Water flushing starts at Woy Woy

Flushing of the Central Coast's water supply system began in Woy Woy on Wednesday, April 10, in an attempt to improve the quality of drinking water currently being distributed to residents.

Gosford Council's water and sewer operations manager Mr Michael Redrup said residents may be experiencing discoloured water due to higher than normal levels of manganese in the system.

"The high levels of the naturally occurring mineral, manganese, has changed the colour of raw water in Mangrove Creek and Wyong River and is therefore causing issues with the colour of treated water entering the system.

"Council staff are working hard to improve the water quality to residents by adjusting the treatment process at Somersby Water Treatment Plant and starting system wide flushing to remove any discoloured water from the network," he said.

"Flushing and cleaning works will be completed overnight, between 9pm and 5:30am, to minimise any impacts on local residents.

"The flushing will continue until the discoloured water issues have been resolved," he said.

Mr Redrup said a systematic approach to the flushing was being taken with crews moving south from Woy Woy through the water supply system in the Peninsula area through to Umina before continuing on to West Gosford, Point Clare, Tascott and Koolewong.

"This systematic approach moving through the system from the source reservoirs to customers' homes is the most effective way to clean the pipe network," said Mr Redrup.

"Residents may continue to experience incidences of discoloured water over the next few weeks until the flushing begins to take effect in council's water mains and storage reservoirs.

"In the coming months, council will also be undertaking an advanced mains cleaning program employing the latest technology designed to provide a comprehensive internal pipe clean in targeted areas.

"Residents can also be assured that council frequently tests water quality throughout the system and the water remains safe to drink and meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines," said Mr Redrup.

Council is asking residents to check their water quality before washing clothes during this period.

If washing is affected, residents should keep the clothing wet and contact council on 4325 8222 to obtain a cleaning solution.

If discoloured tap water is experienced, residents are advised to run the tap nearest the water meter for 30 seconds every half an hour to check if the water has cleared.

If the water does not clear after an hour please advise council on 4325 8222 (24 hours a day).

"Council apologises for any inconvenience caused during this period and thanks the community for their patience and co-operation while these water cleaning works are completed," said Mr Redrup.

Media Release, 10 Apr 2013

Michael Redrup, Gosford Council