Central Coast brown water warning as water mains cleaned

There’s good news and bad news for Central Coast suburbs having their water mains cleaned by council this month. Here’s the affected suburbs and what to do if your water turns brown.

Special vehicle used in Central Coast Council's mains cleaning program.

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There’s good news and bad news for Central Coast suburbs having their water mains cleaned by council this month.

On the plus side Central Coast Council will use a new technique to ensure minimal water loss during the ongoing dry spell. On the down side it’s common for residents to experience discoloured water, a drop in pressure or a strange taste following the work.

Residents have been warned that water could be discoloured after the mains are cleaned.

Bensville and Kincumber have already had their pipes cleaned. Narara started yesterday and Wyoming, Norah Head, Noraville, Erina/Green Point, Koolewong, Umina Heights and Pearl Beach (see dates below).

Central Coast Council Director, Jamie Loader said Council was using 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.

Mangrove Creek Dam is approaching the 50 per cent trigger level for water restrictions.

“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,” he said.

“Work will start 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.”

If water is discoloured run the tap into a bucket for 30 seconds.

Discoloured water?

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.

If washing is discoloured, keep them wet and rewash after the water clears.

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.

Cleaning dates

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