Water and Sewerage Services

A number of factors can create discoloured water:

• Increased demand during the hotter months

Hot weather sees an increase in demand for water. When this happens, the consistent pumping of water from settlement tanks causes natural sediments to be "stirred up", resulting in the discoloured water.

• Sediment is dislodged from water supply mains

This sediment, which is made up of natural minerals like iron and manganese, builds up in the pipeline when water passes through the network. The sediment is then dislodged by a sudden increase in water flow.

• Galvanised piping within older homes

There are instances where water discolouration is caused by corroded galvanised water pipes on residents' private properties. This particularly can be an issue in older homes.

• Disruptions in the water supply due to breaks, failures or maintenance

When works are conducted and the main pipes are turned off, the water flow is reduced or stopped.

This can cause sediment to build up, so when the water is turned back on, it takes this sediment with it to the tap – resulting in discoloured water.

Council regularly carries out proactive water maintenance to flush known problem areas to limit water quality issues.

If you experience a water quality issue, please contact Council on (02) 6799 6866 or email council@narrabri.nsw.gov.au so we can investigate the issue.

• Run the tap near the water meter located on your property boundary to see if the water is clear.
• If the water at the boundary tap is clear, then the discolouration is caused by internal plumbing, and you will need to contact a plumber.
• If the water at the boundary tap is discoloured, please run the tap for a few minutes.
• If the water from the boundary tap is still discoloured, please contact our Water Services Team on (02) 6799 6866 so we can arrange a time to visit your property and investigate the issue.
• Please note: Discoloured water can be used safely on gardens and lawns.

While discoloured water is generally an appearance-related issue, please contact Council on (02) 6799 6866.

Do not drink the water until it clears.

Council has procedures in place to address potential events that could impact the water supply. These include:

• Regular monitoring of water supplies throughout the Shire.
• Isolating supplies and draining reservoirs to combat water quality effects.

Please contact our Water Services Team on (02) 6799 6866 so we can arrange a time to visit your property and investigate the issue.

Flushing water mains is the best way to resolve a water quality issue, and replaces the need to remove water from the main.

Where possible, we aim to flush mains in an area where water can be returned to the catchment.

If you are experiencing a suspected burst pipe, firstly locate your water meter or path tap. This is normally in the front yard of your home.

- If the leak is between the meter/path tap and your home, call a plumber.
- If the leak is between the meter/path tap and the street (i.e. footpath area) please contact our Water Services Team on (02) 6799 6866.

If you're in doubt about where the problem is located, please contact our Water Services Team on (02) 6799 6866 or email council@narrabri.nsw.gov.au

To help us assess the issue as quickly as possible, please ensure to:

• Locate your meter/path tap
• Determine where the suspected leak is in relation to the meter tap and your home

If your washing is affected due to discoloured water it is best to:

• Keep the affected washing wet.
• Once the water issue is resolved, use commercial washing products, such as a nappy stain remover
• Council can also provide you with citric acid, which is also very effective for stain removal.

If it is an internal problem (inside the property boundary) it is the owner’s responsibility to correct the problem. Please contact a plumber.

If it is a problem with the main sewer line, please contact Council.

If you have a suspected sewer problem:

• Locate the inspection opening/gully pit or boundary trap in your yard.
• Carefully remove the cover.
• If there is water close to the surface, contact Council.
• If the water appears to be a long way down or it is empty, call a plumber.