Northern Beaches water safe to drink despite taste
Date published: 7 December 2016
Residents of Townsville’s Northern Beaches are likely to have noticed an earthy taste or odour from their water supply.
Routine testing has confirmed the presence of the naturally-occurring compound, geosmin.
While the compound produces a musty or earthy taste and smell, it is not harmful at levels present in drinking water and the water is completely safe to drink.
Water and Waste Committee chairman Cr Paul Jacob said geosmin was common at this time of year however council was usually able to limit its impact by reducing the amount of water delivered by the Paluma Dam/ Crystal Creek Water Scheme.
“Being in drought conditions at the moment has meant we have to rule out sourcing any more of our supply from Ross Dam,” Cr Jacob said.
“The water is treated to the highest standard as per Australian Drinking Water guidelines but this will not remove the taste or odour, which can be detected by humans at microscopic levels.
“It’s important to remember that the water that supplies the Paluma Township and the Northern Beaches community is separate. There is no need for Townsville residents to boil their water.”
Geosmin is currently only affecting residents of Townsville’s Northern Beaches. At present, 60% of Townsville's drinking water comes from the Ross Dam, with the other 40% is sourced from the Paluma/Crystal Creek water scheme.
