July 13, 2022
South Burnett Regional Council has assured Blackbutt residents their water is safe to drink, despite current discolouration.
Council CEO Mark Pitt said a pipeline issue and a change of the source of the raw water – combined with rainfall and surface water run-off – had increased turbidity, making it difficult to produce clear water.
Blackbutt usually receives its water from Boondooma Dan, but due to a pipeline issue water is currently being sourced from Boobir Creek Dam.
This water high in iron and manganese but is safe to drink.
During rainfall, elevated dissolved iron and manganese can become suspended in the water.
When chlorine is added to disinfect the water supply, it also oxidises these dissolved trace metals which then causes the water to appear rusty or tea-coloured.
This discoloured water can build up in low flow areas of the network and cause pockets of discoloured water that, while aesthetically displeasing, are bacteriologically safe.
Mr Pitt said Council’s water team was working to resolve the problem with plans to air scour the pipe network during the next month.
“The initial treatment is usually to change the water source,” Mr Pitt said.
“Unfortunately, that hasn’t been possible for the past three weeks due to a pipeline problem. An alternative interim treatment is localised flushing at fire hydrants to bleed the system, however this is not always successful.
“The best treatment, and the one chosen by Council, is air scouring, the most expensive and complex solution.
“This can only be done once Boondooma water is again the water source as this process uses a lot of water.
“This strategy takes several weeks and involves scouring all mains in the town. The air scouring is currently being planned and customers will be notified via letterbox drops.”
[UPDATED]
