Filter customers pour in to avoid tap water

Rob Lockyear | 7th January 2009

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WHILE Ipswich's tap water has been leaving a funny taste in the mouths of local residents in recent days, the muddy flavoured aqua has been a boon for some local businesses.

Garrard Water Filters owner Rodney Garrard said he had experienced a significant spike in his sales as water quality had been big news in recent months.

“They (sales) have gone through the roof,” Mr Garrard said.

But he said it was not just the earthy flavour caused by the heavy rainfalls in November and December that had generated the filter fever.

“People are very worried about the recycled water and fluoride,” he said.

Mr Garrard said every time water quality was in the news his sales increased.

And while he said he was happy to get the business, he had seen tap water drop in quality like this before after big rains and wanted to make it clear it was safe and would return to normal soon.

“It is a very big concern for the elderly residents,” he said.

“But they should know it is only a temporary situation.”

Woolworths Riverlink manager Isaac Ferrante said lots of customers had been flooding the aisles to take home some bottled water and give their tastebuds a break from the tangy

Wivenhoe water.

Mr Ferrante had just finished restocking his depleted shelves after a busy few days of quenching the thirst of disgruntled residents.

“In the past couple of weeks water has been selling well,” Mr Ferrante said.

He said rather than individuals coming in to grab a little bottle, customers had been stocking up with the four to 15 litre bulk sizes.

Water filter jugs had also been selling well. He said many of his staff had commented on the taste.

• What have you done to deal with the taste? Call the QT on

3817 1738.