First trial of new bore underway in Goondiwindi

Goondiwindi Regional Council successfully commenced a trial of one of two newly installed Great Artesian bores in Goondiwindi this weekend, blending a small percentage of water from the Gubbermunda aquifer into the town’s normal river supply.

The lightly blended supply is treated to exceed Australian drinking water quality standards. Residents connected to town water should expect no difference in taste, smell or appearance.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM said the introduction of blending was an essential step in securing the water supply for the town and wider region.

“This is the first trial of light blending in Goondiwindi, and it’s an important step in extending our town water supply and providing more security for the future,” the Mayor said.

“Council has invested significantly in the installation of two new bores in Goondiwindi, and we need to make absolutely sure that we’re right to go, should the situation arise where we have to rely on blended supply in the future,” he said.

“While it currently looks wonderfully green around many parts of the region, we can’t forget that we’re now entering our seventh year of drought.”

Despite recent rainfall across much of the Goondiwindi region, there has been a lack of good run-off rain in catchment areas, which means water storage levels are still low. The levels of Pindari, Glenlyon and Coolmunda dams remain at just 12%, 14% and 20%, respectively.

Water restrictions are currently in place in Goondiwindi, Texas and Yelarbon, and are expected to remain so for the near future.

“Unfortunately, we just don’t know what rain we’ll have in the next six months,” Cr Springborg said. “This is perhaps a reminder that we simply do not have an infinite supply of water, and I ask that residents continue to be mindful of their usage to extend that supply for as long as possible.”

Council received $4.2 million in funding from the State Government towards a number of major water infrastructure projects in the region, including the installation and connection of the two new Great Artesian Basin bores in Goondiwindi, along with infrastructure upgrades at the water treatment plants in Goondiwindi and Inglewood.

Council allocated a total of $6.5 million to upgrade water security infrastructure across the region this financial year. Other projects across the region include the installation of new or replacement bores in Texas and Yelarbon, desilting the Yarrilwanna waterhole at Bungunya, and increased storage facilities at Toobeah.

“Council has a long history of managing a quality and safe blended water supply, with many other towns in the Goondiwindi region on either a bore or blended supply,” Cr Springborg said.

Council will continue its full sampling and testing process to ensure the blended supply exceeds drinking water quality standards. The trial will only use a small percentage of water from the Gubbermunda bore in the supply. More infrastructure is still required at the Hutton Sandstone bore before blending can commence.

Council does not expect any impacts on the quality of supplied water but encourages residents to report any concerns to 07 4671 7400 or mail@grc.qld.gov.au.