Alert archive Australia
24 published alerts, 2 currently active.
Boil water alert at Cohuna
Coliban Water has issued a boil water advisory for its customers in Cohuna following a burst water main that interrupted supply. Residents must boil all drinking water and water used for food preparation until further notice. The advisory will remain in place until Coliban Water can confirm the water is safe to drink, and drinking water trailers will be set up to assist customers. Update (kyfreepress.com.au, 14.10.2026, 11:25): The advisory was issued on Wednesday, October 14. Update (Gannawarra Shire Council, 14.10.2026, 23:46): The burst water main occurred at the corner of King George Street and Cohuna Island Road. The advisory now also specifies boiling water for hygiene purposes. Update (Gannawarra Shire Council, 14.10.2026, 23:51): NONE.NONE.
Rural NSW shouldn't debate access to clean water in 2026
The NSW Nationals warn of a $5 billion water infrastructure backlog in regional NSW, causing ongoing water quality issues. Shadow Minister Brendan Moylan cited specific problems: Glen Innes, Uralla, and Guyra face constant water quality issues, while Moree is currently using emergency bores due to PFAS contamination. Gravesend also experiences significant water supply problems.
Clermont water supply update
Higher than normal levels of manganese have been found in Clermont's raw water supply, leading to the water treatment plant not operating overnight and a request for residents to continue saving water. While the town water supply remains safe to drink, residents experiencing discoloured water should contact the council and run their taps until clear.
pH in Bundey, SA, exceeds drinking water guidelines
In Bundey, South Australia, the tap water's pH level is 8.7, which exceeds the recommended range of 6.5 – 8.5 set by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Water outside this range may taste metallic or cause pipe corrosion. The water is supplied by SA Water.
Sydney's southwest tap water chlorine complaints
Residents in Sydney's southwest, including Spring Farm, Mount Annan, Oran Park, Gregory Hills, Grasmere and Cobbity, are complaining about a strong chlorine smell in their tap water. Sydney Water confirmed a change in disinfectant from monochloramine to free chlorine, which can cause a more noticeable taste and odour. While the utility insists the water is safe, some residents report skin rashes and illness, leading them to purchase bottled water.
Boil Water Alert – Boulia
Boulia Shire Council advises all residents and visitors in Boulia to boil tap water for drinking. This precautionary alert follows a recent communications network outage affecting technical operations within the water treatment plant. The alert will remain in effect until consistent testing confirms water levels are within the required range. Update (WaterScore, 26.09.2026, 08:16): Tap water in Brighton, Queensland has a pH of 34.5 and Trihalomethanes measuring 112.5 µg/L, both exceeding Australian Drinking Water Guidelines based on current annual report data. Update (Sunwater, 28.09.2026, 20:15): A boil water alert is now in effect for Fairbairn Dam from 28 September 2026 due to a detected water quality issue. This alert does not affect Emerald. Sunwater is undertaking corrective actions in conjunction with Queensland Health. Update (Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV), 03.10.2026, 00:25): A boil water advisory has been issued for Mt Buller village effective October 13th due to scheduled water treatment system upgrade works. The UV disinfection unit will be unavailable, and the advisory is expected to last approximately seven days. Update (Boulia Shire Council, 03.10.2026, 08:36): Boulia Shire Council's boil water alert for Boulia was issued on 24 September 2026. Update (waterscore.com.au, 03.10.2026, 21:20): In Blackwood, South Australia, tap water has a pH level of 0.05 µg/L, exceeding Australian Drinking Water Guidelines of 6.5–8.5 µg/L. This low pH may cause a metallic taste or pipe corrosion. Update (waterscore.com.au, 04.10.2026, 07:40): SA Water reports a low pH level in Berri, South Australia. Update (waterscore.com.au, 05.10.2026, 08:05): Tap water in University Of Canberra, ACT, has an aluminium concentration of 29 mg/L, exceeding the Australian Drinking Water Guideline of less than 0.2 mg/L based on 2024-25 annual reports. Update (Longreach Regional Council, 14.10.2026, 23:45): Isisford residents are advised not to consume treated tap water, prepare food, or brush teeth with it due to detected Raphidiopsis Raciborskii (a freshwater cyanobacterium) on October 12. Boiling the water will not make it safe for consumption. Bottled water is available as an alternative supply from October 14.
Advisory to treat all water before drinking on K'gari (Fraser Island)
Visitors to K'gari (Fraser Island) are advised to treat all water from taps, lakes, or streams, except from designated collection points (Central Station, Dundubara, Waddy Point, Eurong beach tap), before drinking. Water from these undesignated sources is not suitable for direct consumption and should be boiled rapidly for 5–10 minutes or treated with water treatment tablets. This advisory ensures visitor safety from potential contamination. Update (Queensland Parks and Forests, 08.10.2026, 00:35): An advisory for Watsons Bay in Lizard Island National Park states bore water from the hand-pump is non-potable and may be unreliable. Visitors may need to collect water from a tap outside the Marlin Bar, a 40-minute walk away, and must bring their own water containers.
