An Update on Taste, Odor, and Appearance Methods for Water Analysis

Abstract

Key TakeawaysMany sensory methods are standardized, and new ones are being developed, to assess the aesthetic quality of source water and treated drinking water.In Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, sections 2110 and 2150 have been updated, and section 2150D, “Attribute Rating Test” (ART), has been added.ART is a technique for numerically rating water samples by sensory evaluation for the presence of taste and odor compounds.Sensory tests—screening panelists for their ability to smell compounds—should be part of a utility's sensory program.