Smelly water with funny taste safe to drink in Fulton County, officials say – 11Alive.com

Report on Fulton County Water Quality and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report addresses the recent change in the aesthetic quality of drinking water in Fulton County, Georgia. While a noticeable earthy or musty taste has been reported, official assessments confirm the water remains safe for consumption and fully compliant with all regulatory standards. The situation highlights the county’s commitment to fulfilling key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Analysis of Water Quality Change

The altered taste and odor in the municipal water supply have been attributed to a natural, seasonal phenomenon. This directly relates to the management of water ecosystems, a core component of SDG 6.

• Causative Factor: The annual turnover process within the Lake Lanier-Chattahoochee River system.
• Resulting Compounds: This natural event has led to a temporary increase in two organic compounds: 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) and Geosmin.
• Sensory Impact: These compounds are responsible for the earthy or musty taste and odor but do not compromise the water’s safety.

Compliance with Health Standards and SDG 3

The Fulton County Department of Public Works has affirmed that the water supply’s safety is uncompromised, directly supporting the objectives of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by protecting the community from water-related health risks.

• Health Risk Assessment: Officials have confirmed that MIB and Geosmin at current levels pose no risk to human health.
• Regulatory Compliance: The water continues to meet or exceed all state and federal safety standards, ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water as mandated by SDG Target 6.1.

Commitment to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The response from the Department of Public Works underscores a strong commitment to the principles of SDG 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water for all.

1. Priority on Safe Water: David Clark, Director of Public Works, stated, “Providing safe and reliable drinking water to our community is our top priority,” reinforcing the county’s dedication to SDG Target 6.1.
2. Effective Water Management: The department’s “rigorous testing and treatment processes” are crucial operational actions that ensure the continuous provision of a clean and safe water supply.
3. Proactive Treatment Adjustments: In response to the issue, the department is actively adjusting “activated carbon levels.” This measure is a direct application of advanced water treatment technology aimed at improving water quality, aligning with SDG Target 6.3.
4. Public Guidance: Residents are advised to use personal water filters as a temporary measure to improve the water’s taste, promoting individual participation in water quality management.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The issues discussed in the article are primarily connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses entirely on the quality and safety of drinking water for the residents of Fulton County. The Public Works department’s statements about ensuring water safety, the treatment processes, and meeting quality standards directly address the core mission of SDG 6. The article’s main purpose is to communicate about the management of the public water supply, as highlighted by the statement, “Providing safe and reliable drinking water to our community is our top priority.”

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This goal is also relevant as the article explicitly addresses the health implications of the water’s condition. By repeatedly assuring the public that the compounds “do not pose any risk to human health,” the officials are directly addressing the goal of preventing illnesses and promoting well-being. The focus on safety and adherence to standards is a preventative health measure, ensuring that the water supply does not become a source of disease.

Specific SDG Targets

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

   The article directly relates to this target by discussing the efforts to provide a “safe and reliable drinking water” supply to “all residents.” The confirmation from the Director of Public Works that they are committed to assuring “all residents that their water is of the highest quality” underscores the focus on providing safe drinking water for the entire community served.

2. Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution…

   While the cause of the taste change is natural, the response involves active water quality management. The article mentions the department’s “rigorous testing and treatment processes” and the specific action of “adjusting ‘activated carbon levels'” to manage the compounds. These actions are direct measures to improve and maintain the quality of the drinking water delivered to consumers.

3. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and from air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

   This target is addressed through the explicit assurance of water safety. The statement that the compounds MIB and Geosmin “do not pose any risk to human health” and that the water is safe to drink directly aligns with the objective of preventing illness from water contamination. The entire communication is a public health measure to prevent concern and potential health issues.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

The article mentions or implies the following indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Implied Indicator for Target 6.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services (Indicator 6.1.1).

  The article implies that the service is “safely managed” by stating that the water “continues to meet or exceed all state and federal standards.” This adherence to established safety standards is a key component of how Indicator 6.1.1 is measured. The commitment to providing safe water to “all residents” suggests the aim is a 100% proportion for the serviced population.

• Implied Indicator for Target 6.3: Water quality testing results.

  The article refers to “rigorous testing and treatment processes.” The results of these tests, which confirm the water meets safety standards despite the presence of MIB and Geosmin, serve as a direct indicator of water quality management. The adjustment of “activated carbon levels” is a measurable action taken in response to these test results to maintain water quality.

• Implied Indicator for Target 3.9: Adherence to health and safety standards for drinking water.

  The article’s key message is that the water is safe because it “meets or exceed all state and federal standards.” These standards are established to protect human health. Therefore, compliance with these standards serves as a direct indicator that measures the prevention of illnesses from water contamination, which is the goal of Target 3.9.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: 11alive.com