This paper describes the procedure and application of the 2-of-5 Odor Test for use in routine
water quality monitoring. In the 2-of-5 Odor Test an analyst is asked to determine if the odors of
two different water samples are the same or different. To perform the test, the analyst is required
to sort five samples, based on their odor characteristics, into one group of two and another group
of three, even if the decision is a guess. If the samples are correctly sorted, the two waters are
considered to be noticeably different in odor character and the analyst describes the reason for the
difference. In comparison to other odor tests in use, this test follows a more natural process for
evaluating samples using human senses. This test was applied at the Songchon Water Treatment
Plant in Daejeon, Korea, to monitor an earthy/musty taste-and-odor event when the geosmin
concentration varied from 0-50 ng/L. The 2-of-5 test is used by personnel at the Philadelphia
Water Department to decide if drinking water is of acceptable sensory quality after installation or
replacement of new water mains, and to follow up on customer complaints of off -odors. Includes 17 references.