Burdekin Falls Dam | Boil Water Alert

Update 2 – Thursday, 14 November 2024, 7:10pm

Boil water alert lifted at Burdekin Falls Dam

Sunwater advises all residents and visitors to Burdekin Falls Dam that tap water used for drinking is safe to consume again, as of 7:00pm on 14 November 2024.

There is no longer a public health concern over the quality of drinking water and it is now considered safe for all typical uses including drinking, preparations of food and beverages, personal washing, dishwashing, laundry purposes and flushing toilets.

Sunwater has worked closely in consultation with Queensland Health over the past eight days to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, and we will continue to closely monitor the situation.

Residents should flush out affected water from the pipes in their homes, and we ask that you share this information with neighbours and visitors.

For enquiries, please contact Customer Support on 13 15 89, Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm or email customersupport@sunwater.com.au

Update 1 – Wednesday, 6 November 2024, 4:00pm

Burdekin Falls Dam residents and visitors advised to boil drinking water

This alert applies to all residents and visitors to the Burdekin Falls Dam area from Wednesday 6 November 2024.

Sunwater advises all residents and visitors at Burdekin Falls Dam to boil tap water used for drinking following a detection of elevated turbidity affecting the Burdekin Falls Dam potable water supply.

Sunwater is working closely with Queensland Health to resolve the situation. Sunwater is undertaking corrective actions at the water treatment plant to reduce turbidity to acceptable levels. Bottled water will be provided if required, available for collection from the Sunwater office. The boil water alert will stay in effect until Sunwater and Queensland Health are confident there is no public health concern. Regular updates will be provided.

Consuming unboiled drinking water could lead to illness, especially for vulnerable people (e.g. those who are very young, elderly or those with weak immune systems). If you believe the water has made you sick, contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), your local doctor or hospital and advise them of your concerns.

People should use cooled boiled water or bottled water for:

• drinking
• brushing teeth
• preparing and cooking foods
• washing raw foods such as fruit and vegetables
• preparing beverages and making ice
• preparing baby formula
• sponge-bathing infants
• Unboiled drinking water can be used for:
• showering and bathing other than infants (but minimise water in the mouth)
• washing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher
• washing clothes
• flushing toilets

People should bring drinking water to a rolling boil and then allow water to cool before using it or storing it in a clean, closed container for later use. Kettles with automatic cut-off switches are suitable for producing boiled water. Variable temperature kettles should be set to boil. 

Residents of Burdekin Falls Dam are urged to share this alert with neighbours and visitors.

For enquiries, please contact customer support on 13 15 89, Monday – Friday between 8:30am – 4:30pm; or email customersupport@sunwater.com.au.