Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority has detected a naturally occurring algae bloom in our source water that can cause some people to detect an earthy smell or taste in our treated water. The presence of geosmin and methylisoborneol produced by the algae at the detected levels cause aesthetic issues, especially for those with sensitive senses of smell, but is not a health or safety concern.
The Authority is taking steps to reduce the effects of the algae with powder activated carbon to absorb the taste and odor. Customers may continue to use water from their taps as normal, even as we work to resolve the issue.