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Why does my water have a musty or earthy smell/taste, particularly in fall?

Updated
9/16/2026
| FAQ

Changes in our source water (Lake Manassas, the Potomac River and Occoquan Reservoir), particularly in late summer and early fall, can lead to an earthy smell or taste in drinking water. This is due to increases in two naturally occurring compounds, geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB).

In addition, changing temperatures can cause water in lakes to move from top to bottom, stirring up natural compounds. While some customers may find the smell or taste unpleasant, your water remains safe to drink.

Prince William Water Earns 17th Consecutive National Association of Clean Water Agencies Award

Updated
9/29/2026
| Press Release
Date Posted:
August 25, 2026
Posted by:
Audrey Arnold-Mitchell

WOODBRIDGE, VA, August 25, 2026 — Prince William Water has once again received national recognition for excellence in wastewater treatment and regulatory compliance. The H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility (AWRF) has received the Platinum 17 Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for 17 consecutive years of 100% permit compliance with federal and state wastewater treatment standards. 

What can I do at home to reduce the smell and taste of geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB)?

Updated
9/16/2026
| FAQ

Those who are sensitive to the smell and taste of geosmin and MIB may consider the following:

  • Chill drinking water to reduce taste and odor.
  • Add citrus to water for natural odor masking.
  • Use an activated‑carbon filter for additional odor and taste removal.

Featherstone Sewage Pumping Station (SPS), L16 and Force Main (FM)

Updated
9/11/2026
| Capital Project
Project in Our Projects

The Featherstone SPS is a critical asset, as it is one (1) of only two (2) pumping stations that moves wastewater to the H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility (Mooney AWRF). The pumping station is an aging infrastructure and has capacity limitations, necessitating the installation of temporary additional bypass pumping at the site. As part of this project, a new SPS will be constructed to replace the existing SPS. In addition, the volume of flow passing through this pumping station and its proximity to the Potomac River mean that any failure at this station would pose a significant environmental and public health risk. 

What are geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB)?

Updated
9/16/2026
| FAQ

Geosmin and 2‑Methylisoborneol (MIB) are naturally occurring, harmless organic compounds that can produce earthy or musty tastes and odors in drinking water.