By John Tredrea, Special Writer
LAMBERTVILLE — United Water, which supplies the city with its public water supply, said it will test, in January, a water treatment method designed to eliminate taste and odor caused algae blooms.
In recent months, a number of city residents have complained to United Water and city officials about a “musty” taste and smell in the water.
United Water spokesman, Steve Goudsmith, said his company will work with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Lambertville officials on the new treatment method.
Mr. Goudsmith said United Water has been working for months to solve the mustiness issue.
”In October, United Water successfully treated a bloom of blue-green algae in the Swan Creek Reservoir,” he said. “Blue-green algae blooms are not uncommon in surface water reservoirs and are known to produce a musty odor.”
The Swan Creek Reservoir is Lambertville’s source of public water.
”United Water will continue to treat algae blooms at the source, as needed, using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved methods and with approval of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP),” Mr. Goudsmith said.
”To further eliminate odor, United Water will install enhanced reservoir aeration equipment in mid-January and will apply powdered activated carbon (PAC) to water in the treatment plant. The use of PAC is approved by the NJDEP and is a common treatment method that is used successfully at other United Water facilities for seasonal taste and odor control concerns.”
United Water stressed that the city’s water meets all water quality standards, but understands the residents’ concerns about mustiness.
”The water meets or exceeds all regulated primary water quality standards and is safe to use for drinking, cooking and bathing, but we understand customers’ concerns,” said Robert Iacullo, executive vice president, United Water. “That’s why we’re taking these extra measures.”
Monthly samples will be collected from the reservoir intake outside the growing season, and more frequently during the growing season. Additionally, United Water will respond to changes in weather patterns and any subsequent increases in algae blooms with increased monitoring, testing, and treatment.
NJDEP will be kept apprised of the results in Lambertville, and may participate in sampling of the water.
United Water provides water and wastewater services to about 5.7 million people in this country, Mr. Goudsmith said. The firm was founded in 1869 and is a subsidiary of Suez Environment, a global firm headquartered in Paris and Brussels.

