Contaminated water cut to North Queensland town

Non-potable water supplied to the north Queensland township of Irvinebank from Ibis Dam has been shut off as a precautionary measure due to high levels of arsenic.

Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said arrangements had been made to supply the township with water through trucking.

Mr McArdle said his Department today authorised the closure of water supplied from Ibis Dam to the Irvinebank Reservoir while an investigation into Ibis Dam water quality was undertaken.

Water from Ibis Dam contains arsenic and has other water quality issues. Due to Ibis Dam being the source of water for many decades, the former government decided to continue to supply the township of Irvinebank with non-potable water from Ibis Dam, strictly for non-drinking and non-cooking uses.

Despite an agreement with residents not to use this water for potable purposes, a survey indicated that some of the 59 households in Irvinebank were using the water for potable purposes.

“I have become aware of the water quality issues in the dam with high levels of arsenic, and that some residents are using it for potable uses, despite warnings and the obvious risk,” Mr McArdle said.

“In light of this information, my department has been directed to turn off the piped supply at the dam, and to recommence water carting for the time being.

“I am initiating a review to ensure that an informed decision is made on any future use of Ibis Dam water for supplying Irvinebank.”

Mr McArdle said residents of Irvinebank were being advised that water restrictions now applied and were reminded that the water being carted in is non-potable, and must not be used for drinking or cooking.

“Irvinebank residents are required to limit their water use to 300 litres per person per day,” he said.

“Residents need to be aware that the water being carted in is non-potable and must not be used for drinking or cooking.”

[ENDS] 8 March 2013

Media contact: Minister’s Office 07 3896 3690 or 0417 458 195