Blackbutt’s water supply changes to Boobir Dam, South Burnett Regional Council confirms

A change of water supply is the cause of rusty coloured water in Blackbutt, but the council says the water is bacteriologically safe to drink.

Boondooma Dam was built back in 1983.

Blackbutt has temporarily switched to the Boobir Dam for water due to a recent faulty pressure reducing valve in the Boondooma Dam.

The water of Boobir Dam has elevated dissolved iron and magnesium levels which can cause the water to look rusty and discoloured.

A South Burnett Regional Council spokesperson said discoloured water, while aesthetically displeasing, was bacteriologically safe.

“Chlorine is used to disinfect the town water supply from virus, bacteria, and protozoans,” they said.

“This oxidising agent also oxidises the dissolved trace metals which when oxidised present as tea/rust coloured water.”

The council’s water team recently air scoured the pipe network across Blackbutt to minimise the effect.

“The only treatment available is advising Council when the problem occurs, and crews will flush the water main in that area,” the spokesman said.

It remains unknown when the water supply will be changed back to Boondooma Dam.

Originally published as Blackbutt’s water supply changes to Boobir Dam, South Burnett Regional Council confirms