North Carolina Surface Water Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Prep

Algae can indeed cause multiple issues in water treatment processes, making the selection of "all of the above" the most comprehensive answer.

When algae bloom in water bodies, they can obstruct and clog filters used in water treatment facilities. This clogging can lead to increased maintenance costs and operational challenges as systems must be regularly cleaned or replaced.

Additionally, algae can produce compounds that affect the taste and odor of the water, leading to consumer complaints and potentially impacting water quality perceptions. These taste and odor issues often arise from metabolites released by certain algae species, which can be unpleasant.

Therefore, both filter clogging and taste and odor complications arise from the presence of algae in water, solidifying the choice that encompasses all the problems caused by these organisms. Addressing these concerns is vital for ensuring safe and acceptable drinking water quality.