Geosmin in Water Poses no Threat

If you have noticed an earthy taste to your water or an unpleasant smell don’t panic, this is due to high levels of geosmin in the water drawn from the Theewaterskloof Dam. Geosmin is a natural, organic compound which does not affect water quality or safety and poses no threat to human health.

The City continues to add powdered activated carbon dosing during the water treatment process in an attempt to absorb this compound and to reduce the unpleasant smell and taste. This situation is likely to persist until the onset of the winter rains.