Baradine residents have been notified that town water is currently unsafe for drinking.

A boiled water alert, together with notification of level 6 water restrictions were issued by Warrumbungle Shire Council on Friday 24 November following problems with the town’s water supply scheme.

Residents were advised that water used for drinking or food preparation should be boiled until the problem has been rectified. 

“Last week we had some burst water mains in the Baradine water reticulation scheme with this escalating on Friday when there were a number of mains breaks around the same time,” explained Warrumbungle Shire General Manager, Roger Bailey.

“Unfortunately, the water supply system was unable to keep the supply up and as a result there was no sufficient treatment time before the water left the water treatment plant. As a result of this lack of treatment time we had to implement level 6 water restrictions and issue a ‘boil water’ alert.

“Since that time there has been only one burst water main and we believe that to be unrelated to the original problem.”

Mr Bailey said that Council staff are working to identify the cause behind the burst water mains to resolve the problem.

“Once we are happy with the level of water treatment, further water sampling will be undertaken and the samples sent to an independent laboratory to confirm the results,” Mr Bailey added. 

“Once the results have been cleared, and assuming there are no further problems, then the ‘boil water’ alert will be lifted and the community will be notified as soon as town water is safe for consumption.”

Council reminds residents that all current advice regarding water usage should be followed until further notice.