NEWS RELEASE
May 13, 2004

            HARTFORD – The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) has taken steps to improve the taste and odor of its water during a temporary, seasonal condition. In the past, during the spring, some customers reported an odor and off-taste in their water. This condition was the natural, seasonal result of rising water temperatures and the accompanying turnover of water in the MDC’s reservoirs. The condition, which posed no health threat of any kind, appeared to be most significant in the areas served by the Reservoir 6 Water Treatment Plant.

In an effort to reduce the taste and odor episodes, the MDC has taken these steps:

• A new powdered activated carbon system has been put into service.  Carbon has been identified as one of the best ways to remove compounds that cause odors.
• The District has undertaken work to counteract the turnover effect that occurs when colder Barkhamsted Reservoir water enters Reservoir 6.    
• A more comprehensive reservoir water quality monitoring program is being used to more accurately determine the causes of taste and odors. This will improve the MDC’s ability to respond.    
• If necessary, the MDC will continue to increase aeration and chlorination, both of which are commonly applied treatment techniques for reducing taste and odors.

The District’s Reservoir 6 Water Treatment Plant serves the towns of Bloomfield, Windsor, South Windsor and the northern portions of East Hartford, West Hartford and Hartford.  The District encourages anyone with concerns related to the taste and odor of their drinking water to contact the MDC’s Customer Service Department at 278-0127.

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