MEDIA RELEASE - 7 May 2025

Published on 07 May 2025

GEOSMIN DETECTION IN TOWN WATER SUPPLY

Oberon Council and WaterNSW are aware of community concerns regarding an earthy taste and odour present in the town’s water supply. These issues are the result of elevated levels of Geosmin, a naturally occurring compound, recently detected in the raw water at Oberon Dam.

Geosmin, while harmless to health, often occurs due to naturally occurring algae in water supplies. It can give the water an earthy or musty taste and smell, even though the water remains completely safe to drink.

Oberon Council monitors water quality closely, and while geosmin may be noticeable from time to time, it poses no risk to public health and does not affect the safety of drinking water. While the treated water supplied to Oberon’s residents continues to meet all health and safety standards as set out in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, the heightened presence of Geosmin can affect the taste and smell of the drinking water.

Council’s current treatment infrastructure is not equipped to remove Geosmin, and WaterNSW have confirmed they are unable to supply different water as the Geosmin is spread through Oberon Dam’s entire water column.

A spokesperson for WaterNSW, which manages the dam and supplies raw water to Oberon’s water treatment facility, confirmed significantly increased Geosmin levels in recent testing in Oberon Dam.

“Our testing has shown that concentrations in the raw water are well above the threshold where taste and odour issues become noticeable,” they said.

“Elevated Geosmin concentrations are a naturally occurring phenomenon and are generally a short-term problem. WaterNSW continues to monitor the situation with regular sampling and analysis”.

WaterNSW confirmed “We will continue working closely with Oberon Council to explore any practical options to reduce the impact on residents.”

Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Media contacts: Oberon Council council@oberon.nsw.gov.au 02 6329 8100 WaterNSW media@waternsw.com.au   02 9685 4350