Update 5 - 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 to resolve turbidity levels in Moranbah’s water network. Their efforts as of this morning have delivered a sustained reduction in turbidity.

These levels need to be maintained for a period of time to be determined by Queensland Health.

Residents may experience a milky appearance in the water coming from their taps caused by air in the network. This is the result of air entering the system while lowering the reservoir levels. There are no direct health issues associated with the milky appearance. Ultimately this is part of returning the water network to normal operations.

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

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 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.

Share this information with your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.

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

JEFF STEWART-HARRIS PSM

Chief Executive Officer

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.

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.

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.

The boil water alert will stay in effect until 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.