Water quality | Redland City Council

Water quality

Redland City Council is responsible for receiving bulk water from Seqwater and delivering it to residents through its distribution network.

Seqwater conducts almost 400,000 quality tests a year to ensure drinking water supplies they distribute are safe across south-east Queensland.

Redland City Council also conducts regular verification monitoring as part of our Verification Monitoring Program to confirm that our water meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and is safe to drink. For more information please see the Redland City Council - Drinking Water Service Annual Report 2022-23 (1.86MB)

Fluoride

Seqwater supply bulk water to all of south-east Queensland, including Redland City Council, as part of the south-east Queensland Water Grid, and administer fluoridation under the Water Fluoridation Regulation 2020.

Further information can be found using the following links:

Water taste and discolouration

Occasionally, water from the tap may appear dirty or discoloured, or taste differently. Here are the common causes and what to do about them.

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.

Chlorine is added to the drinking water supply to maintain disinfection. It is essential to keep the water safe to drink. Sometimes you may be able to taste or smell it.

What to do:

  • Fill a jug, glass or container tap water and let stand overnight.
  • Boil the water to remove chlorine.
  • Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to the water.
  • If you are particularly sensitive to the chlorine taste, you could also install a water filter on your tap. These are available from plumbing suppliers.

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.

Further information