North East Water

Myrtleford residents will return to normal water use today as North East Water lifts the town’s seasonal Boil Water Notice.

The seasonal notice operates from November to April to address water quality risks associated with warmer weather and water temperatures.

It is the result of an agreement between North East Water, the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Myrtleford Community Reference Group.

North East Water Operations Manager, Fiona Smith, said the agreement would remain in place until the Corporation completes an upgrade of the Myrtleford water treatment plant next year.

“We’re working with the community reference group to come up with the best treatment solution, which both meets the community’s needs and allows us to meet our obligation to supply high-quality drinking water,” she said.

“That solution will involve the addition of a small amount of chlorine, and will provide for improved drinking water quality in the future.”

The Myrtleford water treatment plant currently has no filtration system, and uses a UV light system to disinfect the water.

The system does not provide a residual disinfection once the water leaves the plant, which leaves the water susceptible to water quality risks such as E. coli, particularly in warmer weather.

Ms Smith said the addition of filtration and residual disinfection would provide Myrtleford with a treatment system that met the requirements of DHS and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

“We understand the effect that Boil Water Notices have on the community, and we thank residents for their patience in this matter,” she said.

“The seasonal Boil Water Notice will be reinstated on 1 November this year, and any water quality issues in the interim may require a temporary Boil Water Notice.”