Last updated: February 2024

Water Quality FAQs: Taste and odour of water


Why does my water smell/taste of petrol, diesel or oil?

If there is a taste or odour of petrol or diesel to the water from your kitchen tap, please contact your water undertaker straight away and do not drink the water or use it for cooking purposes until you have sought their advice.

The most common cause of this issue are leaks or the spillage of hydrocarbons (the chemical compounds found within fuel and similar products).The water undertaker will want to know whether you have had any work done at the property (for example on the heating system), if you have any oil storage tanks or have recently had any oil spills at the premises (for example a car or motorbike leaking oil).

 

 


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Disclaimer

Uncontrolled if downloaded. This is informative, non-statutory guidance and intended for general guidance purposes only; it is subject to change.

Compliance with this information should not be relied upon as guaranteeing no enforcement action will be taken by water undertakers. Water Regs UK accepts no liability for loss, indirect or consequential loss arising from or in connection with this guidance document.

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