Boil Water Alert for residents of Binalong, Bowning and Yass
August 12 2010
https://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/6875663/boil-water-alert-for-residents-of-binalong-bowning-and-yass/
Following heavy rain within the Yass Dam water supply catchment, Yass Valley Council in conjunction with NSW Health has introduced a Boil Water Alert for Yass, Binalong, and Bowning.
Council has said that the Boil Water Alert is likely to be in place for at least one week and could be longer depending on how quickly things settle down after the recent heavy rainfall.
“More rain is predicted at the end of the week and this follow up rain may result in an extension of the Boil Water Alert, depending on its intensity,” a statement issued by the council states.
Acting Director of Infrastructure & Assets, Steven Beasley said that there is no link to the discharge of partially treated effluent from the Lower Molonglo Water Control Centre by ICON Water on Sunday.
“The drinking water supplying the towns of Yass, Bowning, and Binalong is drawn from Yass Dam. The majority of ‘source’ or ‘raw’ water supplies in Australia contain natural levels or organic and inorganic material,” he said.
“The aim of water treatment is to reduce the levels of organic and inorganic material and, in particular, any material associated with pathogens such as protozoa, bacteria, and viruses.
“In the case of Yass, heavy rain caused raw water to become extremely turbid (not clear or transparent because of stirred-up sediment) and compromised the effectiveness of the treatment process.
“Council has a strict water quality management system in place at Yass WTP and turbidity trigger levels were reached, ultimately resulting in the issue of a Boil Water Alert in consultation with NSW Health.”
Residents and businesses will be advised when the boil water notice is lifted through the council’s website, Facebook page, and the local media.