Maine Health and Environmental Testing Lab

Color, Turbidity and Odor

Although these tests do not directly measure the safety of the water, they do relate to an individual’s acceptance of the water. The levels of 5 units of turbidity, 15 units of color, and odor number of 4 are levels which are objectionable to a number of people.

Turbidity and color may be removed by entanglement with a chemical floc, settling, and filtration. Activated carbon cartridges will remove tastes and odors by absorption.

If a supply suddenly develops an offensive odor, discontinue using the water for drinking and cooking purposes until another analysis shows the water is satisfactory for such purposes.

Questions and Concerns

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED ADVICE ON HOW TO CORRECT A PROBLEM, PLEASE CONTACT THE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING LABORATORY AT PHONE: 207-287-1716 OR FAX: 207-287-6832

AGENCY INFORMATION