Encouraging News

Published on 13 December 2024

The Council has received results from the additional testing of three bores around Warialda. Samples were collected on 12/12/2024.

Encouragingly, the samples collected from the Saleyard and Gragin Road bores had no detectable levels of PFAS. Town water will now be sourced solely from these bores until further notice.

During the weekend, the Council will undertake pipe flushing to assist in removing any residual PFAS from the system. The Council will also continue to issue free bottled water from the Warialda Visitor Information Centre. This includes both Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.

The water also continues to be safe for showering, washing dishes and laundry.

In order to manage the reduced water supply, Council is having to introduce water restrictions for the next 5 days. These restrictions will be – no fixed sprinklers to be used only hand held hoses are permitted. This level of restriction may have to be extended. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Please be assured that since the bore at Hospital Park was detected as having significant levels of PFAS, the bore has now been isolated and disconnected from the water supply indefinitely.

Additional bores will be tested early next week and will not be used until results are available. Further advice will be issued after the Council receives these results.

The advice from NSW Health remains unchanged. Drinking town water in Warialda in the short term is unlikely to pose a health risk for residents. However, bottled water is available for people who would prefer to use this for cooking and drinking while the pipes are flushed and the testing on the offline bores continues.

Please be assured again that the town water supply is now coming solely from the Saleyard and Gragin Road bores that have no detectable levels of PFAS.

Max Eastcott

General Manager

13 December 2024

8:25 pm