If you want guaranteed clean water in Walgett, it may not come from the tap, but a lone water dispenser in the middle of town.

A new drinking water kiosk has been installed in town, which uses reverse osmosis technology to purify the water, reducing the sodium concentration for those drinking it. 

The initiative from Dharriwaa Elders Group (DEG) and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service (WAMS) - including free 750ml water bottles being supplied to townspeople - is another step in Walgett’s long battle for acceptable drinking water. 

WAMS CEO Christine Corby AM said that it shouldn’t be up to local organisations to provide critical public infrastructure, making the celebration of the water kiosks arrival a sad one. 

“Some drink from (the taps), some don’t. It’s a personal choice I suppose,” Ms Corby said. 

“My concern is that we should have water. We shouldn’t rely on this bottle system,” she said. 

With plans for two more filtered water kiosks in the coming year, DEG is hopeful that access to free, safe, and chilled drinking water will negate the need for locals to buy water and sugary drinks for hydration. 

In a town that is susceptible to chronic diseases, access to water that isn’t overly high in sodium is crucial to public health. 

According to DEG, the new kiosk’s filtration system reduces sodium concentration from about 300mg/L to 35mg/L or less, which is a lot safer to drink for people with chronic health issues. 

“I do think there needs to be an improvement in the quality of water.”

“Our community, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, has a high instance of ill-health here, so every little improvement should be used,” Ms Corby said. 

Filtered water will come from the kiosk regardless of whether the town is using water from the river or bore. 

The unit was designed and assembled pro-bono by Bruce Atkinson of Beca Group and installed by HL Mullane & Son with the support of the Mullane Foundation.