Bega’s water quality

Council’s water and sewerage services operations engineer, Paul Clayson, said normal water monitoring had been carried out in the Bega area and the results had indicated slightly high iron levels.

“It should be stressed that the iron does not pose a health risk and the water remains completely safe to drink,” he said.

“We understand the frustration of some residents, but this is an ongoing and complex issue and we are working hard to bring the water quality to an acceptable standard.

“However, while the water is completely safe to drink, it can pose some problems when it comes to washing clothes.”

Mr Clayson said the iron in the water came from the source water at Bega bore field and also from iron build-up in the water mains due to corrosion of older unlined water main fittings.

“Our water main and reservoir system has been designed to contain some of the iron from the source water,” he said.

“However, we also have some fittings that have been in the ground for up to 70 years and they have a build-up of iron corrosion.

“We recently completed the first stage of a planned replacement of 150 fire hydrants and 30 water main isolation valves.

“More work is planned this financial year to further reduce the number of old fittings in the system.

“It is also likely that the extended drought conditions and associated low river flows have contributed to the iron levels in the source water.

“We are undertaking a comprehensive water quality testing program across the water system to enable us to better understand the chemical mechanisms associated with the source water and the increasing presence of iron in the system.

“This information will enable us to move towards a capital works solution,” Mr Clayson said.

People with inquiries regarding the iron in the water should phone council on 6499 2222 for more information.