Update 4 - Precautionary boiled water alert – Moranbah

The boiled water notice will remain 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 after receiving clearance from Queensland Health.

Our water team continues to work round the clock to resolve turbidity levels in Moranbah’s water network. The water tests over the last 24 hours have shown reduced turbidity.

While this is a positive trend, we will need to see this maintained for a consistent period of time before we receive Queensland Health clearance.

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

Daily during the boiled water alert

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

Council asks that residents conserve water in the interim as the flushing program has reduced storage in the reservoirs.

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

Please share this information with your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current test results?

Over the last 24 hours turbidity levels been recorded ranging between 0.79ntu and 1.39ntu (nephelometric turbidity units).

How are Council verifying the results?

Council will continue to get the water results validated by an independent NATA registered lab.

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 neutralise 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.

JEFF STEWART-HARRIS PSM

Chief Executive Officer

Boiled Water Alert Information for Moranbah

As a precautionary measure, Isaac Regional 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.

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.

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