While Tamworth Regional Council and the state government are waiting on more tests to make a call on the potential health risks, they have been able to clarify a few common questions.

A number of residents raised concerns about skin irritation, however NSW Health advised it was “unlikely” the reported levels would cause any acute symptoms.

Despite being radioactive in nature, the chemical properties of uranium are a greater concern.

Long term consumption can cause kidney damage, but the actual risk of health problems depends on the concentration of uranium in the water, how much water is drunk on a daily basis and how many years that water has been drunk.

NSW Health has asked Tamworth Regional Council for additional records and testing, which will help it to better determine the health risks, if any, to local residents.

The test results are expected on September 22, and council says it will update residents then.

While residents await the results, the matter has been raised in NSW parliament.

Labor’s spokesman for Tamworth, Memeber of the Legislative Council Daniel Moohkey, asked Water Minister Niall Blair how long resident had been drinking the contaminated water, and if he would guarantee the safety of the community.

Mr Blair said while the Department of Primary Industries Water (DPIW) had been in contact with council, it only had an "advisory role".

"DPIW is able to provide technical assistance if required," Mr Blair said.

Mr Moohkey was scathing of Mr Blair’s failure to “provide any safety assurance for residents”.

“Water Minister Niall Blair thinks his department has no responsibility to ensure community safety,” Mr Moohkey told The Leader.

“A Water Minister should care about water quality. Minister Blair needs to guarantee that the community is safe.

“Now is not the time to play pass the parcel over who is responsible.”

Readings in July found 32 micrograms per litre in a Kootingal bore. On August 23, the groundwater supply for the villages was switched off and Tamworth’s water has been supplied since. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines say anything above 17 micrograms should be investigate, while the World Health Organisation’s trigger is 30 micrograms.