Lithgow Council steps in to supply cleaner water to the villages of Portland and Wallerawang

8 February, 2023

Lithgow Council has intervened to address discolouration of the potable water supply to the villages of Portland and Wallerawang.

The water is treated and provided by Water NSW as potable water to the reservoirs that service the villages. 

On the 29th of January, WaterNSW found they had a large break in their water supply line in the Sodwalls area that required repair. With the repair completed Water NSW started resupplying their water to the reservoirs.

On the 4th of February, discolouration was detected. The process of recharging water supply lines can release sediment off pipes into the system and this may be the cause of the discolouration. Flushing of their system was commenced by Water NSW. 

Lithgow Council is not satisfied with the pace at which the discoloured water is being removed out of the system. As a result, the Council has intervened to supply clean water out of their Oakey Park water treatment plant.

Flushing of the water mains will continue across the villages until the dirty water is completely removed from the system. Unfortunately, residents the areas of Portland, Wallerawang and Marrangaroo may experience a reduction in water pressure or no water during this period.

Before using the water for domestic purposes, residents are advised to run the first tap that services their property (usually external to the house) to ensure the water is clean and any remaining dirty water has been flushed before running internal taps. If you continue to experience issues of dirty water, please contact Council.

Council apologises for any inconvenience and assures residents that the service will be returned as soon as possible.