Residents across various communities in Perth and Kinross, alongside many in Fife, have recently encountered an unusual and distinctive ‘earthy’ or ‘musty’ taste and smell emanating from their tap water supply. Reports of this noticeable change began to surface early on Tuesday morning, prompting a swift response and public statement from Scottish Water, the primary utility provider for these regions.
The altered sensory experience has been officially attributed to the presence of 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB), a naturally occurring compound. Scottish Water clarifies that MIB is a harmless substance that originates from the natural breakdown processes of algae and other microscopic organisms often found within raw water sources. Its sudden appearance in the treated water is frequently linked to environmental shifts, such as significant rainfall occurring after a prolonged dry spell, or when natural disturbances occur within the soil and sediment of water catchment areas. These conditions can lead to an increase in the organic matter that produces MIB.
Despite the unpleasant sensory qualities, Scottish Water has provided firm reassurance to all affected households that the water remains entirely safe for drinking and all other domestic uses. The current focus is on managing public perception and offering practical solutions. Communities specifically impacted by the ‘earthy’ taste include a wide swathe of central Scotland: in Perth and Kinross, this encompasses Perth itself (PH2 postcode area) and Kinross (KY13 postcode area), extending into Fife to cover Kirkcaldy (KY2), Burntisland (KY3), Lochgelly (KY5), Glenrothes (KY7), Leven (KY8 and KY9), and Anstruther (KY10). For those experiencing this unusual taste, simple home remedies are suggested: chilling the water thoroughly and adding ice cubes, a fresh slice of lemon, or a few drops of lemon juice can effectively mask or reduce the perceived earthiness and mustiness.
Water quality specialists and operational teams at Scottish Water are currently undertaking a series of strategic adjustments at their water treatment facilities to address and rectify the issue. This involves meticulous monitoring and modifications to the treatment processes designed to remove such compounds. However, due to the sheer size and intricate interconnectedness of the water distribution network serving these densely populated areas, the complete resolution of the taste and odour problem is not an instantaneous fix. It will inevitably take some time for the adjusted, improved water quality to fully circulate through the vast pipeline system and reach every household tap.
Adding a layer of complexity to the region’s water supply concerns, separate incidents of discoloured water have also been reported. These have primarily affected homes and businesses within the KY6 and KY7 postcodes in the broader Glenrothes area, as well as in Thornton (KY1). This discolouration, which often appears brownish, is understood to be a distinct issue, unrelated to the MIB, and is typically a result of essential maintenance activities carried out within the local water network. Such maintenance can sometimes stir up natural sediments in the pipes, leading to temporary discolouration.
For residents encountering brown-tinged water, Scottish Water offers clear guidance to restore clarity:
1. The first and most important step is to run only your cold water kitchen tap. 2. Allow the tap to run at a reduced pressure. This controlled flow helps to flush the system without creating further disturbance. 3. Continue running the water until it appears completely clear. 4. During this flushing process, it is crucial to avoid running any other taps in the household or operating water-consuming appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, or showers. This prevents discoloured water from entering and potentially staining other fixtures or appliances. 5. Once the cold kitchen tap is consistently running clear, you may then proceed to flush any other affected taps within your property using the same methodical, low-pressure approach.
Should the water instead appear white or cloudy, this is generally an indication of harmless trapped air within the supply lines. This phenomenon is quite common and usually resolves itself naturally, with the air dissipating over a period of 24 to 48 hours, requiring no specific intervention from residents.
These temporary challenges, while undoubtedly inconvenient for local communities, underscore the continuous and diligent efforts required to manage a modern public water supply. Scottish Water reaffirms its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, safe drinking water to all its customers across Perth and Kinross and Fife. The utility company extends its appreciation for the understanding and patience demonstrated by residents as these localized and specific water quality issues are actively investigated and resolved. Ongoing monitoring and responsive adjustments remain paramount to upholding the high standards of water provision in the region.
The altered sensory experience has been officially attributed to the presence of 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB), a naturally occurring compound. Scottish Water clarifies that MIB is a harmless substance that originates from the natural breakdown processes of algae and other microscopic organisms often found within raw water sources. Its sudden appearance in the treated water is frequently linked to environmental shifts, such as significant rainfall occurring after a prolonged dry spell, or when natural disturbances occur within the soil and sediment of water catchment areas. These conditions can lead to an increase in the organic matter that produces MIB.
Despite the unpleasant sensory qualities, Scottish Water has provided firm reassurance to all affected households that the water remains entirely safe for drinking and all other domestic uses. The current focus is on managing public perception and offering practical solutions. Communities specifically impacted by the ‘earthy’ taste include a wide swathe of central Scotland: in Perth and Kinross, this encompasses Perth itself (PH2 postcode area) and Kinross (KY13 postcode area), extending into Fife to cover Kirkcaldy (KY2), Burntisland (KY3), Lochgelly (KY5), Glenrothes (KY7), Leven (KY8 and KY9), and Anstruther (KY10). For those experiencing this unusual taste, simple home remedies are suggested: chilling the water thoroughly and adding ice cubes, a fresh slice of lemon, or a few drops of lemon juice can effectively mask or reduce the perceived earthiness and mustiness.
Water quality specialists and operational teams at Scottish Water are currently undertaking a series of strategic adjustments at their water treatment facilities to address and rectify the issue. This involves meticulous monitoring and modifications to the treatment processes designed to remove such compounds. However, due to the sheer size and intricate interconnectedness of the water distribution network serving these densely populated areas, the complete resolution of the taste and odour problem is not an instantaneous fix. It will inevitably take some time for the adjusted, improved water quality to fully circulate through the vast pipeline system and reach every household tap.
Adding a layer of complexity to the region’s water supply concerns, separate incidents of discoloured water have also been reported. These have primarily affected homes and businesses within the KY6 and KY7 postcodes in the broader Glenrothes area, as well as in Thornton (KY1). This discolouration, which often appears brownish, is understood to be a distinct issue, unrelated to the MIB, and is typically a result of essential maintenance activities carried out within the local water network. Such maintenance can sometimes stir up natural sediments in the pipes, leading to temporary discolouration.
For residents encountering brown-tinged water, Scottish Water offers clear guidance to restore clarity:
1. The first and most important step is to run only your cold water kitchen tap. 2. Allow the tap to run at a reduced pressure. This controlled flow helps to flush the system without creating further disturbance. 3. Continue running the water until it appears completely clear. 4. During this flushing process, it is crucial to avoid running any other taps in the household or operating water-consuming appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, or showers. This prevents discoloured water from entering and potentially staining other fixtures or appliances. 5. Once the cold kitchen tap is consistently running clear, you may then proceed to flush any other affected taps within your property using the same methodical, low-pressure approach.
Should the water instead appear white or cloudy, this is generally an indication of harmless trapped air within the supply lines. This phenomenon is quite common and usually resolves itself naturally, with the air dissipating over a period of 24 to 48 hours, requiring no specific intervention from residents.
These temporary challenges, while undoubtedly inconvenient for local communities, underscore the continuous and diligent efforts required to manage a modern public water supply. Scottish Water reaffirms its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, safe drinking water to all its customers across Perth and Kinross and Fife. The utility company extends its appreciation for the understanding and patience demonstrated by residents as these localized and specific water quality issues are actively investigated and resolved. Ongoing monitoring and responsive adjustments remain paramount to upholding the high standards of water provision in the region.