North East Water

North East Water has lifted a Boil Water Notice at Whitfield after their water monitoring program indicated a return to normal conditions and improved raw water quality.

The Corporation sent residents written notification of the decision to lift the notice today (Monday).

Corporation treatment staff issued the notice in late November 2008, as a result of dirty water in Musk Gully Creek, caused by the heavy rains and algae issues in the reservoir. 

Executive Manager, Operations, Fiona Smith, said North East Water had followed the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect the public's health by issuing the boil water notice and keeping the community informed about the problem.

"In addition, we've completed internal testing that has shown that the treatment plant is now able to effectively treat and disinfect the water for our customers" she said.

"It's a challenge to take raw water of the quality we saw in Musk Gully Creek and treat it to achieve safe drinking water and then maintain disinfection."

"We regret the need to institute a boil water notice, and we've done our best to keep Whitfield residents informed through letters and newsletters and we've found that most people are sympathetic to the problems we're facing here". 

Ms Smith said the community had been supportive and patient during the entire episode.

North East Water would like to thank the residents of Whitfield for their patience during the boil water notice period.

Please contact North East Water on 1300 361 622 for further information.