Black Water in the Murray River
Last updated: 2pm, 18 November 2016
Speed, Patchewollock, Tempy, Nandaly, Lalbert, Lalbert, Ultima, Nullawil, Culgoa, Berriwillock, Chinkapook, Chilllingollah, Waitchie and Murray River supplied rural piplines
Black water alert
Reason: Black water in the Murray River
As a result of flooding in September and October 2016 large amounts of organic matter, such as leaves and wood, have been moved from swamps, forest and wetlands situated along waterways. Return flows from these areas are bringing dissolving organic matter into the Murray River, changing the water to a dark tea colour ('black water').
As a result of flooding in September and October 2016 large amounts of organic matter, such as leaves and wood, have been moved from swamps, forest and wetlands situated along waterways. Return flows from these areas are bringing dissolving organic matter into the Murray River, changing the water to a dark tea colour ('black water').
Water Quality in the Murray is improving and indications are that it may pass in a few weeks. Water quality laboratory results taken from our river pump stations indicate that the worst of the black water has moved past most of our pump stations.
We are continuing to monitor and improve water quality where possible and we remind customers that they can continue to use their water for non-drinking purposes.
More information on each area is detailed below.
If you have any concerns, please contact our difficulties and faults number on 1800 188 586 at any time.
Rural customers - Piangil, Pental Island and Nyah Pump Stations
Rural customers receiving untreated water from the Piangil, Pental Island and Nyah pump stations will notice high colour in their water.
Speed, Patchewollock, Tempy and Nandaly
Customers in these towns supplied via the Ouyen raw water storages will notice a gradual change to the colour of their water.
Lalbert
Carting water to Lalbert tanks whilst coagulant dosing system is being improved. Carting should also improve water quality during black water event. Water Quality in the Murray is improving and indications are it may pass in a few weeks.
Ultima
Carting water to Ultima tanks whilst some maintenance works are being undertaken on water tanks. Carting should also improve water quality during black water event.
Nullawil, Culgoa and Berriwillock
These towns are likely to experience dark coloured water. We are monitoring the water quality and are currently adjusting coagulant dosing to minimise the colour effects.
Chinkapook, Chilllingollah and Waitchie
Residents in these towns may notice a rapid change to their water colour.
Ouyen, Underbool and Manangatang
These towns should have no noticeable effect to their drinking water supply and can continue to use their water as normal. Residents are reminded to observe the State-wide Permanent Water Saving Rules. Click here for information on these rules.
As a result of flooding in September and October 2016 large amounts of organic matter, such as leaves and wood, have been moved from swamps, forest and wetlands situated along waterways. Return flows from these areas are bringing dissolving organic matter into the Murray River, changing the water to a dark tea colour ('black water').
Water Quality in the Murray is improving and indications are that it may pass in a few weeks. Water quality laboratory results taken from our river pump stations indicate that the worst of the black water has moved past most of our pump stations. We are continuing to monitor and improve water quality where possible and we remind customers that they can continue to use their water for non-drinking purposes. More information on each area is detailed below. If you have any concerns, please contact our difficulties and faults number on 1800 188 586 at any time.
Rural pipeline customers - Piangil, Pental Island and Nyah Pump Stations Rural customers receiving untreated water from the Piangil, Pental Island and Nyah pump stations will notice high colour in their water. Speed, Patchewollock, Tempy and Nandaly Customers in these towns supplied via the Ouyen raw water storages will notice a gradual change to the colour of their water. Lalbert Carting water to Lalbert tanks whilst coagulant dosing system is being improved. Carting should also improve water quality during black water event. Water Quality in the Murray is improving and indications are it may pass in a few weeks. Ultima Carting water to Ultima tanks whilst some maintenance works are being undertaken on water tanks. Carting should also improve water quality during black water event.
Nullawil, Culgoa and Berriwillock These towns are likely to experience dark coloured water. We are monitoring the water quality and are currently adjusting coagulant dosing to minimise the colour effects. Chinkapook, Chilllingollah and Waitchie Residents in these towns may notice a rapid change to their water colour. Ouyen, Underbool and Manangatang These towns should have no noticeable effect to their drinking water supply and can continue to use their water as normal. Residents are reminded to observe the State-wide Permanent Water Saving Rules. Click here for information on these rules.
