Perspectives on taste and odor management in public water systems: A case study of Tennessee, USA

Public water systems must continually adapt to fluctuations in source water quality and quantity, caused by weather and other factors, including the management of taste and odors. Little is known about personnel perspectives on planning for long-term changes to water source quality caused by climate change. A survey of public water system personnel in the state of Tennessee, United States, was conducted. The perspectives were often influenced by the source water used. Many personnel rely on the robustness of the facilities and individual experience, which could pose challenges in planning for the future under climate change. • Utilities relied on experience, not technology or procedures to manage T&Os. • Operators of water treatment plants have not been planning for climate change. • The disconnect may be explained by trust in the experience of the operators.