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Odor Control

Kentucky Officials: Drought, Higher Temperatures to Blame for Unpleasant Taste, Odor in Drinking Water

October 9, 2007

The Science of Smell

August 1, 2007By Rakesh Govind, Ph.D.

Dilution-to-threshold values are the best basis for determining effective control

Olfaction, the science of smell, is one of the least understood of the five senses, which makes odor management a major challenge. Odor perception is subjective and varies widely among individuals. However, odor complaints are routinely received by regulators and government bodies around the United States and internationally.

Nowhere to Hide

July 1, 2006By Vaughan Harshman, PE

As communities grow more crowded, odor control has become a major concern in the design and operation of wastewater treatment systems

As populations and communities continue to grow and expand, the need to treat wastewater means more facilities near homes. So, out of sight, out of mind doesn't work anymore. Years ago, wastewater treatment plants were located far away from communities, and odor was only a problem for those at the facility. Now, with new home developments booming and urban growth extending into even the most remote areas, it has become an issue in all communities.

Letting Your Malodors Fly Away

September 1, 2004By Anthony J. Sadar, CCM

Water treatment plant malodors can be moved by the wind to populated communities where odors can become an unwelcome neighbor, but effective techniques can mitigate odor impacts

One pleasant June morning, I was relaxing on my patio, when I observed a robin hovering momentarily above the grass in the backyard. Its fluttering wings were forcing the air beneath to wave the lush green grass. The air in motion (the simplest definition of wind) generated by the robin was in the range of what meteorologists call the microscale.

Exhausting Odors

March 1, 2004By Charlie Gans, PE, BSME, MBA, MSIS

Exhaust dilution can be an effective option for eliminating odors from roof exhaust systems at wastewater treatment facilities and keeping the surrounding communities free from wastewater odors

Odoriferous exhaust gases generated by wastewater treatment facilities can create major problems. No one likes foul odors, especially people who are not responsible for them yet must live with them daily. In fact, many communities are becoming less tolerant of odor-generating facilities and respond with new laws and/or fines against them.

A Texas-Size Toast to Pure Water

November 1, 2002By Rishabh Khara

Located in Dallas County, the largest ozonation facility in the world uses the ozone process to successfully control tastes and odors in drinking water

Currently, the process of ozonation is being implemented in drinking water purification in treatment plants around the globe. Ozone is a potent agent in the disinfection of raw water. When raw water is pumped into the treatment plant, it carries many bacteria and viruses. The use of ozone eradicates these harmful pathogens.