Water quality analysis

Yes. Uralla Shire Council's drinking water is regularly tested and monitored in accordance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and Council's Drinking Water Management System. Water quality results are reviewed by trained staff and monitored in consultation with NSW Health to ensure the water supplied to customers is safe for drinking and everyday use.

Chlorine is added to drinking water to protect against harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. Council continuously monitors chlorine levels to ensure they remain within the ranges recommended by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. While some people may notice the taste or smell of chlorine from time to time, the levels used are safe and play an important role in maintaining public health.

Some people can smell or taste chlorine at very low levels, so noticing a chlorine smell does not necessarily mean there is too much chlorine in the water. In fact, people can often detect chlorine at concentrations well below Australian drinking water guideline levels. Council maintains a small chlorine residual throughout the water supply system to help ensure water remains safe right up to the tap. Recent monitoring shows chlorine levels within the range expected for a treated drinking water supply and below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines health-based guideline value. Importantly, our regular testing continues to show that microbiological water quality is being effectively maintained, with no detection of E. coli or total coliform bacteria in recent samples. In short, while some residents may notice the smell of chlorine, it is an important part of the treatment process that helps keep drinking water safe as it moves through the distribution network.

Yes. Arsenic is one of the water quality parameters monitored as part of Council's drinking water testing program. Samples are analysed by accredited laboratories and results are assessed against the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines to ensure compliance and protect public health.

Council's drinking water is monitored in accordance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, which focus on parameters known to affect human health and drinking water safety. Asbestos is generally not monitored in treated drinking water supplies because it is not considered a typical drinking water contaminant and there is currently no Australian Drinking Water Guideline health value for asbestos in drinking water. If specific concerns are identified, Council can investigate and seek advice from NSW Health and other relevant authorities.

Cloudy or milky-looking water is often caused by tiny air bubbles that become trapped in the water supply, particularly after maintenance work, pressure changes or temperature variations. In most cases, the water will clear within a few minutes if left standing in a glass. Cloudy water caused by air bubbles does not affect water safety. If the cloudiness persists, please contact Council for advice.

Occasional changes in taste or odour can occur due to natural variations in source water, treatment processes or household plumbing. If you notice an unusual taste, odour or appearance, first run a cold tap for several minutes. If the issue continues, contact Council so the matter can be investigated. Council can review water quality data and undertake additional testing where required to ensure the supply remains safe.