Councillor wants Uisce Éireann to address 'unacceptable' taste, smell of water

Kildare-Newbridge MD councillor Chris Pender has called on Uisce Éireann-Irish Water to do more to mitigate the smell and taste of mains water caused by the aromatic compound geosmin, writes Brian Byrne.

Geosmin is a natural product produced by bacteria. It's not a hazard to health, but the earthy smell and taste can make the water fairly unpalatable. The issue was fairly strong last year and now has apparently resurged in water provided from the River Barrow to customers in Athy, Newbridge, Kildare and surrounding regions. The councillor says it is 'plaguing' residents and is 'unacceptable'. 

Cllr Pender wants Uisce Éireann to use temporary treatments such as activated carbon and also to initiate a review and upgrade of water treatment facilities to deal with the matter.

However, over recent years, statements from the water authority in response to complaints about taste or smell or increased hardness indicate that Uisce Éireann do not hold themselves responsible for such matters, emphasising that their remit is to provide clear water that is safe to drink. 

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