Tastes and odors in water are often due to living organisms or industrial wastes.

The statement that tastes and odors in water are often due to living organisms or industrial wastes is accurate and supports the chosen answer. Organic material, such as algae and bacteria, can produce various compounds that contribute to tastes and odors; for example, the presence of geosmin, a compound produced by certain bacteria and algae, gives water a musty taste and smell. Additionally, industrial wastes can introduce chemicals into water sources that alter its taste and odor profile, often as a result of pollution or effluents that contain specific compounds or contaminants. Together, these sources highlight how both natural biological processes and anthropogenic (human-made) influences can affect the sensory characteristics of water. This understanding is crucial for water treatment and regulation to ensure water quality and safety.