Further mains flushing planned

Gosford Council will implement further mains flushing in the coming months to reduce the likelihood of discoloured water incidents over the summer period.

The council will also undertake a "water quality management program which has a key focus on improving the situation with the discoloured water".

"The objective of this program is to reduce the number of discoloured water incidents in the Gosford City area and minimise the impact these events have on the community," according to mayor Cr Jim Macfadyen.

The program includes replacement of unlined fittings and addressing the poor flow rates because of dead ends in the system on the Peninsula.

A council press release stated that, while the appearance of discoloured water was unpleasant, it was not considered a hazard to health.

It stated that the council monitored the water supply and "ensures at all times it stays within Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines".

The announcement follows another occurrence of discoloured water on the Peninsula over the weekend of October 6 and 7.

Council's Water and Sewer staff stated that they believed the incident was over but were continuing to monitor the situation.

In its press release, the council has apologised to residents of Ettalong, Umina and Woy Woy who may have experienced discoloured water.

The release stated that the council appreciated that it was a "protracted problem that has impacted residents over many years".

Council staff stated that a number of factors contributed to the weekend's discoloured water occurrence, including warmer weather leading up to the incident, particularly on the Saturday; an increase in demand during the peak morning period; school holiday season; and some system maintenance that had been carried out in the preceding days.

Cr Macfadyen said discoloured water was a serious issue for council and one that all water authorities throughout Australia faced.

"Changing water temperature and higher demand all lead to an increase in the number of discoloured events that water authorities face in the spring and summer months," Cr Macfadyen said.

Any resident who had stained clothing was advised to keep the clothing wet and contact Council on 4325 8222 so a cleaning solution could be provided.

Press release, 9 Oct 2007 Kylie Gillett, Gosford Council