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”.

Residents in parts of Brisbane and Ipswich have reported an earthy, dirt-like taste to their tap water in recent days. Credit: William Davis

“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.”

But despite assurances that the water was safe to consume, residents expressed frustration, with some responding to the Urban Utilities post with claims of stomach issues in recent days.

“This is the first time in 30 years I’ve experienced drinking water like this … [I’ve] also had stomach pains in the last few days,” one person wrote.

Another said they had spent Christmas and Boxing Day “on the toilet”, and wrote that MIB could cause gastro, vomiting and abdominal pain.

An Urban Utilities spokesperson responded: “If you have any concerns about the health of your family after drinking the water, please get in touch with your doctor or call 13 Health.”

A Queensland Health spokesperson reiterated that the water was safe.

“Methylisoborneol is a natural chemical that results from the presence of algae or other naturally occurring organic material in the source water,” they said.

“Another chemical, geosmin, also occurs under these conditions.

“While these chemicals may cause an unpleasant taste and odour, neither is harmful at the
levels typically seen in the drinking water for Brisbane and Ipswich, and neither can cause
gastroenteritis at these low levels.”

The Urban Utilities post 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.”

It is unclear when the tap water in affected areas will return to normal.

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