E. Coli detected in drinking water at Stratford Public School
Routine water quality testing at Stratford Public School identified the presence of E. Coli in external bubblers in Building B and the kitchen tap in Building G. As a safety precaution, access to the affected outlets has been restricted and signage is in place. Licensed contractors have been requested to carry out necessary works, followed by further testing to ensure water safety. Update (NSW Department of Education / School Infrastructure NSW, 14.10.2026, 07:45): E. coli and copper exceedances were identified at Bedgerabong Public School on September 30, 2026. Bottled water and hand sanitiser are being provided.
Drinking water in Bulla
Power and Water have measured barium levels in Bulla's tap water, which are higher than the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Free bottled water is being provided to all community members, houses, and schools for drinking. Tap water remains safe for brushing teeth, washing dishes, cooking, and showering. Update (WaterScore, 24.09.2026, 23:35): Tap water in Higgins, ACT, supplied by Icon Water, shows exceedances for Aluminium, Copper, and Lead. Measured levels of Aluminium (29 mg/L), Copper (13 mg/L), and Lead (0.2 mg/L) exceed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Red alert for algae at Lake Menindee
Water New South Wales has issued a red alert for blue-green algae at Lake Menindee due to low storage levels and poor water quality. This alert has triggered extra water quality testing and monitoring for the area. Holding water in the upper two lakes is causing the algae problem at Lake Menindee.
Medlow Dam in Blue Mountains closed due to PFAS contamination
In August 2024, authorities closed Medlow Dam in the Blue Mountains, Australia, following the discovery of PFAS contamination at levels significantly exceeding those in Sydney's primary drinking water source. This affected approximately 41,000 residents who relied on the catchment. The dam, along with Greaves Creek Dam, remained disconnected from the Blue Mountains water supply, prompting the NSW Government to announce the installation of an advanced PFAS treatment system by December 2024. Update (Genre.com, 15.09.2026, 07:36): PFAS levels were reportedly up to 300 times higher than Sydney's primary drinking water source. In May 2025, WaterNSW confirmed Greaves Creek Dam was also contaminated.
Boil Water Alert: Amby
Residents of Amby are advised to boil tap water intended for drinking from 1 September 2026 until further notice. This precautionary measure follows repairs made to the township’s chlorination system, resulting in low chlorine in the water reticulation network. Bottled water is available for the community behind the Amby Hall while this alert is active. Update (Maranoa Regional Council, 11.09.2026, 23:55): The precautionary measure follows repairs made to the township’s bore. All-clear (Maranoa Regional Council, 16.09.2026, 23:56): The boil water alert has been lifted as of Wednesday, 16 September.
23/2/26: Erina (NSW). Drinking Water. PFHxS
The per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) PFHxS was detected in drinking water in Erina, New South Wales, on February 26, 2023, at a concentration of 0.001 µg/L. This information was reported by a platform aggregating PFAS incidents in Australia, linking to the Central Coast Council's general information page on PFAS.
Hughenden residents rely on bottled water as Queensland's water infrastructure reaches crisis point
Einwohner von Hughenden, Queensland, Australien, sind gezwungen, Flaschenwasser zu kaufen, da ihr Leitungswasser aufgrund veralteter Infrastruktur, einschließlich alter Bohrlöcher, verfärbt ist, schlecht riecht und ekelhaft schmeckt. Familien geben wöchentlich über 50 Dollar für Wasser aus, da der Zustand des Leitungswassers die Menschen davon abhält, es zu trinken oder es sogar in Cafés zu verwenden. Der Gemeinderat versucht, das Problem abschnittsweise zu beheben, kämpft jedoch mit unzureichender Finanzierung für umfassende Modernisierungen der Wasserinfrastruktur, von der mehr als die Hälfte in Queensland das Ende ihrer Lebensdauer erreicht hat.
Highest PFAS pollution detected in Lake Mulwala drinking water supply
On July 13, 2023, Victoria's highest PFAS pollution event in a drinking water supply was recorded at Lake Mulwala, Yarrawonga. A PFOS level of 0.29µg/L was found, exceeding the current PFOS drinking water guideline by 36 times. Nine different PFAS chemicals were detected during this incident, the cause of which remains uninvestigated.
Riverina Water diluting drinking supply in Wagga Wagga amid elevated PFAS levels
Elevated PFAS levels were detected in Riverina Water's West Wagga bore field during routine testing in December 2025, with PFOS in one untreated sample almost twice the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Riverina Water introduced a dilution program that brought treated water back within the guidelines and says the supply remains safe to drink. The contamination source is unclear, and testing and investigation will continue. Update (Friends of the Earth, 29.08.2026, 09:25): Detections of PFAS occurred in Eastern and Western groundwater bores EW1-3, WW4-5 and the Murrumbidgee River from late 2024 to mid-2026. Levels in some bores reached up to 88.7% of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, prompting calls for urgent hydrological work.
