Cumborah Village’s water supply has never been drinkable, but the detection of E-Coli has caused Walgett Shire Council to emphasise that the water shouldn’t be consumed by humans or animals. 

The weekly water tests came back abnormal this week, with lab results detecting E-Coli in the water supply. 

Originally, authorities believed the E-Coli came from the Lightning Ridge water supply, which would prompt NSW Health to issue a boil water notice. 

Instead, it was found that the standpipe that delivers water to Cumborah Village was contaminated, water which residents already don’t consume.

E-Coli is a bacteria found in faeces, that when contaminating food or water, could cause infection of the gastrointestinal tract. 

“I’ve been out to the pipe, and there’s a few holes where mice or birds’ faeces may have caused it,” council’s Director of Engineering and Technical Services Kazi Mahmud said. 

Walgett Shire Council will use chlorine to treat the water. 

“We already use chlorine, but it’s not effective in the heat, so we’ll bump it up,” he said.

Thankfully, the E-Coli occurred where all residents used alternative water sources. 

“Some residents purchase water, and I know a lot use rainwater tanks,” Mr Mahmud said. 

Over the coming weeks, the council will continue to monitor and collect samples to note whether the E-Coli has been effectively treated.