A small bit of relief is finally flowing for Narrabri residents, with NSW Health approving a plan to blend water from the Tibbereena Street bore with water from the Elizabeth Street bore, a move that, together with strong community water-saving efforts, has eased some of the pressure on the town’s supply.
The Tibbereena Street bore had previously recorded PFAS readings above the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, but after consultation with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Department of Health, Council has been permitted to safely blend the two sources.
The Tibberena and Killarney bores were switched off after testing in early July showed Namoi Reservoir levels slightly above current guidelines. Under the new arrangement, the Tibbereena bore can operate for up to 20 hours a day, with its water mixed into the Elizabeth Street reservoir supply at a safe ratio that meets the national standards.
Council said the approval provides a modest but much-needed increase to the available supply and confirmed that ongoing testing would ensure the town’s water remains safe to drink. Testing will occur weekly for the first month, fortnightly for the second, and monthly after that.
The Department of Health advised that short-term variations in PFAS levels may occur as the blending regime stabilises but said these would not affect public health, as guideline values are designed to minimise risk over a lifetime of exposure.
While the approval offers some relief, Level 4 water restrictions will remain in place to help rebuild the town’s reservoir and secure water for essential use.
Council has also credited the community’s efforts for helping improve the situation, reporting that the reservoir has climbed to 60.09 percent capacity.
“Your efforts to follow Level 4 Water Restrictions are making a real difference,” Council said in a social media post.
“Consumption trends have continued to improve, helping us to rebuild our water reserves and ease some of the pressure on our system.”
To celebrate the progress, the Narrabri Splash Pad will reopen from 12pm to 6pm this Saturday and Sunday. Normally closed under Level 4 restrictions, the short reopening will give families a chance to cool off and enjoy a small reward for their conservation efforts.
Narrabri Shire Council General Manager, Eloise Chaplain, said the situation has highlighted the urgent need for a more practical approach to water management in regional areas.
“Council has done everything possible to manage this situation responsibly and transparently,” Ms Chaplain said.
“The new national guidelines were introduced without a realistic pathway for small regional utilities to achieve compliance.”
“Local councils have been left to find immediate, complex and costly solutions to a problem the State Government knew existed.”
Ms Chaplain said Council remains committed to working with all stakeholders to secure a sustainable long-term solution.
“We are committed to ensuring Narrabri’s water remains safe and reliable and look forward to working with the State Government to make that possible.”
Town water in Narrabri is safe to drink and meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Further updates on water restrictions and reservoir levels are available at narrabri.nsw.gov.au/waterrestrictions.
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