By Howard Packowitz
PONTIAC – If you’re in Pontiac, you might not like the taste or smell of your water, but the water company assures you it’s safe to drink.
In a news release, Illinois American Water said recent heavy rain produced geosmin in the Vermillion River, which is Pontiac’s water source, but customers “can rest assured that drinking water continues to meet EPA standards and is safe to drink.”
Geosmin is an organic compound that gives water “earthy or musty” tastes and odors, the news release said.
The water company said it’s adding activating carbon to the supply source and in the water treatment process to improve the taste and reduce the smell, but it will take a few days for customers to notice a change.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at howard.packowitz@cumulus.com.
