Scottish Water Advisory

Scottish Water have advised that customers in Aberdeen may have noticed a change to the taste or smell of their water recently. This is due to the presence of a compound called Geosmin which has been detected in water supplies at the Invercannie Water Treatment Works.

Geosmin, a harmless naturally occurring organic compound associated with the breakdown of algae and other micro-organisms in the raw water sources, that can often appear after a period of dry, hot weather, followed by rainfall.

It has a distinct earthy, musty taste and odour and is present in some foods such as beetroot, spinach, and mushrooms. It contributes to the strong scent that occurs in the air when rain falls after a dry spell of weather or when soil is disturbed. Chilling the water, adding ice cubes, a slice of lemon, or a few drops of lemon juice may help reduce the odour and taste produced by geosmin and they have factsheet that can be downloaded by clicking here.

Scottish Water are carrying out ongoing operations at the water treatment works which is hoped will lead to a reduction in Geosmin levels and the associated taste and odour issues currently being experienced by some customers, while the water continues to be tested rigorously in our laboratories and we can confirm that it is safe to use as normal and does not pose a risk to public health.