Water quality problems hit Atlanta

Poor water quality in Atlanta's reservoirs is prompting some communities to purchase treatment chemicals to make their water drinkable.

Scientists believe that the water levels of lakes Lanier and Allatoona, the main sources of water for the city, have dropped to the "dead zone" - a layer low in oxygen and high in organic material, according to the Sun Journal.

Georgia's leading environmental official Carol Couch stated that she remains unconvinced as to the water quality, which at present levels can possess a strong odour, taste and colour, it has been reported.

"Is there water there that could be used? Yes, but it's not exactly high quality," she told the Sun Journal.

Jim Connaughton, chairman of the White House council on environmental quality, said that the national government is helping state governments make plans for treating the water pumped from such lakes.

In related news, the BBC reported that a beach in Fife, Scotland, recently lost its Blue Flag status due to the deterioration of its water quality.

Written by Lauren Steadman