completely alleviated until water conditions improve in the river.

The Board has received several calls from customers reporting the taste and odor. Board officials said some individuals are more sensitive than others to ultra-low levels of compounds responsible for taste and odor.

Taste and odor problems from algae growth are common for communities along the river. New Orleans experienced similar occurrences in 1991, 1997 and 1999.