Algae in Warrnambool’s water supply has left some people with a bad taste in their mouth, but Wannon Water says it’s safe to drink and will improve shortly.

Managing director Andrew Jeffers said some customers had noticed a slight change in the taste and odour of drinking water in recent days.

“This is due to the presence of seasonal algae in the local raw water storages, which is not uncommon at this time of year when the weather becomes warmer in our catchments,” he said.

“The algae is removed during the water treatment process and customers can be assured that the water supplied from the Warrnambool treatment plant is safe to drink and complies with the Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines.

“However, some customers may notice a temporary earthy taste or odour.”

Mr Jeffers said the company was changing over the source of water entering the water treatment plant and making adjustments to the treatment process.

“This should help improve the taste and odour over the coming week or so,” he said.

Warrnambool’s water comes from the Otway supply system, which includes the Arkins Creek and Gellibrand River catchments and groundwater flows extracted from bores near the Carlisle River and at Albert Park in Warrnambool.

Many Warrnambool residents took to social media to share their concerns about the taste of their tap water.

Wannon Water encouraged customers with concerns to call on 1300 926 666.

UPDATE 12.30pm:

Wannon Water’s managing director Andrew Jeffers has released a statement on the issue.

“Some customers in Warrnambool have noticed a slight change in the taste and odour of drinking water in recent days,” he said.

“This is due to the presence of seasonal algae in the local raw water storages, which is not uncommon at this time of year when the weather becomes warmer in our catchments.

“The algae is removed during the water treatment process and customers can be assured that the water supplied from the Warrnambool treatment plant is safe to drink and complies with the Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines.  However, some customers may notice a temporary earthy taste or odour.

“Wannon Water is currently working to change over the source of water entering the water treatment plant and is making some minor adjustments to the treatment process. This should help improve the taste and odour over the coming week or so.

“If customers have any ongoing concerns, we encourage them to call us on 1300 926 666.”

EARLIER:

People have been complaining of strange tasting water in Warrnambool over the past few days, but Wannon Water says not to worry  – it’s just algae.

The company put a statement out a state on social media last night explaining the water may have a funny taste due to “seasonal algae”.

“Wannon Water is currently experiencing some seasonal algae in the raw water storages that supply Warrnambool,” the statement read.

“The drinking water supplied to customers is perfectly safe to drink but some Warrnambool customers may notice a temporary earthy taste or odour.”

“We are currently working to change over the supply of water entering the water treatment plant, which should help improve the taste and odour in the coming days.”

Warrnambool residents have been posting on social media complaining about the taste, with some going so far as to create a group called “Warrnambool what’s wrong with our town water” that features skull and cross-bones emojis in the title.

The Standard has contacted Wannon Water to find out further details.