Understanding and forecasting taste-and-odour formation in a drinking water distribution system: case study of Lyon (France)

Lyon, France has the opportunity to distribute in abundance a groundwater resource with a good quality for drinking water. However, the length and the complexity of the distribution network can lead to consumer complaints in some areas of the water distribution system. In order to improve the organoleptic quality of distributed water, the water supplier wants to get a better understanding of potential taste and odour formation and to succeed in controlling it. Since 2006, activities have been taken with targeted analyses and sensory evaluation of water, taking into account both the consumers' private networks and the citywide distribution network. The first results were focused on the occurrence of bromophenols along the water distribution system, the understanding of the mechanisms of formation of such compounds, as well as their incidence on taste-and-odour events at the consumer's home.