The earthy taste and odor are caused by natural conditions in surface water reservoirs, such as Moss Lake. When weather and environmental conditions shift, the amount of natural organic material in the lake increases. This leads to algae blooms that produce compounds called geosmin and MIB. These compounds create an earthy or musty smell similar to soil after rain.

Kings Mountain relies on Moss Lake, which is a surface water source. Surface water is directly influenced by environmental factors such as rainfall, runoff, nutrient levels, and temperature changes. Over time, algae levels in the lake have increased, and algae blooms have lasted longer than in previous seasons. This has resulted in greater levels of sedimentation in the treatment process. Because surface water naturally responds to ecological conditions, communities depending on lakes can experience longer periods of taste and odor changes when those environmental factors remain elevated.

No. Dredging could be a possible contributing factor because it can temporarily increase water cloudiness by stirring up sediment. However, ongoing evaluation confirmed that dredging was not the primary cause of the current taste and odor issues. The main drivers are increased algae growth and naturally occurring compounds in the lake.

Dredging activity on the upper end of Moss Lake was completed in approximately May 2025. Operations were halted out of caution, and the dredging restriction remains in place to avoid further disturbance to the lake.

While the lake experiences seasonal turnover events, the taste and odor concerns are primarily driven by elevated organic matter and related compounds in the source water. Lake turnover is one of several environmental factors that affect surface water.

Seasonal conditions do influence taste and odor. Our work is currently focused on treatment and system improvements to strengthen performance year-round. We will continue to monitor source water conditions and adjust our treatment processes accordingly.

Yes. In fact, 60% of all drinking water in the U.S. is sourced from surface water, such as lakes and reservoirs. Because surface water is directly exposed to environmental changes, many communities across the country experience similar seasonal taste and odor issues caused by algae, geosmin, and MIB.

To manage these events, water systems nationwide rely on the same treatment methods we are implementing. This includes using carbon treatment to bind the compounds, optimizing water flow through the plant, conducting routine system flushing, and making infrastructure upgrades to strengthen their systems against changing lake conditions.