Marion residents face growing frustration with their water, enduring costs and inconvenience despite assurances of safety.

MARION, Ohio — Concerns about Marion’s water supply continue to flood into the 10TV newsroom. We first reported on the issue last week.

Water supplier Aqua Ohio says the water is safe to drink, but many residents and business owners say that assurance isn’t enough.

For Kristy Alexander, a mother of two, the past two weeks have been exhausting.

“It smells like a YMCA pool or a hot tub,” Alexander said.

She said concerns over Marion’s water have meant constant trips to grocery stores for bottled water and showering at her mother-in-law’s home. 

“For four people, the water doesn’t last long if you’re using it for everything,” Alexander added.  

Alexander said the smell and taste haven’t improved.

“I can’t drink it,” Alexander said. “I tried it the other day, just to see how it was going, and I was like, ‘I can’t.’ I spit it right out.” 

“We go through a case every two days. So, $5 every couple days. Not to mention that you’re paying for water you’re not even consuming. It adds up, and times are tough now where you can’t afford anything,” she said.

Local businesses are feeling the impact, too.

At Bucci’s Italian restaurant, empty water jugs line the kitchen. Owner Alex Sheridan said the restaurant is relying entirely on bottled water for cooking, fountain drinks and ice.

“With restaurants, it’s especially hard because the profit margins are so small,” said Sheridan. “Most restaurants are operating on a 3-5% profit, so when you’re going out and relying on and buying $250 worth of water and soda, you got to sell a lot of spaghetti to make up for that.”

Aqua Ohio said it understands customer frustration. Spokesperson Jeff LaRue said lingering taste and odor issues are caused by Geosmin, an organic compound detected in the groundwater 10 days ago, which may linger, but the compound is no longer detected.  

“Since Dec. 14, the Geosmin has been undetectable leaving our treatment plant, but the Geosmin continues to work its way through and out of our distribution system in Marion,” La Rue said. 

La Rue and the Ohio EPA emphasized that the water remains safe to drink.

“There are no health concerns connected to Geosmin, but the taste and odor issues do lead to aesthetic issues our customers do not appreciate, and they are unpleasant,” La Rue added. 

The Ohio EPA sent 10TV this statement: 

“We are working with the Aqua-Marion public water system to address concerns regarding taste and odor issues. 

Based on the available data, the drinking water is in compliance with all applicable drinking-water standards, meaning it is safe to drink. Naturally occurring compounds in the water that cause taste and odor issues were detected in the water. Last week, the water system began flushing the distribution system to bring newly treated water into the distribution system. 

 Aqua Marion is responding to complaints it receives by targeting flushing in those areas this week, which should help with taste and smell concerns.”

Residents said they hope the issue clears soon, but for some, trust in the water supply is already gone.

“Will you ever trust the water again?” asked 10TV’s Bryn Caswell.

Alexander answered, “Honestly, probably not.”