Mains cleaning to be extended

Gosford Council has announced an extension to its mains cleaning works on the Peninsula.

The mains cleaning work on the Peninsula were due to be completed by Friday, January 25.

Council media representative Ms Meagan Wilkinson said an exact completion date for the works had not yet been scheduled.

"The extension in time will ensure the council performs an extensive and thorough job," Ms Wilkinson said.

"No work was completed over the Australia Day long weekend to prevent any disruptions to the water supply.

"Work will continue in the Peninsula area, particularly the hills area of Umina, until council has performed a comprehensive cleaning of the water mains."

Council's operations manager Mr Michael Redrup said he was pleased with the results of the mains cleaning works so far.

"We have removed a large amount of iron and manganese from the system and anticipate the works will improve the quality of drinking water on the Peninsula incrementally," Mr Redrup said.

"However, once again I'd like to remind residents that the works will cause short-term discoloured water.

"Council apologises for any inconvenience and thanks the community for their patience while these important works continue."

Council advised residents to check water colour prior to washing clothing during this period.

Where laundering cannot be avoided and discolouration occurs, residents have been advised to call council on 4325 8222 during business hours.

Details of the mains cleaning works and daily progress were posted on the council's website at www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

The cleaning program is continuing to move through the suburbs of Woy Woy South, Orange Grove, Booker Bay, Ettalong and Umina.

In its early stages of the program, which began on January 20, crews cleaned mains in the area east of Barrenjoey Rd, bounded by Maitland Bay Dr and the foreshore from The Esplanade at Ettalong to the Rip Bridge at Booker Bay.

Cleaning also took place in Orange Grove and the area between Ocean Beach Rd and Barrenjoey Rd, south of West St, Umina.

Mains between Ocean Beach Rd and Barrenjoey Rd in Ettalong, moving south from Macmasters Rd to West St in Umina, were cleaned on Tuesday, January 22.

Crews resumed work in the area west of Ocean Beach Rd from Lone Pine Ave down to Mt Ettalong Rd in Umina, including mains in the North Pearl Estate.

The program will be extended to cover other priority areas over the coming weeks, including the Koolewong, Point Clare and West Gosford areas.

Water Quality 2010 is designed to protect, manage and maintain the quality of the region's drinking water supply.

It incorporates a suite of activities under a 5-point plan including capital works, maintenance activities, monitoring and analysis programs, and changes to system management and operation.

Press release, 24 Jan 2008 Meagan Wilkinson, Gosford Council