Millions of Australians will be impacted by changes to their waters taste and smell this weekend

Why millions of Australians will notice huge changes to the taste and colour of their tap water this weekend

  • Critical water works in Queensland will impact supply and water pressure 
  • Residents of Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan have been asked to limit their usage
  • Changes to the water to be expected could include taste, colour and smell 
  • The upgrade will run from Saturday to Monday  


Millions of people in south-east Queensland will be asked to limit their water use this weekend amid urgent repairs to the supply system.

Locals were on Thursday warned there could be changes to the taste, colour and smell of their tap water – along with reduced pressure.

Seqwater, the state run water agency, will repair pipes along a 4km stretch at Barnes Hill, west of Brisbane, and replace four valves which are ‘reaching the end of their service life’.   

The works, expected to last from Saturday to Monday, mean tap water needs to be supplied to Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan from elsewhere in the network. 

‘We’re asking everyone to save water where they can by keeping showers as short as possible and postponing any water intensive chores like washing the car, topping up the pool or watering the garden,’ Urban Utilities spokesman Michelle Cull said.

‘The average water consumption across South East Queensland is approximately 150 litres per person per day so we know people are using water wisely. We would like to see these habits continue, especially this weekend while these works are occurring.

‘Similar to stage one of the project, some customers may notice reduced water pressure or their water has a different taste or smell as they will receive water from supply locations they don’t typically get water from during the works.’

Changes to smell, taste and pressure will be temporary and the water remains safe to drink. 

Water supply in Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich will be impacted as Seqwater roll out critical work this weekend

Seqwater chief operating officer, Stuart Cassie, said he hoped the impact of the  installations would be minimal.

‘To complete the work safely, we will need to temporarily isolate the same section of the pipes to create a dry workspace,’ he said.

‘We’ll be working with water service providers to supply water from other parts of the network to minimise impacts for residents and businesses.’   

Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said the work will support the ongoing supply of safe drinking water for the region.

‘The upgrade is part of Seqwater’s program of works to ensure our water infrastructure continues to operate at peak condition,’ Mr Butcher said.

‘On average, 400 million litres of water flows through these pipes every day, making them some of the hardest working assets in the network.

‘This project has been carefully planned across two stages to ensure the valves can be replaced safely with minimal disruption to residents and businesses.

‘South East Queenslanders have already demonstrated they are water-wise and with the works being undertaken this weekend we’re asking them to be even more careful with the water they use.’

Southeast Queenslanders have been asked to limit their water usage while the works take place

Southeast Queenslanders have been asked to limit their water usage while the works take place