Central Coast Council has commenced a water mains cleaning program for selected areas in the region as part of its continual water quality program.

Council Acting Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said Council is utilising a new technology to ensure water is not wasted and disruption to the community is minimal.

“Council undertakes regular maintenance of our water mains to ensure the continued high quality delivery of this essential service to the community,” Mr Loader said.

“We are using a new technology that treats and then recycles the treated water back into the mains, ensuring minimal water is wasted during the process – something that is essential as we head closer to the introduction of Level 1 water restrictions for the region.

“Work will commence every day until 16 July, typically between the hours of 8am and 5pm. While it will not disrupt the water supply, customers may notice a drop in water pressure, discoloured water or a slight chlorine odour and taste after the mains are flushed.

“We will implement a range of measures to reduce the impact on the community, however should residents have any immediate concerns they should contact Council on 1300 463 954.”

Mayor Jane Smith said Council implements the latest water saving technology when it becomes available to ensure the security of the Coast’s future water supply.

“Council takes many measures to futureproof the region’s water supply by balancing the need to use water and maintain our system, with using the latest water saving technology such as the water mains cleaning truck – the only one of its kind in Australasia,” Mayor Smith said.

“If we all practice short and long-term water conservation behaviours now, together we may be able to avoid reaching the very low dam levels which saw us on stringent Level 4 water restrictions during the Millennium Drought.”

Areas having their water mains cleaned as part of this round of the program are:

• Bensville 27-28 June 2019
• Kincumber 29-30 June 2019
• Narara 1-3 July 2019
• Wyoming 4 July 2019
• Norah Head 5 July 2019
• Noraville 6-7 July 2019
• Erina/Green Point 8-10 July 2019
• Koolewong 11 July 2019
• Umina Heights 12-13 July 2019
• Pearl Beach 14-15 July 2019

If residents experience discoloured water, run the front garden tap into a bucket for 30 seconds to check if the water clears. Water will usually clear but if not please wait one hour and repeat the process. Once water from the front tap is clear, residents need to run their back garden tap into a bucket for 30 seconds to ensure there is no discoloured water in their pipes. This water can then be used on your garden. If water is still discoloured after one hour contact Council.

If water becomes discoloured during a washing cycle, it is advised to leave clothes wet and rewash them after the water clears to minimise the risk of staining.

For more information visit www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/wateroutages