The Blue Mountains PFAS Discovery
In Medlow Bath in den Blue Mountains, NSW, wurden erhöhte PFAS-Werte im Medlow Dam entdeckt, der das Cascade Water Filtration Plant versorgt. WaterNSW trennte daraufhin Medlow und Greaves Creek Dams vom Versorgungssystem. Seit Dezember 2024 ist eine spezielle PFAS-Behandlung in Betrieb, und das Trinkwasser entspricht den australischen Richtlinien.
Advice - Drinking Water - Boil Tap Water
Coliban Water hat eine Trinkwasserwarnung für Guildford und Yapeen herausgegeben. Aufgrund eines Rohrbruchs am späten Mittwochabend kam es zu einer Versorgungsunterbrechung und niedrigem Wasserdruck, was zu Bakterienansammlungen führen kann. Bewohner müssen Leitungswasser vor dem Trinken, der Zubereitung von Speisen und dem Zähneputzen abkochen. Update (Coliban Water, 22.08.2026, 23:19): Repairs are underway, followed by flushing and water quality testing. All-clear (Coliban Water, 23.08.2026, 23:18): The Boil Water Advisory has been lifted and drinking water is now confirmed safe. The advisory was issued on Thursday, August 20, 2026, following a burst water main near Yapeen. Update (ABC Emergency / VicEmergency, 23.08.2026, 23:19): The burst water main occurred on Wednesday night, August 19, 2026.
Boil Water Notice For Batlow
Batlow residents are advised to boil their tap water or use bottled water until further notice. This is due to a treatment plant process failure that resulted in the supply of water with low chlorine levels into the network. Council staff are working with Health NSW to resolve the situation and are undertaking additional testing. All-clear (Snowy Valleys Council, 22.08.2026, 23:19): The boil water notice, in effect since 18 August 2026, has been lifted as of 21 August 2026.
DIRRANBANDI BOIL WATER ALERT
Balonne Shire Council issued a boil water alert for Dirranbandi after a malfunction at the water treatment plant on August 15, 2026, allowed raw river water into the water reticulation system. Residents are advised to boil water and bottled water is being distributed while repairs, flushing, and water testing are underway. Update (QPS Media, 28.08.2026, 11:25): An Emergency Alert was issued at 9:37 PM on Saturday. All-clear (Balonne Council, 02.09.2026, 09:20): The boil water alert for Dirranbandi has been cancelled following negative coliform bacteria test results from NATA-accredited and in-house water testing.
Beaconsfield residents resort to drinking water from bird baths amid supply issues
Residents at a social housing complex on Lefroy Road in Beaconsfield, Perth, have experienced weeks of low water pressure, culminating in a pipe burst on Friday night that cut off water entirely. This has led to a "health hazard" as residents cannot shower, flush toilets, or wash, with some resorting to drinking from bird baths. Bottled water was to be supplied to the affected residents.
Boil water alert for Lightning Ridge
Walgett Shire Council has issued a boil water alert for Lightning Ridge. Consumers are advised to refer to the supplier for updates on the incident. All-clear (Walgett Shire Council, 27.08.2026, 00:40): The boil water notice has been lifted, effective from 4.00pm today, Friday 21 August 2026. Residents and businesses can now resume normal use of the town water supply.
Isisford Boil Water Alert - June 2026
Longreach Regional Council has detected above normal turbidity levels in the Isisford Treated Water Supply, indicating potential insufficient treatment. As a precaution, residents are advised to boil water for at least three minutes before consumption, cooking, or personal hygiene. Council is currently working on adjustments at the water treatment plant to resolve the issue.
Boil water alert remains in place for Nimbin
A boil water alert remains in effect for residents in Nimbin. Lismore City Council advises all consumers to boil their water for drinking and food preparation due to potential microbiological contamination. The notice will stay in place until further testing confirms the water is safe. Update (The Lismore App, 14.06.2026, 02:08): Lismore City Council has extended the Boil Water alert for Nimbin Urban residents due to high turbidity and a failure within the temporary treatment system. Recent rainfall and seasonal changes have made the water unsafe to consume, affecting clarity and treatment effectiveness. Residents are advised to boil all water used for drinking and food preparation until repairs are completed. All-clear (The Echo, 19.06.2026, 09:17): The boil water alert has been lifted for Nimbin village following successful quality testing. The advisory remains active only for properties on the village outskirts supplied by the untreated gravity main. Residents in these rural areas must continue to boil water before consumption. All-clear (Lismore City Council, 19.06.2026, 09:17): Residents are instructed to flush their pipes for 2 to 3 minutes before consuming water. All other details remain unchanged.