Coonamble Shire Council advises residents that the current Boil Water Alert and strict water restrictions will remain in place while water quality targets are restored across the town supply system.

These measures remain necessary to protect public health following system stress at the water treatment plant and continued high demand on the town water supply.

Operational Update

Council also advises that Bore Site 5 is currently not operating due to a pump failure.

As a result, the town water supply is presently reliant on Bores 3 and 4.

This reduced bore capacity has increased operational pressure on the treatment system and reinforces the need for continued water conservation across the community.

Repairs to Bore Site 5 are being prioritised.

Why the Boil Water Alert Remains

Under Council’s Drinking Water Management Plan (2020), the water treatment plant must achieve a Critical Control Point (CCP) chlorine residual target of 2.0 to ensure effective disinfection and compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

The CCP refers to the chlorine dosing level required to eliminate potential pathogens such as E.coli and total coliforms.

The plant is currently operating at a CCP level of 1.89, which remains below the required target of 2.0.

Before the Boil Water Alert can be lifted:

1. The CCP chlorine residual must consistently reach and stabilise at 2.0; and

2. Council must allow a minimum 24-hour turnover period for treated water to circulate through the reticulation system and reservoirs to ensure consistent water quality across the entire network.

This turnover process ensures compliant water is present throughout the system — not just at the treatment plant outlet.

Council continues to work closely with NSW Public Health and will meet daily, including over the weekend, to fast-track the lifting of the Boil Water Alert as soon as it is safe to do so.

Boil Water Requirements Remain in Force

Residents must continue to:

· Bring water to a rolling boil before drinking or food preparation

· Use cooled, boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food and beverages, baby formula, making ice and pet drinking water

Tap water may still be used for showering and bathing (avoiding ingestion), washing clothes, and washing dishes in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher (air dried).

Water Restrictions Continue

Strict water restrictions remain in place to reduce demand on the treatment system and assist with stabilising water quality.

All non-essential water use remains prohibited.

Bottled Water Distribution

Free bottled drinking water distribution will continue:

· Friday

· Saturday

· Not operating Sunday

· If necessary, distribution will continue into next week

Distribution arrangements will be reviewed daily based on water quality progress and community need.

Council thanks the community for its continued cooperation and patience during this critical period.

Greg Hill

GENERAL MANAGER