Millions of frustrated Australians have finally discovered the real reason why their tap water has suddenly become “undrinkable”, and it’s due to the recent wet weather.
Queenslanders in several regions, including the densely populated areas of Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan, have complained about the taste, smell and color of their water over the past week.
South East Queensland Water, also known as Seqwater, issued an advisory on Tuesday informing residents the problem has been caused by naturally occurring compounds known as methylisoborneol (MIB).
The material, which was detected at the Mount Crosby water treatment plant, formed due to heavy rain and hot weather conditions in parts of the Sunshine State.
“Customers should begin to notice that the taste and smell of their tap water will return to normal in the coming days,” the notice said.
‘We can assure residents that the treated water supplied by the Mount Crosby Water Treatment Plant remains safe to drink and use as normal.
“These compounds are leached out through the water treatment process, but they can sometimes temporarily affect the taste and may smell like dirt or grass straight from the tap.”
Councils have been struggling to find a solution to ensure residents have access to enough water during the hot summer period.
Millions of frustrated Australians in Queensland have complained about the taste of “undrinkable” tap water in parts of Queensland (file image pictured)
Logan Mayor John Raven said water capacity at the local desalination plant had been increased to help meet demand.
“In response to concerns raised by residents across the region, they (South East Queensland Water) have maximized output from the desalination plant and reduced output from the Mt Crosby water treatment plant to dilute the water,” he said.
“This will mean that you will soon notice a change in taste and smell, however it may get worse as it improves in some parts of the network as 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 resorted to drinking 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, which was detected at the Mount Crosby water treatment plant, formed due to heavy rain and hot weather conditions in parts of the state (pictured, a flooded road in Queensland).
“It tastes and smells terrible, it’s not drinkable,” said another person.
The notice also stated that Seqwater was working around the clock to ensure large quantities of water were moved into the SEQ Water network.
The measure would help increase water flow and help improve flavor.
“We have also increased control of water collection and all treatment processes,” the notice reads.
“The water will return to its normal flavor, possibly in the next few days, depending on weather conditions.”
Residents sensitive to the taste of water have been advised to chill the liquid to reduce the earthy taste.
MIB is a natural compound produced by blue or green algae in raw water reservoirs, such as dams and landfills.
The substance can also be produced by bacteria in water and soil.
MIB does not pose a public health risk and once drinking water containing the compound is treated, it is safe to consume.