Water quality
Click here to view Unitywater’s most recent Water Quality Reports.
Our job is to ensure the water that enters your property is of the highest quality and meets the requirements of all applicable government legislation as well as the recommendations outlined in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Find out more about what is in our water.
Water treatment
Seqwater, a state-government-owned water entity, is responsible for capturing, storing and treating bulk water for the region. Seqwater supplies water from dams, weirs and borefields, and is responsible for the catchment, treatment and storage of bulk water. Seqwater treats the bulk water at 46 water treatment plants across South East Queensland, using some of the most advanced technologies available. Unitywater then distributes the water to your property via an extensive network of reservoirs, pumps and pipes.
Regular monitoring programs are in place to constantly check the quality of your drinking water through the entire supply chain.
For more information on water treatment, visit the Seqwater website. The Water Grid Manager publishes the Customer Confidence Reports which provide information on regional bulk water quality.
Quality issues
At times you may experience localised issues with the quality of your water. Unitywater also publishes Water Quality Reports quarterly.
Dirty water
If your water is discoloured, do not drink it. Discoloured water can be caused from illegal or incorrect use of fire hydrants, maintenance work or extension of main water pipes.
If discoloured water enters your home or workplace:
- turn on the tap lowest to the ground (often the first outside tap); and
- let it run for about two minutes until the water runs clear.
If the water does not run clear during this time, please contact us immediately.
White water
White water is sometimes referred to as cloudy or milky water and it is not harmful. It simply means air is in the water. Air may have entered the system during maintenance and construction of main water pipes or unusual system operating conditions.
If you have white water, fill a glass of water and allow the glass to sit for 10 minutes. If the water clears, it was air and the water is safe to drink.
If the water does not clear, contact us immediately.
Unusual smell or taste
Every water source has its own distinct taste and smell as a result of catchment area characteristics and local water treatment processes.
One of the first things people notice when they visit a new area is the smell and taste of the water is different to that at their home.
This can be a result of many different causes ranging from harmless bacterial films in pipes and plumbing, to an excess of minerals or corroded pipes.
One potential (although relatively rare) cause for unpleasant drinking water may be spilled chemicals leaching through your polyethylene water service line. If you have spilled any petroleum based products around your property (petrol, oil, turps, methylated spirits, some pesticides) then this is a possibility. If you believe that this has occurred in your property, check with your neighbours to confirm whether they are experiencing a similar taste or odour to their water. If the taste or odour is isolated to your property then you will need to contact a licensed plumber to assist you in resolving the issue.
In some cases the water source to your home or work may change, causing a change in water taste or odour. If you believe the situation to be serious, contact us.
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