Temporary change to taste and odour of water in parts of Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and Redlands

31 Dec 2024

As at Friday 15 January 2025

Over the past few weeks, residents in parts of Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and Redlands may have experienced taste and odour impacts to their drinking water, but rest assured, it remains completely safe to drink.

We can confirm the taste and odour of drinking water across Brisbane, Ipswich, and Logan has returned to near-normal levels across most of the water grid.

The naturally occurring compounds causing these changes have reduced and we are working closely with our retail partners to ensure your water meets the highest standards.

These changes were caused by the rainy and hot weather conditions in late December increasing algal levels in the raw water supply to Seqwater’s Mount Crosby Water Treatment Plants. While algae is filtered out through the water treatment process, organic compounds known as MIB (Methylisoborneol) and geosmin can be left behind causing the treated water to temporarily taste and smell earthy or grassy.

While the drinking water has continued to remain safe to consume, as confirmed by Queensland Health, we appreciate that this issue is important and we continue to explore options for future planning.

Tap water is constantly monitored and rigorously tested to ensure it meets the stringent health requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, with Seqwater reporting monthly on health, aesthetic and other parameters through the published water quality report. You can search your area’s results at www.seqwater.com.au/water-quality-report.

While sensitivity varies from person to person, residents should begin to notice the taste and odour of their tap water beginning to return to normal over the coming days, pending weather.

People who are particularly sensitive to taste may notice this and during this time we recommend cooling the water may help reduce any earthy taste in the tap water.

Seqwater operations is working 24-7 to move large amounts of water around the SEQ Water Grid to help with the flow and improve the taste, we have also increased monitoring of the water catchment and throughout the treatment processes.

More information on taste and odour is available on the Urban Utilities website www.urbanutilities.com.au/taste, or Logan Water website www.logan.qld.gov.au/water-quality-4/water-quality

Frequently asked questions

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My tap water has a funny taste and smell, is the water safe to drink?

Yes, rest assured the water is safe to drink. Some people have reported their tap water smelling earthy or grassy in recent days. The temporary change to the taste and odour of the water is due to an increase in a naturally occurring organic compound in the raw water supply from naturally occurring algae and bacteria. Algae and bacteria bloom occur seasonally, typically after large amounts of rain and hot weather. The water is still clear in colour.

The water is safe to drink and continues to meet the stringent health requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and to meet obligations in Queensland, through The Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to improve taste and odour issues.

How can I improve the taste and smell of my tap water?

While the water is safe to drink, try cooling the water in the fridge to help reduce any earthy taste in the tap water before you drink it.

Is the water safe to drink for babies and young children, the elderly or people with compromised immune systems?

Yes the water is safe to drink. Talk to your health professional about your personal circumstances or call 13 Health (13 43 25 84).

Why has the taste and odour changed in the tap water?

The temporary change in taste and odour is due to an increase in a naturally occurring organic compound known as MIB (2-Methylisoborneol), which is naturally produced by some algae and bacteria in the raw water supply. The water is safe to drink. The water is treated at our treatment plants to remove these compounds, however sometimes after heavy rain and hot weather, the taste and odour compound can leave earthy or grassy smell and taste. Not everyone will notice the taste and odour changes.

How is the issue being fixed?

Seqwater is working 24/7 to push large amounts of water around the SEQ Water Grid to improve the water dilution and help improve the taste and odour.

As this compound is naturally occurring, it may take a few days for the water to return to its usual taste and odour, pending weather conditions. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Should I use a filter to help reduce the change in taste and odour?

You may wish to use a carbon filter however this is not necessary as the water is safe to drink. Carbon filters can decrease taste and odour, however sediment filters won’t influence taste and odour. We recommend cooling the water in the fridge to help improve the taste and smell. You can also add a slice of lemon or other fruit, such as orange, cucumber or watermelon.

Do I need to boil my water before I drink it?

No, there is no need to boil the water as this organic compound is safe to drink and boiling the water will not remove the taste and odour. Cooling the water may help reduce any earthy taste in the tap water. You can also add a slice of lemon or other fruit, such as orange, cucumber or watermelon.

My water smells and tastes like chlorine, rather than earthy – why is this?

In South East Queensland, chlorine is added to the water as part of the treatment process, and these levels are within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Chlorine will dissipate from drinking water if you allow it to stand for a few hours in a glass, or you can place it in the fridge to reduce the taste. If you have any specific concerns in your area, please contact your water service provider.

Where can I find out more about how you test the water and the results?

Water quality reports for South East Queensland’s drinking water are publicly available and published monthly by Seqwater. Read the reports here.

Does MIB occur in other parts of Australia or the world?

Yes. MIB is a naturally occurring compound that occurs in raw water supplies throughout Australia and elsewhere in the world. We regularly monitor for Geosmin and MIB in the water supply. They are sometimes present in drinking water but not usually noticeable to human noses and tastebuds. Seasonal increases in naturally occurring algae or bacteria in water sources can see rises above the taste and odour thresholds.