The Minister for Water is confident that in the case of a drought, Walgett will keep access to clean, drinkable water. 

Walgett’s water conditions have become notorious, after a series of investigations found it was well above drinkable sodium levels, and that locals often resorted to buying water rather than using the local supply. 

In Senate Estimates this month, Greens’ MP Sue Higginson asked the Minister for Water Rose Jackson if the town could rely on their water source in the impending dry period. 

“I am (confident), because we will do everything to ensure that that is the case,” Minister Jackson said. 

“..although I should say, in Walgett, as you know, the primary source of water is river water. Those rivers are sick, and the time it is going to take to bring them back to health is not going to be able to be achieved if we move into a short, sharp drought next year,” the Minister continued.

“But we're absolutely committed to that piece of work and, in the short term, we will ensure that that community has access to clean, safe, drinkable water.” 

Despite commitments from the Walgett Shire Council to drill new bores, local confidence in the water supply is tentative, and drinking water purchases remain high despite the NSW Government’s swift infrastructure development after the issue was highly publicised. 

The town has received infrastructure fixes for both their river and bore drinking sources, both which have experienced difficulties and at certain points, failed.

“In Walgett, we continue to engage with the Walgett Shire Council about trying to ensure that the water treatment plant and reverse osmosis facilities there are well operated.,” Minister Jackson said.

“I understand that they do have a new water technician who has come on, who is redoubling efforts to ensure that that is done correctly.” 

Tackling the issue from abroad

Last month, it was announced that Wagga Wagga comedian Dane Simpson would attempt to raise money for the Dharriwaa Elders Group (DEG) in Walgett to help provide clean drinking water. 

Publication 'The Latch' noted that funding for drinking water shouldn't be the responsibility of a television competition. (Facebook: Dane Simpson)

He took the challenge to The Amazing Race: Celebrity Edition, where he competed alongside his teammate and father Bow Simpson, who hails from Walgett. 

While the duo stood to win $100,000 for DEG, unfortunately they were eliminated early on in the competition, in India’s New Delhi.