Residents who have complained recently about the colour of their water may be interested in reading two draft statutory water policies.
The Drinking Water Quality Policy and Recycled Water Quality Policy have gone on public exhibition for 28 days after being endorsed by councillors on June 22.
Each of the policies is an update to an existing policy of the former Wyong Shire Council or Gosford City Council.
The public exhibition of these draft policies is part of ongoing efforts to consolidate Council policies before June 30.
Council said the draft policies do not vary any temporary measures related to COVID-19 that may be in place and they do not intend to change fees and charges.
The water policy says Council will use multiple barrier and risk-based approaches to identify and appropriately manage potential threats to water quality.
It will manage water quality at all points along the delivery chain from the source to the consumer.
It says Council will maintain regular monitoring of the quality of drinking water at appropriate locations and effective reporting mechanisms to provide relevant and timely information and promote confidence in the water supply and its management.
It will continually improve its practices by regularly assessing performance against regulatory requirements, corporate commitments and stakeholder expectations.
The recycled water policy is based on a template developed for the water industry under the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling.
The policy says the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling are designed to provide an authoritative reference that can be used to support beneficial and sustainable recycling of waters generated from sewage, grey water and stormwater.
“Council supports and promotes the responsible and sustainable management and use of recycled water, and the application of a best practice multi-barrier management approach that consistently meets the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling, as well as recycled water user and regulatory requirements,” the report says.
Mayor Lisa Matthews said water quality and security remain key priorities for Council.
“It’s important to meet both the needs of our immediate population and for future growth so we ensure residents have access to high quality and safe drinking water,” she said.
“Both these policies reinforce our commitment to this vital resource.
“I would urge all residents to have their say during the consultation period.”
You can have your say online at yourvoiceourcoast.com
Source
Agenda Item 2.6
Central Coast Council meeting June 22