When you turn on a tap in North Lakes, Narangba or another part of Moreton Bay, there is a good chance the water began its journey at North Pine Dam.
However, that is not always the complete story.
Moreton Bay is connected to the wider South East Queensland Water Grid. This means treated drinking water can be moved around the region when different areas need additional supply.
The water reaching your home may usually come from Lake Samsonvale, but it can sometimes be supplemented with water sourced from other parts of South East Queensland.
Friday Fact
Your Moreton Bay tap water may not always come from exactly the same source.
A large portion of Moreton Bay’s drinking water is stored in North Pine Dam, also known as Lake Samsonvale. When required, it is pumped to the North Pine Water Treatment Plant before entering the wider water supply system.
Because the region is connected to the SEQ Water Grid, Moreton Bay can also receive treated water from other sources, including Baroon Pocket Dam on the Sunshine Coast and Wivenhoe Dam on the Brisbane River.
Most homeowners never notice the source changing. The water is treated and monitored before it reaches the local distribution network. However, a change in source can sometimes create a slight difference in taste or smell.
North Pine Dam Is Moreton Bay’s Major Local Water Source
North Pine Dam was completed in 1976 across the North Pine River, approximately five kilometres upstream from Petrie.
The reservoir created by the dam is known as Lake Samsonvale.
Its primary purpose is to store drinking water for Moreton Bay and north Brisbane. It also provides flood mitigation benefits through five steel gates that can be used to manage controlled releases during periods of heavy rainfall.
Water stored in Lake Samsonvale is not sent directly from the dam to household taps.
It first needs to be treated so that it meets drinking water requirements.
How Water Travels from the Dam to Your Tap
The journey can be understood in four main stages.
1. Water is collected and stored
Rainfall enters the North Pine River catchment and flows into Lake Samsonvale, where it is stored behind North Pine Dam.
2. Raw water is treated
When needed, water from the dam is pumped to the North Pine Water Treatment Plant.
The treatment process removes contaminants and prepares the water for safe distribution through the drinking water network.
3. Seqwater moves bulk treated water
Seqwater manages the region’s bulk water supplies, including the dams, treatment plants, major pipelines, reservoirs and pumping stations that form the SEQ Water Grid.
The grid allows treated drinking water to be moved between different parts of South East Queensland.
4. Unitywater delivers it to local properties
Unitywater receives the treated bulk water and distributes it to homes and businesses throughout Moreton Bay using local reservoirs, pumps and water mains.
From the property boundary, the home’s private plumbing carries the water from the meter to each tap, toilet, shower, appliance and hot water system.
What Is the SEQ Water Grid?
The SEQ Water Grid is an interconnected bulk water supply network spanning South East Queensland.
It links major dams, water treatment plants, reservoirs, pumping stations and more than 600 kilometres of bulk water pipelines.
One of its most important features is the ability to move treated water in different directions.
This helps manage situations where rainfall and dam levels vary across the region. One catchment may receive significant rain while another remains comparatively dry.
Instead of relying entirely on a single local source, the grid can supplement supplies by moving treated water to where it is needed.
It does not completely replace local water sources. North Pine Dam remains an important part of Moreton Bay’s drinking water supply.
Can Water from Different Sources Taste Different?
Yes. Slight variations in taste and smell are possible when water comes from a different source.
Every dam and catchment has different natural characteristics. The water may contain slightly different levels of naturally occurring minerals such as calcium, sodium and magnesium.
Local treatment processes can also vary depending on the characteristics of the raw water entering the treatment plant.
When the direction of water moving through the grid changes, some households may notice that their tap water tastes or smells slightly different from what they are used to.
A difference in taste does not automatically mean the water is unsafe. Drinking water supplied through the network continues to be treated and monitored against the relevant standards.
Why Does Tap Water Sometimes Smell Like Chlorine?
Chlorine is used to help maintain disinfection as drinking water moves through the distribution network.
Some people are more sensitive to its smell or taste than others.
If the chlorine smell is mild, placing water in a jug and leaving it in the refrigerator can make it less noticeable.
A very strong smell that appears suddenly should be reported to Unitywater, particularly when it affects multiple taps throughout the property.
Why Does Tap Water Sometimes Look Cloudy or Milky?
Cloudy white water is often caused by tiny air bubbles inside the pressurised water supply.
This can occur after maintenance or repairs to the water network.
Fill a clear glass and leave it sitting for around ten minutes. If the water clears from the bottom upwards as the bubbles rise and escape, trapped air is the likely cause.
If the water does not clear, or there is unusual colour, sediment or a strong odour, check for local water supply notices and contact Unitywater.
Is the Problem in the Water Network or Your Plumbing?
Where the issue appears can provide an important clue.
When every tap is affected
If the same taste, smell, colour or pressure problem appears at every tap, the cause may be related to the water supply network, nearby maintenance or a change in the bulk water source.
Check whether neighbours are experiencing the same issue and review Unitywater’s outage and maintenance information.
When only one tap is affected
If the issue is isolated to one tap, one bathroom or one section of the home, the cause is more likely to be within the property.
