Common water issues

If you suspect low water pressure at your property, please check with your neighbours to see whether they are also experiencing low water pressures. Should a number of your neighbours be experiencing the same low water pressures, please contact our Customer Service Centre on 1300 883 699.

If your neigbours are not experiencing the same issue, please check all your taps to determine whether all taps located on your property are affected by the low pressure. If not all taps are affected, the problem is likely to be within your pipes or plumbing fittings and you should contact a licensed plumber to investigate.

Should all your taps at your property be affected, then please contact our Customer Service Centre on 1300 883 699.

Where Council is undertaking planned maintenance works, we will notify residents ahead of time, however unexpected events such as mains breaks or firefighting may result in dirty water. This may be due to deposits being disturbed by the change in the water flow rate and direction.

If you experience dirty water, run the tap closest to the water meter for 5 to 10 minutes and your water should run clear. If not, avoid using the dishwasher or washing machine during this time and call Council on 1300 883 699.

If your water looks white or milky, it could be due to recent maintenance works, which can trap air bubbles in the pressurised pipes. You can confirm this by filling a glass with water and allow it to sit. If the milky colour disappears, it is due to the air bubbles and is safe to drink. If it does not clear within 10 minutes, please call Council on 1300 883 699.

Bundaberg Regional Council water supplies often have a slight "musty" or "earthy" taste. This is related to algae and other microorganisms in the raw water supply sources. These tastes and odours are more common during the hotter months of the year.

The compounds causing the odours do not affect the safety of the water, but can give a distinct taste at extremely low levels. The taste may be less pronounced in cold water and adding lemon juice may also help.

If your water looks orange or rusty brown when you first turn the tap on but within 2 to 5 minutes runs clear, this normally indicates corrosion in the internal plumbing of your house. Water pipes in older homes were made of galvanised iron, which corrodes over time.

A licensed plumber can help you locate the problem and replace the old pipes. If you do not replace the pipes, this may eventually result in a leak or pipe burst.

Council supplies drinking water which contains chlorine, which helps to effectively kill or inactivate a wide range of harmful micro-organisms. Council recognises that some customers may notice the taste of chlorine, and aims to maintain a balance between taste preferences and ensuring that Bundaberg Regional Council’s water supply is safe. If you find the taste is too strong, place a covered container of water in the fridge for a few hours, and the chlorine taste will reduce. Adding lemon juice may also help.

Should Council's water smell strongly of chlorine, is unpleasant to drink, or you have any concerns, please contact Council on 1300 883 699.

Corrosion of iron or copper pipes in your household plumbing system can lead to a "metallic" taste. This is often associated with an orange, rusty, or blue colour to your water, or blue green staining on sinks. This is most commonly noticed if you have not used your taps for a while, such as returning from holidays. If you run your taps for a few minutes to replace the water in your household pipes, the taste should disappear.

Your licensed plumber can help you if the problem persists.