Water quality

Discoloured tap water may be caused by a number of reasons, including a burst pipe in your vicinity or maintenance work being carried out on the water mains. It may also be caused by corrosion of your home’s internal pipes. Most often it is the result of a harmless substance that forms on the inside of the water mains and will not cause illness or any other health concerns.

Redland City Council regularly flushes the water mains to ensure that water supplied to your property is of the highest quality. If you notice discoloured water:

• Flush your plumbing by running the outside tap closest to your water meter for a few minutes until the water runs clear.
• Avoid using the washing machine or dishwasher while the water remains discoloured.

If the water does not clear within a few minutes, phone Redland City Council on 07 3829 8999.

Why does this happen? 

Chlorine is added to drinking water by Seqwater during the water treatment process. Chlorine is added at a level sufficient to control microbiological contaminants and to provide lasting protection throughout Redland City Council’s network. 

Seqwater ensures the water is safe to drink by conducting operational testing and continuous online monitoring at their water treatment plants according to regulatory requirements. In addition, RCC undertakes an extensive water quality monitoring program throughout the drinking water network to ensure the water supply is within specification. This is conducted by a NATA-accredited, independent laboratory. 
 
How you can minimise the taste or smell 

Some customers may be sensitive to the taste or smell of chlorine and may detect changes in chlorine levels in their tap water. For example, chlorine may be more noticeable when water is heated (such as when you run a shower or bath), over different seasons or at different times of day. Changes to chlorine levels are normal and the water is still safe to drink. 

The chlorine concentration is generally low (less than 1 part per million) and can be further reduced by: 

There are a number of reasons you may experience an earthy/musty taste or smell:

Algae

Occasionally, algae in Seqwater dams can increase to the point where taste may be affected. Seqwater do their best to remove these in the treatment process, however, some residents may still notice a faint taste or odour.

The water is safe to drink but, if you don't like the taste, you could also install a water filter on your tap. These are available from plumbing suppliers.

If you have noticed the earthy/musty taste or smell has increased dramatically, please phone Redland City Council on 07 3829 8999.

Breakdown of above ground plastic pipes

If you have above ground plastic pipes on your property, the plastic may break down over time causing taste issues. Your plumber will be able to inspect the pipes for you.

Household plastic pipes laid underground can absorb chemicals (petrol, diesel, oil, turps, methylated spirits and some pesticides) if spilt or sprayed on the ground.

If you believe this has occurred at your property, do not drink the water. Check with your neighbours to confirm if they are experiencing a similar taste or odour from their drinking water. If the taste or odour is isolated to your property, you will need to contact a licensed plumber to assist in resolving this issue.

If your neighbours are also experiencing the issue, please call Redland City Council on 07 3829 8999.

Air trapped inside pressurised water pipes converts to tiny air bubbles, which can give water a white or milky appearance. This may be due to:

• Maintenance or construction of the water main.
• Shutdown of the water main.

What to do:

• Fill a jug, glass or container with tap water.
• Allow it to sit for 10 minutes and it should become clear.

Residents are advised that lead can enter drinking water from household plumbing systems containing lead, particularly in older homes. Lead is used in the manufacture of a range of plumbing products such as brass fittings and can dissolve into drinking water if it has been sitting in contact with these fittings for extended periods of time. 

The water Council supplies to homes is rigorously monitored and tested to meet the Queensland Public Health Regulation 2005 and Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. 

Advice about lead in household water

The Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care shares the following Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) information on its website about household plumbing. 

“Householders can proactively reduce their potential exposure to lead in drinking water through the following measures:

• using water from cold taps only for drinking and cooking
• flushing cold water taps used for drinking and cooking for about 30 seconds first thing in the morning to draw fresh water through the tap
• flushing cold water taps used for drinking and cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes after long periods of non-use, such as return from holidays; this 'flushed' water can be collected and used for washing up
• choosing plumbing products that have been certified to WaterMark and AS/NZS 4020:2005; and/or have low lead content or are lead free, when renovating or building.”

Read the full enHealth advice on the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care website.