Possible causes include:
- A dirty tap aerator
- Corrosion inside a fitting or pipe
- An ageing flexible hose
- Biofilm inside private pipework
- A problem with an appliance connection
- Water sitting in an infrequently used pipe
- A localised hot water system issue
Running the affected tap briefly may clear stagnant water. If the issue keeps returning, the plumbing should be inspected.
What Does a Metallic Taste or Blue-Green Staining Mean?
A metallic taste accompanied by blue-green staining around basins, showers or toilets can indicate copper corrosion within the property’s plumbing.
This is different from a general change in the supplied water’s taste.
It may occur in older copper pipework, around deteriorating fittings or occasionally in newer plumbing while the internal surfaces stabilise.
Flushing the affected tap may provide temporary relief, but recurring metallic tastes or staining should be investigated by a licensed plumber.
What If the Water Smells Earthy or Musty?
An earthy or musty taste can sometimes originate from naturally occurring conditions in dams and waterways.
It may also become noticeable when the water grid changes supply sources or flow directions.
However, when the smell affects only one tap or one section of the property, the source may be inside the home’s plumbing.
Above-ground plastic pipework exposed to heat and weather can deteriorate over time. Internal build-up and biofilm can also contribute to unpleasant tastes or smells.
A plumber can inspect the affected pipework and determine whether part of the private plumbing system is contributing to the problem.
Who Is Responsible for Each Part of the Water Supply?
Understanding the dividing line can help you contact the right organisation.
Seqwater manages the bulk water system. This includes major dams, treatment plants and the SEQ Water Grid.
Unitywater distributes treated drinking water to properties throughout Moreton Bay and manages the local water supply network up to the property connection.
The property owner is generally responsible for the private plumbing after the meter, including internal pipes, taps, toilets, valves, hoses, appliances and hot water systems.
If several homes are affected, there may be a network issue for Unitywater to investigate.
If the problem is isolated to your property or a particular fixture, a licensed plumber is usually the appropriate next step.
When Should You Contact a Plumber?
Arrange a plumbing inspection when:
- Only one tap or area of the home is affected
- There is recurring metallic taste or blue-green staining
- Water smells unusual only from the hot taps
- There are signs of corrosion around pipes or fittings
- The water pressure is low within the property
- A tap continues producing discoloured water after flushing
- Above-ground plastic pipes appear aged or damaged
- There is leaking around the meter-side plumbing, valves or household connections
- You suspect a problem with the hot water system
The water travelling through Moreton Bay’s supply network has already completed a considerable journey before it reaches your meter. From that point onward, the condition of the property’s plumbing can affect how it looks, tastes, smells and flows from each fixture.
Plumbing Services Across Moreton Bay
RJT Plumbing & Gas assists homeowners with leaking pipes, corroded fittings, water pressure problems, tap replacements, hot water systems and household water supply issues throughout North Lakes, Narangba, Mango Hill, Griffin, Kallangur, Murrumba Downs and surrounding Moreton Bay suburbs.
If a water issue appears to be isolated to your property, RJT Plumbing & Gas can inspect the private plumbing and identify what may be causing it.
Contact RJT Plumbing & Gas to arrange an inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Moreton Bay’s tap water come from?
Much of Moreton Bay’s drinking water begins at North Pine Dam, also known as Lake Samsonvale. The region is also connected to the South East Queensland Water Grid, which allows treated water from other sources to supplement local supplies when required.
Can Moreton Bay’s tap water come from different dams?
Yes. The SEQ Water Grid connects dams, water treatment plants, reservoirs, pumping stations and bulk pipelines across South East Queensland. This allows treated drinking water to be moved between different areas when supply conditions or demand change.
Why does my tap water sometimes taste or smell different?
Different water sources have slightly different natural mineral characteristics and may require different treatment processes. A change in water source or flow direction through the water grid can occasionally create a noticeable difference in taste or smell.
Why does my tap water smell like chlorine?
Chlorine is used to help maintain disinfection while drinking water travels through the distribution network. Some people notice its taste or smell more strongly than others. A sudden or unusually strong smell affecting several taps should be reported to Unitywater.
Why does tap water sometimes look cloudy or milky?
Cloudy white water is often caused by tiny air bubbles inside the pressurised supply. Fill a clear glass and leave it for around ten minutes. If it clears from the bottom upwards, trapped air is the likely cause.
How can I tell whether a water issue is in the network or my plumbing?
If the same taste, smell, colour or pressure problem affects every tap and nearby properties, the issue may be within the water supply network. If it affects only one tap, one room or one section of the home, the cause is more likely to be within the property’s private plumbing.
What can cause a metallic taste or blue-green staining?
A recurring metallic taste accompanied by blue-green staining can indicate copper corrosion within the property’s plumbing. A licensed plumber can inspect the pipework and fittings to identify the source.
Who is responsible for the water supply in Moreton Bay?
Seqwater manages bulk water sources, treatment plants and the SEQ Water Grid. Unitywater distributes treated water through the local network. Property owners are generally responsible for private plumbing after the water meter.
