Change of taste and odour in water supply
19 May 2016
Residents in Te Awamutu and Pirongia have experienced a change in the taste and odour of their water.
The earthy taste and smell is caused from leaves falling in the bush (where the stream is). The leaves start to decompose, producing humic acid, which is then washed into the water supply during rain.
Tony Hale, water services manager explains, We had a very dry month followed by some reasonable rain events on Mount Pirongia. The rain has washed the humic acid down the stream and into our water supply dam.
Hale confirmed this is temporary and the earthy taste and odour will slowly reduce and should be gone in the next few days.
The water is still perfectly safe to drink and meets all drinking water standards but we understand it's not pleasant and we are working as fast as we can to resolve the issue.
Staff have been flushing out the town water lines and turning over the water in the dam. While rain is expected to continue for the next few days, the water intake will be turned off to help prevent the taste returning in the near future.
In the meantime, Council advise cooling water in the fridge can help with taste and odour.
Thank you to everyone, we know it's frustrating and we appreciate your patience.
Similar issues are also reported in summer during hot, dry periods. This is due to an increase in algae in the water supply.
For more information contact Nicole Nooyen 07 872 0097 or 027 807 3478