Lismore City Council continues to work closely with NSW Health and specialist contractors as a boil water alert remains in place for Nimbin’s village water supply.
Residents are reminded to boil all water used for drinking and food preparation until the alert is lifted.
Cooled boiled water or bottled water should also be used for brushing teeth, washing uncooked food, making ice and providing drinking water for pets.
Tap water remains safe for bathing and showering; however, care should be taken to avoid swallowing water, particularly by young children.
The alert is expected to remain in place for at least the next three weeks, with Council and NSW Health continuing to review water quality testing results daily.
Council is continuing to work with the temporary treatment plant supplier to restore the system to full and safe operational performance, with replacement equipment now on order. Installation and restoration work is expected to be completed within the next three weeks.
Council’s Director of Water, Waste and Open Spaces, Matt Potter, said the alert had been issued as a precautionary public health measure following recent weather conditions that affected the performance of the temporary treatment system servicing Nimbin.
“We understand this is frustrating and disruptive for the community, particularly given the length of time Nimbin has experienced challenges with its water supply,” Potter said.
“However, protecting public health must always come first, and we have been assured that boiled water remains safe for consumption while this alert is in place.
“The temporary treatment plant currently servicing Nimbin was installed following the 2022 floods as an interim solution, and recent weather conditions have created significant challenges for treatment operations.”
The recent event follows rainfall and changing seasonal conditions, which have increased turbidity levels in the raw water supply.
Turbidity refers to the amount of suspended sediment and organic material in water, which can affect the effectiveness of treatment processes during periods of severe weather and elevated catchment runoff. It is monitored to ensure water treatment processes remain effective and the system can consistently produce safe drinking water.
Following community feedback during previous alerts, Council has expanded its communication response, including direct engagement with local organisations, roadside signage, social media updates and physical notices delivered throughout the village.
From Monday, 18 May, bottled water has also been supplied through the Nimbin Community Centre to support vulnerable residents during the alert period.
Alongside the immediate response, Council is continuing to progress a permanent water treatment solution for Nimbin, with the new facility currently scheduled for completion by December 2027.
The permanent plant is being designed specifically for Nimbin’s unique source water conditions and will include significantly upgraded filtration and treatment technology capable of better managing periods of high turbidity during severe weather events.
Council is currently working with engineering consultants, specialist water treatment experts and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to finalise the most effective long-term treatment approach for the village.
“The permanent solution is focused on delivering a safer, more reliable and more resilient drinking water supply for the Nimbin community into the future,” Potter said.
“It will significantly strengthen Council’s ability to manage changing weather conditions and reduce the likelihood of future boil water alerts.”
The project is progressing through design and investigation works, including planning to minimise disruptions to the village water supply during construction and commissioning.
Further updates regarding the boil water alert and permanent treatment solution will be provided as information becomes available.
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