The real reason millions of Aussies have suddenly discovered their tap water is ‘undrinkable’ – and how local councils are working to fix it
Millions of frustrated Australians have finally discovered the real reason why their tap water has suddenly become ‘undrinkable’ – and it’s thanks to the recent wet weather.
Queenslanders in several regions, including the densely populated areas of Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan, have all complained about the taste, smell and color of their water in the past week.
South East Queensland Water, also known as Seqwater, issued a notice on Tuesday informing residents that the problem was caused by naturally occurring compounds known as Methylisoborneol (MIB).
The material, which was discovered at the Mount Crosby water treatment plant, was created as a result of heavy rainfall and warm weather in parts of the Sunshine State.
“Customers should notice that the taste and odor of their tap water returns to normal in the coming days,” the message said.
“We can assure residents that the treated water supplied by the Mount Crosby Water Treatment Plant remains safe to drink and use normally.
‘These compounds are filtered out through the water treatment process, but sometimes it can temporarily affect the taste and smell earthy or grassy straight from the tap.’
Municipalities have done their utmost to find a solution to ensure that residents have access to sufficient water during the steamy summer period.
Millions of frustrated Australians across Queensland have complained about the taste of ‘undrinkable’ tap water in parts of Queensland (photo stock image)
Logan Mayor John Raven said the local desalination plant’s water capacity had been increased to meet demand.
“In response to concerns from residents across the region, they (South East Queensland Water) have now fully increased production at the desalination plant and reduced production at the Mt Crosby Water Treatment plant to dilute the water,” he said.
‘This means you should quickly notice a change in taste and smell, but it could get worse as things improve in some parts of the network as the earthy-tasting water is pushed through the network.’
Several residents took to social media to express their frustration over the issue, revealing that they had started consuming bottled water instead.
“No matter what you say, Seqwater, it doesn’t seem safe to drink if my nose and taste buds tell me otherwise,” one person wrote.
The material, found at the Mount Crosby water treatment plant, formed as a result of heavy rainfall and warm weather in parts of the state (photo of a flooded road in Queensland)
“It tastes and smells horrible, undrinkable,” said another person.
The message also stated that Seqwater was working around the clock to ensure that large quantities of water were transported to the SEQ Water network.
This step would help increase the water flow and improve the taste.
“We have also improved the monitoring of the water extraction area and the entire treatment processes,” the statement said.
“The water may return to its usual taste in the coming days, depending on weather conditions.”
Residents who were sensitive to the taste of water have been advised to cool the liquid to reduce the earthy taste.
MIB is a naturally occurring compound produced by blue or green algae in raw water storage areas such as dams and impoundments.
The substance can also be produced by bacteria in water and soil.
MIB poses no risk to public health and once drinking water containing the compound is treated, it is safe to consume.