Abstract
Algal blooms in drinking water supplies can result in unpalatable flavors in tap water, human health concerns, and increased treatment costs. This study estimated the costs associated with treating algae and algal by‐products in the Waco, Tex., drinking water supply during 2002–2012. During that period, the city incurred an estimated cost of $70.4 million in addressing tap water taste and odor problems and potentially lost between $6.9 million and $10.3 million in revenue, partly as a result of decreased water sales to neighboring communities. Waco's average cost for providing tap water to its residents exceeds the national average for similar‐size water treatment systems, and a higher proportion of its drinking water production costs are attributed to advanced treatment compared with the national average. This analysis is intended to help water utility managers understand the costs associated with dealing with elevated nutrient loading and algal blooms in drinking water supplies.
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