After four fraught months of living hand-to-bottled-water, Uralla residents now have something to celebrate.
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Town water has been declared safe to drink.
Uralla Shire Council Mayor Michael Pearce today advised the 'Do Not Drink' alert for the water supply is lifted, as toxic arsenic levels drop to safe.
However the water restrictions will remain at Level 5 until further notice.
Cr Pearce thanked the community for their support and understanding, and expressed appreciation to all the agencies involved for their assistance, technical support, funding and commitment.
[Thanks to] the volunteers who enthusiastically stepped up to help out as well as Foodworks Uralla and Invergowrie Store for their continued support and assistance.
- Mayor Michael Pearce
The elevated levels of arsenic in the town water supply have been reduced to concentrations below the Australian Drinking Water Guideline values.
"Working with NSW Health and the Department of Planning Industry and Environment - Water, the decision has been made to lift the alert based on consistently compliant water quality," Cr Pearce said.
Bringing in bottled water was costing between $3000 to $5000 per day, and despite funding for the costs, it was considered 'unsustainable'.
Tests revealed arsenic in the town water supply had been as high as 12 times the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Despite friction on the way, council worked with the State Government, Government Laboratories, Health and Water to find a solution to the contamination.
"I would like to thank Adam Marshall MP and the State Government for funding the bottled water costs during the alert and also providing funding towards process modifications and improvements at the Uralla Water Treatment Plant."
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"We would also like to once again thank the community for their support and understanding during the last few months and I hope that the lifting of the 'Do Not Drink Alert' can provide some relief to residents," Cr Pearce said.
"Uralla Shire Council sincerely hopes that the treatment process ensures that levels remain within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with Council continuing to monitor the issue," he added.
The bottled water distribution will close this evening.
Cr Pearce adding his thanks to "the volunteers who enthusiastically stepped up to help out as well as Foodworks Uralla and Invergowrie Store for their continued support and assistance."
For further information and to ask questions, visit the council's website and Facebook page.
