Drinking Water Quality
We are committed to providing high quality drinking water to our residents.
More than 18,000 households rely on us to maintain a clean, regular water supply.
Drinking water quality
Water quality testing is conducted daily at the water treatment plant, with samples sent to independent NATA‑accredited laboratories weekly. In addition, reticulation network sampling is undertaken weekly for NSW Health.
You can find Wingecarribee Drinking Water Reticulation Network- Annual water quality monitoring reports starting from 2024 below:
Understanding your drinking water
NSW Health advises that water from farm dams, rivers and creeks should not be used for drinking or cooking without appropriate treatment.
As with all water supplies, our drinking water contains small amounts of naturally occurring minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese. Without these substances, the water would taste bland.
However, some of these substances can impact water quality when a change in demand or temperature occurs. Most of the water quality concerns reported by customers to Council are related to its appearance, taste or odour.
Water Discolouration
Discolouration is generally an aesthetic issue, with a slight taste making the water unpleasant to drink. The best advice is that if you personally have any concerns don't drink the water until it clears.
Although contamination of the water supply with substances that could have an adverse impact on health is very unlikely, we have emergency procedures to deal with such potential events.
These are based on regular monitoring of the supplies and could involve shutting down Council's water treatment plants to prevent contaminated water being distributed, draining of service reservoirs to remove contaminated water from the system and alerting the public by a variety of means.
Taste and odour
The taste and odour of water can vary from tap to tap and can be similarly impacted by naturally occurring minerals, water treatment processes and internal plumbing. An individual’s personal likes and dislikes can also influence their perception of taste and odour.
Fluoride
Water fluoridation is the process of adding fluoride to drinking water to help reduce tooth decay in children and adults. You gain the benefits of fluoride each day that you drink or brush your teeth with tap water.
What to do if a boil water alert is in place?
Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe. Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this. Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.
Everyone, particularly people caring for young children, should be careful to avoid scalding, when you are heating and then cooling the water.
Bottled water or cool boiled water should be used for drinking, washing uncooked food (e.g. salad vegetables and fruit), making ice, cleaning teeth, gargling and pet’s drinking water.
Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. Children should take bottled water or cool boiled water to school. Infant formula should be made with cooled boiled water.
Tap water is safe for bathing. There is a potential risk if water is swallowed during washing and bathing. Parents and carers could consider a sponge bath for children as an alternative.
More information on boil water alerts is available by searching 'boiled water alert' at health.nsw.gov.au
2024 Winners of the Best Tasting Water in NSW
In November 2024, our water treatment plant was awarded the prestigious 2024 IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water title for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
The award was presented by the Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA), recognised the exceptional quality of our drinking water. Water samples from across the state were blind-tasted and judged on factors such as taste, clarity, and odour.
This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Water Services Team, who work tirelessly to ensure that our community receives a reliable supply of clean, safe, and great-tasting water.
Find out more here
Plaque received from WIOA for Best Tasting Tap Water State Winner 2024