SEQ residents claim upset stomachs after changes to drinking water

Residents across parts of Brisbane and Ipswich reporting changes to the taste and smell of their tap water have been assured it is still safe to consume, with recent weather blamed for the variance.

In the past 48 hours, people in suburbs across Greater Brisbane have noticed an earthy, dirt-like taste and a stagnant smell to their tap water, though the colour remains unchanged.

In a post on Friday, Urban Utilities – the company responsible for supplying drinking water, recycled water and sewerage services to customers in Brisbane, Ipswich, and surrounding local government areas – wrote that it was aware some customers “have been experiencing a temporary change in the taste and odour of their tap water”.

“Seqwater has advised that the temporary change in taste and odour is due to recent hot and rainy weather conditions, which have caused an increase in an organic compound called 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) in the raw water supply,” the post stated.

“This is a naturally occurring compound that is safe to drink but can cause an earthy or woody taste or odour in water.”

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Urban Utilities added that Seqwater, the authority responsible for delivering safe water to customers across south-east Queensland, had increased its monitoring and was working to keep residents informed.

“The water will return to its usual taste and odour, however Seqwater has advised it may take some time, depending on weather conditions,” the post continued.

“In the meantime, cooling the water in the fridge can help reduce any earthy taste.”