Water trucks to supply villages during groundwater research

Friday October 20, 2017.

The council is conducting the tests to map the areas around Spring Hill where water can flow into the aquifer that is used as the main source for water for the two villages.

The maps could be used to manage water quality and to reduce any potential water contamination risks as water moves from one area to another.

Orange City Council’s Manager of Corporate and Community Relations Nick Redmond said the research is a routine part of managing the district’s water supply.

“The more information we have, the better the water supply can be managed,” Nick Redmond said.

When the testing begins on Sunday , the main Spring Hill bore is turned off for two days so that underground water levels stabilise.

Then, the pumps are turned on and used solidly for two days.

Water levels in four other nearby bores are then measured by monitoring stations to determine where water flows from, to re-fill the main Spring Hill bore.

During the two-day period when the water bore pump is turned off, the main reservoir at Spring Hill will be supplied by potable water trucks.

“Locals nearby the reservoir may notice some water carting trucks on Monday and Tuesday next week,” Nick Redmond said.

This carted water is sourced from the Orange drinking water supply which is fluoridated.

“Carting water by road is more than capable of meeting the village’s water needs for this short period,” spokesperson said.

“Residents may see trucks coming and going from the reservoir, and they may notice a slight change in the taste of the water compared to their usual drop.”

“We hope the end result will be a better understanding of the connection between groundwater reserves around Spring Hill which can be used to protect our water quality.”

There is more information here about fluoridation of drinking water from NSW Health.

WATER: Orange City Council is conducting tests to map the areas around Spring Hill where water can flow into the aquifer that is used as the main source for water for the two villages.