Where does your water come from

• Did you know Council operates five potable and two non-potable town water supplies?
• Here’s a breakdown of where each town gets its water:
  • Goondiwindi: The primary water sources are the Macintyre River and Glenlyon Dam. Water is released from the dam and pumped from the river to meet the town's needs. There is back-up water available from the two Goondiwindi bores, drawing water from the Great Artesian Basin, ensuring water supply throughout the year and through seasonal dry periods.
  • Inglewood: Inglewood’s water is sourced from Coolmunda Dam, providing a reliable supply for residents.
  • Texas: The town’s primary water sources are the Dumaresq River and Glenlyon Dam, with an alluvial bore also available, ensuring ample supply through seasonal dry periods.
  • Yelarbon: Yelarbon also gets its water from the Glenlyon Dam. The town can access further water via alluvial bores.
  • Talwood: relies on ground and surface water from a weir pool in the unregulated Weir River.
  • Toobeah: a non-potable water supply (meaning it is not suitable for human consumption), Toobeah uses a dual reticulation for water from either an artesian bore or the unregulated Yarrilwanna Creek.
  • Bungunya: also a non-potable water supply, Bungunya can utilise surface water from either the unregulated Weir River or Yarrilwanna Creek.

Ordering water from dams and retrieving it involves a well-coordinated process:

• Forecasting Needs: Council forecasts the community’s water needs based on historical usage, population growth, and weather patterns.
• Ordering Water: Council places orders for water releases from the dams to ensure adequate supply reaches the pump stations along the rivers.
• Pumping Water: Water is pumped from the rivers or dams through a network of pump stations strategically located to serve each town. These pump stations are vital as they move water to where it is needed most efficiently.

Bore water is used in many town water supplies regularly throughout Australia.  Following significant planning the Goondiwindi Region is the envy of many regional councils having achieved long-term water security.  Over recent years Council has invested millions into infrastructure including bores, alongside additional surface water licences has enabled Goondiwindi Regional Council to meet our community's growth and day to day needs, even in times of drought.  

Council is committed to delivering safe drinking water and the proportion of bore water used varies across locations following regular testing at each site. Council's water operations team manages the amount of bore water blended into each community's water supply based on a range of factors, including:

1. Surface water and bore water licence allocations and water availability
2. The quality and turbidity of source waters, which can vary depending on stream flows
3. Operational requirements at treatment plants, as some facilities perform more effectively at higher or lower blend ratios depending on the characteristics of the source water
4. Maintenance and asset management requirements, including temporary interruptions as well as ongoing operating of groundwater bores to keep them in good working condition. Regular monitoring, testing, and maintenance help support the bores’ ongoing performance and availability

All water supplied to the community is continuously monitored and tested to ensure compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and Council's Drinking Water Quality Management Plan.

Once water is retrieved, it undergoes several treatment processes to ensure it’s safe for consumption:

• Coagulation and Flocculation: Chemicals are added to the water to bind smaller particles together into larger clumps, which can be easily removed.
• Sedimentation: The clumped particles settle at the bottom of a sedimentation tank, separating from the clean water above.
• Filtration: The water then pumped through filters made of sand and gravel, removing any remaining particles and impurities.
• Disinfection: To ensure the water is free from harmful bacteria and viruses, it is disinfected with chlorine.
• Distribution: The treated water is then pumped into the town’s water supply network, ready for use in homes, schools, businesses, and parks.

• Water Quality: Goondiwindi Regional Council is committed to providing high-quality drinking water that meets all health and safety standards. Regular testing is conducted to ensure compliance.
• Water Conservation: Residents are encouraged to use water wisely. Simple actions like fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and watering gardens during cooler parts of the day can make a big difference.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the Council’s website and local notices for any updates on water restrictions, maintenance works, or changes in water quality.

By understanding where our water comes from and how it’s treated, we can all appreciate the value of this precious resource and work together to use it responsibly.