Sometimes, your tap water in Brisbane might taste or smell different, but it is still safe to drink.
Has someone said their tap water in Brisbane tastes like dirt, rust, or metal? Have you noticed it tastes different too? Could it be because of all the rain and flooding? Should you be worried? That’s a lot of questions! We’re here to give you some answers—and hopefully, help put your mind at ease.
So why does my water taste like that?
There are different reasons why your tap water might taste a bit strange. Earlier this year, heavy rain brought natural compounds called MIB (Methylisoborneol) into the water. These compounds aren’t dangerous and get cleaned out, but they can leave a funny taste.
In some areas, other things like pesticides, herbicides, and long-lasting chemicals could also affect the water.
Where does my water come from?
Most of it comes from the SEQ Water Grid, a huge water supply infrastructure that provides water across southeast Queensland. Seqwater is the team in charge of managing and treating the water, making sure it’s safe to drink. Once it’s ready, Urban Utilities steps in to deliver it straight to homes and businesses.
Most of the water in the SEQ Water Grid comes from rain that is collected and stored in dams. But because Australia often has dry weather and droughts, some drinking water also comes from the ocean! The Gold Coast Desalination Plant removes salt from seawater so it’s safe to drink.
On top of that, about 20% of Brisbane’s drinking water comes from recycled and purified wastewater. This water is cleaned at the Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme to make sure it’s safe for people to use.
After water is collected from dams and desalination plants, it goes through cleaning and filtering at water treatment plants. It’s also tested to make sure it meets Australia’s safety standards for drinking water. That means Brisbane’s tap water is usually safe to drink! But sometimes, there can still be small water quality issues. If you want even cleaner water, adding a filter at home can help.
Standards for drinking water
To make sure your tap water is safe to drink, it has to follow strict rules from the Australian drinking water guidelines.
These rules include two important things:
- Health guidelines – The water must be safe to drink for your whole life without causing health problems.
- Aesthetic guidelines – The water should look, taste, and smell good so people are happy drinking it.
How can I improve the taste and smell of my tap water?
The water is safe to drink, but if it tastes a little earthy, try chilling it in the fridge to make it taste better. You can also ask a plumber about adding a water filter to your home for even cleaner water.
My water smells and tastes like chlorine, rather than earthy – why is this?
In South East Queensland, chlorine is added to the water to help keep it clean. The amount used is safe and follows Australian drinking water guidelines. If you don’t like the taste of chlorine, just let the water sit in a glass for a few hours, or put it in the fridge to make it taste better.
Water Filter Installation For Brisbane Tap Water Quality
Feeling better about your tap water? We hope so! But if you want extra protection for your family’s drinking water, you might consider getting a reverse osmosis water filter installed by a licensed plumber.
When it comes to water filters, there are plenty of options—but if you want the best, reverse osmosis is the way to go. This smart filtration process removes 98% of chemicals, minerals, and other tiny impurities, giving you crisp, clean water every time you take a sip.
Curious about how quick and budget-friendly it is to get a reverse osmosis water filter set up in your home? The friendly experts at Crew Plumbing are here to help! With their professional touch, you can enjoy cleaner, purer water without a second thought—because worrying about Brisbane’s drinking water should never be on your to-do list.
