Alerts September 2026 (Australia)
11 published alerts, 0 currently active.
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.