Boil water notice lifted - Eden and Boydtown

13 January 2020

NSW Health has advised that the boil water notice for Eden and Boydtown water supply system can be lifted, based on chlorine and turbidity levels across the water supply system and Council’s management of the system.

The lifting of the boil water notice occurs immediately. Water from the tap no longer needs to be boiled for any purpose in the Eden and Boydtown areas.

The boil water notice was introduced on Sunday 5 January 2020 for Eden and Boydtown due to the loss of power to chlorination facilities for Ben Boyd Dam and Kiah Borefield due to the impact of the Border Fire.

Council’s Network Operations Superintendent of Water and Sewerages Services, Bruce Powell, said the water quality across Eden and Boydtown had continued to improve since generator power enabled chlorination to be reinstated soon after the fire last Sunday morning.

“The re-supply of water from Kiah Borefield on Thursday 9 January has also helped to improve the quality of water supplied,” Mr Powell said.

“Ben Boyd Dam is off-line and not supplying water to the system. The dam was isolated following the helicopter emergency landing on Thursday 9 January, with the generator moved and installed at Kiah Borefield to provide an alternative supply of water from groundwater.

“Water quality testing of Ben Boyd Dam will continue in consultation with NSW Health and the NSW EPA to determine if there has been any impact on water quality and when it can be used again for drinking water supply.”

A boil water notice remains in place for Bemboka, Quaama, Cobargo, Bermagui, Beauty Point, Fairhaven, Wallaga Lake, Wallaga Lake Heights, Wallaga Lake Koori Village and Akolele, due to a loss of power caused by fire and treatment issues that followed. 

All water for drinking, food preparation, the cleaning of teeth and ice-making needs to be boiled before use. Water can then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.

“We understand the inconvenience caused by having to boil tap water and we will be doing everything we can to have the remaining boil water notices lifted as soon as possible,” Mr Powell said.

“The cooperation and understanding of all people affected by the boil water notices is very much appreciated,” he said.

Council will advise residents through local media, Council's website and Facebook page when the boil water notices for the remaining areas are lifted.

END