Rodney Stevens

The boil water alert issued for Coutts Crossing was lifted by Clarence Valley Council after being in place for 11 days following consultation with NSW Health.

The alert was issued by council on January 30, after NSW Health advised there was a public health concern over the quality of Coutts Crossing drinking water and lifted on February 10.

Clarence Valley Council said they worked closely with NSW Health to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

“There is no longer a public health concern over the quality of drinking water, and it is now considered safe for all typical uses including drinking, preparing food and beverages, personal washing, dishwashing, laundry purposes and flushing toilets,” council said in a statement.
“To protect the health of the community, our crews have emptied the Coutts Crossing Reservoir, treated the reservoir with chlorine and refilled the tank.

“They have also flushed the watermains in the area to reintroduce safe, clean water to the local water supply system.
“Before drinking water, residents should flush out affected water from their pipes with running water for two to three minutes, including the tap most distant from their water meter, which is usually in backyards.”
Residents are asked to share this notice with neighbours and friends.

The rest of the Clarence Valley, except Minnie Water and Wooli, remains on Level Four (Severe) water restrictions to avoid a boil water alert being issued for the local government area.

A Clarence Valley Council spokesperson said it was still not known when Level Four water restrictions would be lifted for the valley.