Hunter Water will begin supplying drinking water from the Tomago Sandbeds from today (Wednesday, April 29), as dam levels continue to decline across the Lower Hunter.
Overall water storages have fallen by more than 20 per cent since November due to below‑average rainfall, with current levels sitting at 63.7 per cent capacity. Forecast warmer and drier conditions, along with the potential development of El Niño later in the year, are expected to place further pressure on water supplies.
Hunter Water Executive Manager Customer Delivery Glen Robinson said operating the Sandbeds would provide additional flexibility in managing the region’s water system.
“Operating the Sandbeds now gives us additional flexibility in managing our water system and helps ensure supplies remain available for the community,” he said.
Mr Robinson said water sourced from the Sandbeds is tested at multiple stages and continues to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, with operations independently overseen by regulators including NSW Health. As a precaution, two bore stations within the Williamtown Management Area will not be used.
Some customers may notice temporary changes in water taste or colour, with groundwater containing higher levels of naturally occurring minerals such as iron and manganese. Hunter Water says this is not a health concern.
The utility is encouraging residents to continue saving water, noting Level 1 water restrictions are triggered when storage levels fall to 60 per cent, forecast as early as mid-to-late June.
