Taste and odor issue

Update – January 5:
Our drinking water professionals are continuing to address the unpleasant taste and odor issue caused by historically high levels of MIB, a naturally occurring compound associated with algae, in our drinking water reservoirs. We are using our Advanced Oxidation System and fine-tuning traditional treatment methods to address the problem.
Our staff are drawing water samples directly from our water sources and sending that data to consultants to find the potential cause for the rise in MIB levels.
While we continue to investigate the cause of these elevated levels, we want to clearly reassure our customers: your drinking water remains safe and meets all regulatory standards and we are seeing improvement as treated water continues to move through the distribution system.

Spartanburg Water News

Spartanburg Water Taste & Odor FAQs

January 5th 2026

Right now, we’re seeing higher levels of a naturally occurring compound called MIB (Methylisoborneol) in our reservoirs. MIB comes from certain types of algae that grow in lakes and rivers—especially during stretches of hot weather and low rainfall. It can create an earthy or musty smell or taste, even though the water is still safe to drink.

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January 5 Begins Detour on Hwy. 221 at the Intersection of Elm St.

January 2nd 2026

Spartanburg Water is making repairs to a waterline that failed earlier in December.

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Spartanburg Water to Hold Ribbon Cutting for New Lake Blalock Nature Trail

November 10th 2025

Friday, November 14 at 10:30 a.m.

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County Stormwater Lines Require the Closing of Farragut Rd. Near Country Club Rd. Intersection

October 23rd 2025

Work requires intersection access access closed for safety.

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Spartanburg Water Team Members Remove More Than 19,000 Pounds from the Watershed

October 17th 2025

197 employees spent two-days removing garbage from around drinking water reservoirs

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Spartanburg Water and Liberty-Chesnee-Fingerville Water District Extend Partnership

September 9th 2025

Long-standing drinking water wholesale agreement to be extended for the next decade

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Proceeds from first Spartanburg Water Employee Golf Tournament benefit Upstate Warrior Solution

July 16th 2025

$1,100 in proceeds will benefit veterans and first responders in our community.

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For Our Customers - Lake Bowen Levels

July 9th 2025

Spartanburg Water Service Area Considered to be in “Normal” Status as of July 9, 2025.

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