Dr Punam Krishan, a GP appearing on BBC Morning Live, has addressed reports of an unusual taste in tap water across the country. She said the 'earthy, musty taste or smell' reported by some people is linked to the exceptionally warm summer and is generally nothing to worry about.
Hot weather and algae growth
The GP explained that the hot weather and lack of rain caused algae to grow far more rapidly than usual, including in reservoirs where drinking water is stored. "We've been hearing from people up and down the country who have been reporting a weird taste to their tap water - an earthy, musty taste or smell," Dr Punam said.
"The weather has a lot to do with it. We've had a long, hot summer - which was lovely - but not a lot of rain, and when you have that blend of weather, it can cause more algae and bacteria - commonly known as blue-green algae - to grow in our lakes and our reservoirs."
What the algae means for water safety
Dr Punam noted that warnings for dog-walkers are often seen near reservoirs or lakes because certain types of this algae can be harmful to animals like sheep or dogs, and can also harm human skin. However, she stressed that the algae releases compounds into the water that cause the taste, but this does not mean algae is coming out of taps.
"We are very lucky in the UK that our water is treated to the point where any toxins are removed before they get to us. Our water is very heavily monitored as well to reach drinking standards," she said. "It is just to reassure people that it is nothing sinister going on."
She added that a strange taste could also result from water sitting in pipes, allowing naturally occurring bacteria to grow, and reminded viewers that the UK has "incredibly safe water" with "very strict standards".
When to contact your water company
Blue-green algae, technically known as cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms naturally present in lakes and streams. Under warm conditions and in shallow water, they can double in size in 7-14 days, and man-made climate change can make them grow more quickly. Exposure to large amounts can cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties.
Dr Punam advised that a milder earthy flavour is nothing to worry about, but warned of certain tastes or smells that should prompt action. "A bitter or metallic taste could be picking up the copper from the pipes," she said, while an antiseptic, TCP flavour could come from rubber or plastic in plumbing fittings or kettles. She also recommended checking water softeners or filters if a chemical or salty taste is noticed.
She issued a clear warning: "There are some that I would say absolutely do not go near and contact your water company - solvent, petrol fuel, you must call your water company and get that checked out. Similarly, for sewage or anything rotting."
Dr Punam suggested a simple test: fill a clean glass of water, walk away from the sink, then smell it. If there is no smell of sewage or anything rotten, the source is likely the drains; if it comes from the water, contact the water company to have it looked at.
