Due to a prolonged dirty water event in the Nymboida River, immediate Level 4 (Severe) Water Restrictions have been introduced in order to avoid the need to call a Boil Water Alert for the whole Clarence Valley water supply system.
The Boil Water Alert for Coutts Crossing issued on 30 January remains in place.
Level 4 restrictions ban all outside watering (except use of grey water).
See the tables attached for the current restrictions in place for specific water uses under Level 4 restrictions.
For more information on permitted uses please refer to the Water Restrictions Policy on Clarence Valley Council's website.
Restrictions will be reviewed when the water quality in the Nymboida River improves. Council appreciates cooperation and understanding of residents in this matter.
BOIL WATER ALERT - Village of Coutts Crossing
Recent rainfall events in the drinking water catchment area have caused problems with water treatment making drinking water in the Coutts Crossing water supply system unsafe from today 30 January 2023.
The increase in turbidity will cause problems with water treatment, making drinking water in the Coutts Crossing water supply system unsafe from today 30 January 2023.
Council and NSW Health have assessed the situation and a boil water alert is being implemented until further notice.
Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe. Kettles with automatic shut-off switches can do this. Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.
Everyone, particularly people caring for young children, should be careful to avoid scalding, when you are heating and then cooling the water.
Bottled water or cool boiled water should be used for drinking, washing uncooked food (e.g. salad vegetables, and fruit), making ice, cleaning teeth, gargling, and pet's drinking water.
Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.
Children should take bottled water or cool boiled water to school.
If you cannot boil the water, unscented household bleach (containing 4% – 5% available chlorine) may be used. Add two drops of bleach to one litre of water (or four drops if the water is cloudy), mix well, and allow to stand for 30 minutes before use.
Clarence Valley Council will continue to manage and monitor the situation until the quality of drinking water in the main water supply system returns to normal.
This advice should be followed until further notice.
The NSW Health website also includes special considerations for:
