Only deal with licensed water carriers: council

AS THE drought continues across the region, the Toowoomba Regional Council is warning residents to deal with licensed water carriers.

AS THE drought continues across the region, the Toowoomba Regional Council is warning residents to deal with licensed water carriers when ordering drinking water for human consumption.

More than 80 per cent of Queensland is in drought, including the Toowoomba region, increasing the use of water carriers considerably for the delivery of drinking water to homes and businesses.

TRC Environmental Health Cr Joe Ramia said council regulations required water carrier businesses that delivered drinking water to have a mobile food business licence.

"If water carriers are carrying potable water for human consumption then they are required to hold a Food Licence under the Food Act, 2006," Cr Ramia said

"A mobile food licence allows the licensee to operate anywhere within Queensland, however, there is a requirement to check with the local government where they are operating to see if any additional approvals are required.

"Licence holders are required to comply with the Food Act, 2006 and Food Safety Standards to ensure safe and suitable water is delivered."

Last year Council's Environmental Health Services section notified unlicensed water carriers within the Toowoomba region of the requirement to have a food business licence, which resulted in a number of new applications being received.

Cr Ramia said water carriers transporting water for other uses such as water only for livestock or watering roads were not required to obtain a food business licence.

"The use of the water determines whether a licence under the Food Act 2006 and the Food Standards Code regulation is needed," he said.

"Bore water can be used for domestic consumption, but it must be treated to meet the requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Standards before it can be considered as potable water.

"If a water carrier can demonstrate the bore water is treated and can meet the Australian Drinking Water Standards then they are able to on-sell their product as potable drinking water.

"Residents who have potable water delivered are within their rights as a consumer to ask the water carrier to see documentation of their food licence and where the potable water has been sourced from."

Cr Ramia said residents with any specific concerns can contact council on 131 872 to talk to an officer.

Similarly, commercial operators who wish to run a business supplying water for human consumption can call council on 131 872 to enquire about applying for licence approvals.

Originally published as Only deal with licensed water carriers: council