Sydney's south-west tap water turns intensely chlorine-smelling
Residents in Sydney's south-west report a strong chlorine smell in tap water. This happened after Sydney Water switched disinfectant types.
Residents in Spring Farm, Mount Annan, Oran Park, Gregory Hills, Grasmere and Cobbity are saying their tap water has a strong chlorine smell. Some reported skin rashes and illness.
Spring Farm resident Megan Hockey said her skin "blew up" after a Friday night bath. Neighbours on social media described similar effects.
Sydney Water changed its disinfectant from monochloramine to free chlorine. The company says this is needed for safety.
But it creates a more obvious taste and smell. Sydney Water insists the water is safe to drink.
A full house filtration system costs about $3,500 installed. An extra $2,000 gets you a reverse osmosis option.
- monochloramine to free chlorine
- Disinfectant switch
- 3,500 dollars installed
- Filtration system cost
- 2,000 dollars extra
- Reverse osmosis addition
Why it mattersResidents pay for water that feels unsafe. Low-income households face a difficult choice. They must buy costly filters or switch to bottled water.
AustraliaThis affects thousands of Sydney residents in a growing south-west region; the impact depends on how long Sydney Water keeps the new disinfectant and whether it addresses resident concerns.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 15 h ago
