Council is currently experiencing water quality issues at the Guyra Water Treatment Plant as a result of high Manganese (Mn) in Malpas Dam.
Manganese is a natural occurring mineral found in air, soil and water and the increase in mineral is due to the low level of Malpas Dam and a series of hot weather events over the last few days.
Due to unexpected increase in Manganese, the manual process to remove the soluble manganese was unable to be actioned at the Guyra Water Treatment Plant in time before it entered the reticulated system. Manganese can contribute to discoloured water that may result in dirty or stained clothes during washing. Council recommends residents avoid washing clothes, especially white clothes, for the next few days while the issue is rectified.
The Armidale Water Treatment Plant has automatic provisions in place preventing the issue from occurring in Armidale’s water supply.
Council would like to reassure the community that the water is safe for drinking.
