Update 3 - Public Notice - Boiled Water Alert Moranbah

Precautionary Boiled Water Alert – Moranbah – Update 3

***UPDATE 4:00pm Sunday, 26 March 2023***

Our water team have been working round the clock to resolve turbidity levels in Moranbah’s water network.

The boiled water notice remains in place as we work with the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and Queensland Health. Once issued a boiled water alert can only be lifted on advice of Queensland Health.

The team will continue water treatment this evening and undertake the flushing program using water hydrants across town to clear the water network.

To assist community in supplementing their boiled water requirements Council will have a potable water tanker available on Ted Rolfe Oval near the skatepark. The water tanker carting water from Dysart will be available:

Please ensure that you bring clean water containers, bottles, or buckets if you intend to use the water tanker.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have a water filter do I still need to boil my water?

Yes. Water filters vary in their ability to treat water with turbidity, and it is best to follow the regulators advice of boiling water.

Do I need to boil water for animals/pets?

Yes. Boiling water for animals is advised whenever a boiled water alert is issued.

Is Council going to help get water to town?

Yes. Council has arranged a potable water tanker for town and will continue to monitor the need for ongoing water tanker services.

Are Council working with schools, industry and accommodation providers in town?

Yes. Council has been communicating and working with these groups to ensure they are across the ongoing management of turbidity in towns water supply.

How is Council ensuring the water quality is being monitored effectively?

Our water team are sampling at various points around town and at the water treatment plant. They are taking additional measures of engaging with Mackay Regional Council to cross check the test results and reporting them to the relevant State Government departments.

Why is it taking time to reduce turbidity?

The new treated water will take time to reduce turbidity as we need to add it to reserves of water used to support flushing of toilets, showering (other than infants), washing (clothes and dishes) and firefighting. While we can and have reduced the water levels in the reservoirs, we cannot deplete them entirely, so we add the newly treated water to them to incrementally reduce turbidity.

If the water has improved why is the boiled water alert in place?

As we add treated water to the reservoirs it dilutes turbidity and increases chlorine levels used to neutralize organic matter and bacteria naturally found in raw water. We are taking the precaution of keeping the boiled water alert in place until we have consistent low-level turbidity across our reservoirs and network.

The next update is expected at 9:30am Monday 27 March 2023.

Please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre for assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).

Boiled Water Alert Information for Moranbah

As a precautionary measure, Council requests that all residents in Moranbah boil tap water used for drinking following higher levels of turbidity in the town water supply.

This alert is precautionary and applies to all residents in Moranbah from 1:40pm Saturday, 25 March 2023.

Isaac Regional Council is working closely with the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water along with Queensland Health as a precaution until the situation is resolved. In the interim Council has begun a water flushing program and will be using water hydrants across town to clear the water network.

The boil water alert will stay in effect until the Isaac Regional Council and Queensland Health are confident the situation is resolved. Updates will be provided to community.

People should use cooled boiled water or bottled water for:

•           drinking.

•           brushing teeth.

•           preparing and cooking foods.

•           washing raw foods such as fruit and vegetables.

•           preparing beverages and making ice.

•           preparing baby formula.

•           sponge-bathing infants.

•           consumption by pets

 Unboiled drinking water can be used for:

•           showering and bathing other than infants (avoid getting water in the mouth).

•           washing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher.

•           washing clothes.

•           flushing toilets.

People should bring drinking water to a rolling boil and then allow water to cool before using it or storing it in a clean, closed container for later use. Kettles with automatic cut-off switches are suitable for producing boiled water. Variable temperature kettles should be set to boil.

Residents are asked to share this alert with neighbours and friends.