Drinking water in Dublin and Wicklow that has been letting off a musty smell and taste has been deemed safe by Irish Water.
Residents across the two counties, particularly in south Dublin and Bray, have been reporting the odd taste and smell in recent weeks and were concerned about whether they could drink it. But following testing by Irish Water it appears that a naturally occuring safe substance has caused the change.
MIB, also known as Methylisoborneol, is produced by algae found in bodies of water and is not harmful to human health. While Irish Water could not say how long it would last, they expect it to clear soon as rain continues across Ireland.
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The news was confirmed to Bray councillor Erika Doyle who posted an update. It said: "Irish Water can confirm that specialist results received today following ongoing testing of the Raw Water for the drinking water in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Dublin City and North and East Wicklow areas has indicated the presence of low levels of a naturally occurring substance called MIB (Methylisoborneol). While MIB can result in some people detecting an earthy, musty smell and taste from their drinking water, it is not harmful to human health.
"MIB is a naturally occurring organic substance produced by algae found in lakes, rivers, streams and reservoirs. It can be smelled at very low concentrations. Seasonal increases in naturally occurring algae or bacteria in water sources can cause a rise in MIB above the taste and odour threshold for some people. It is impossible to predict the onset of an incidence of MIB, or how long it will last. However, it will likely be resolved in the short term as the current rain spell continues and the weather cools. We will continue to keep this water supply under close review and will continue monitor for levels of MIB in the water. According to the World Health Organisation Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, MIB has no public health significance."
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