Taste and odour
In South East Queensland, our drinking water primarily comes from surface water stored in dams. We can also draw water from bores, the ocean or water we have already used – during times of drought – and convert it into safe drinking water.
Depending on the water source and the time of year, you may notice changes in the taste or smell of your drinking water.
Musty or earthy taste?
A musty or earthy taste is due to naturally occurring organic compounds like Methylisoborneol (MIB) and Geosmin in the raw water supply. They are more likely to be present after hot and rainy weather. While they produce a distinctive taste, these compounds are safe to drink, and at the levels typically seen in drinking water, should not cause any ill health effects. Sensitivity to these compounds varies, and cooling the water, or adding lemon or lime, before drinking can help reduce the taste change.
Smells like chlorine?
In South East Queensland, chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water. Sometimes, the chlorine levels are adjusted for operational reasons, which can result in a noticeable chlorine taste or smell. Chlorine levels are regularly monitored and assessed against the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011 to ensure they remain safe. The chlorine taste and smell will dissipate if you let the water stand in a glass for a few hours.
Smells like petrol or solvents?
A petrol or solvent smell is typically caused by spilled chemicals permeating through plastic pipes. If petroleum-based products like petrol, oil, turps, methylated spirits, or some pesticides are spilled around your property, they can leach through plastic pipes. If you suspect this has happened, check with your neighbours to see if they are experiencing the same issue. If the taste or odour is isolated to your property, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.
Monitoring and reporting
We conduct regular and thorough testing of water at many points in the treatment and distribution system, performing almost 400,000 water quality tests annually to meet regulatory requirements and ensure community confidence. We test for a wide range of parameters outlined in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011.
Every month, Seqwater publicly reports on more than 40 key health and aesthetic water quality parameters of the bulk drinking water supply. This report provides information on the typical quality of the bulk water supply to councils in South East Queensland.
We also provide a weekly report of MIB and Geosmin results to provide information about the water aesthetics. While Geosmin and MIB do not pose a public health risk, their presence can cause concern about water quality due to the difference in taste.
Our water supply network operates as an interconnected grid, meaning the source of your water may change from week to week based on operational requirements.
Regardless of the source, all water is treated at our water treatment plants to meet the stringent standards set by the Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines before being sent to our water retail partners – Urban Utilities, Unitywater, and the water businesses of Redland City Council, Logan City Council, and the City of Gold Coast.
Frequently asked questions
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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.
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.
Yes the water is safe to drink. Talk to your health professional about your personal circumstances or call 13 Health (13 43 25 84).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Water quality reports for South East Queensland’s drinking water are publicly available and published monthly by Seqwater. Read the reports here.
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.
Report a problem
If you are concerned about the taste, smell or appearance of your water, contact your water service provider in the first instance. This is the organisation that issues your water bill.
Seqwater is the bulk water supply authority and can provide information about the water provided to your service provider. When investigating water quality issues, we work ‘back from the tap’. Your water service provider can help determine if the issue is at an individual or local level. If the issue is occurring within the bulk water supply, our water service providers will work with us to identify and resolve the issue.
If you are concerned about your health, you must contact 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)