Potential discoloured water in Coolamon and surrounds

Published on 15 May 2025

Goldenfields Water alerts customers to potential discoloured water in Coolamon and surrounds

With the cooler months approaching, Goldenfields Water are aware that we have seen a spike in discoloured water events across our water supply schemes. We acknowledge this as an ongoing problem and would like to assure all of our customers that we are not complacent of the issue nor the impact it has on their lives.

Water that is delivered to much of Goldenfields Water’s network comes from groundwater, sourced from Oura and Matong. All water contains natural minerals, with the levels of such minerals varying depending on the source. Iron and manganese are safe minerals at concentrations found in Goldenfields Water’s source water areas, although they can discolour water when it becomes accumulated and/or reacting with chlorine residuals. Over the last few weeks active work on another area of the system involved higher than usual chlorine dosing. This may contribute to the temporary increase in discoloured water.

Discoloured water can also occur for other reasons such as system design, ageing infrastructure, water mains failure, electricity supply failure and galvanised materials within private water supply lines. Goldenfields Water wants to reassure its customers that Goldenfields Water’s focus on reducing discolouration of water events is a high priority.

“It is not about completely eradicating the issue, as this is unfortunately not possible and something experienced by all local water utilities in the world,” said Chairperson Alan White of the discoloured water. “Goldenfields is taking action to reduce the discolouration of water inclusive of regular flushing of mains, particularly in the Council areas of Junee and Coolamon where higher levels of discolouration are experienced.”

After several successful trials of a new mains cleaning technology via contractors, Goldenfields has invested in its own asset – a ‘no des’ truck, which would make this only the second operational system in the country. All going well, the delivery of the new technology will occur in late 2025. This innovative technology involves a filtration system mounted on a truck which is capable of cleaning supply mains without the loss of any water.

Chairperson White continued by stating that, “renewal projects for ageing infrastructure have also been a strong focus over the past four years with a large capital works programs still being undertaken. Goldenfields Water has invested over $21 million in pipeline renewal in the past 4 years which will assist in minimising the number of bursts within the system that is a major contributor to discoloured water events”.

Customers of Goldenfields Water who experience discoloured water are encouraged to first run two taps for at least two to three minutes. If the water does not clear customers are encouraged to call Goldenfields Water’s customer service team during office hours on 02 6977 3200 or after hours on 1800 800 917. Staff will attend the property reported to flush the water meter and/or nearby water mains and investigate the issue.