Water and Sewer

Potable water

Known as drinking water, is water that is safe to be used for drinking and food preparation. NSW Health are the governing body that classifies which supplies are potable. Potable water must be treated to water quality standards as per the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011(PDF, 6MB)  . Under the NSW Health drinking water program, Council verifies the continued quality of our potable water supplies.

Potable water supplies include Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo, Murrin Bridge, Tottenham and Albert.

Non-potable water

Water that is not of drinking or food preparation quality (raw water or untreated water), but may still be used for other purposes such as watering gardens, in washing machines and flushing toilets. Raw water can contain harmful microorganisms (such as E.Coli, Coliforms, algaes or naegleria fowleri), chemicals and other toxins.

Non-potable water supplies include Tullibigeal, Fifield and Burcher.

Water Treatment

Condobolin Water Treatment Plant draws its water from Goobang Creek, treating the water with coagulation, flocculation, dual-media filtration, powdered activated carbon, chlorination, and additionally is fluoridated. The treated water is pumped to Condobolin's three reservoirs, then is gravity-fed to the Condobolin township and Willow Bend Village.

Licencing Information;

Condobolin Water Filtration Plant: EPA licence 430

Lake Cargelligo Water Treatment Plant draws its water from Lake Cargelligo and Merri Abba Bores. Water treatment processes include dissolved air flotation, ultra filtration membrane media process, granulated activated carbon filtration, chlorination and additionally fluoridated. The treated water is then pumped to the township's two reservoirs, then gravity-fed to Lake Cargelligo and Murrin Bridge.

Tottenham and Albert draw their potable water from the B-Section Pipeline, that runs from Forbes via Parkes. Water is stored in Albert reservoir while also gravity fed to Tottenham Reservoir and then distributed to both townships. During the warmer months raw water is drawn from Leg O Mutton Dam to be treated at the Tottenham Water Treatment Plant. Water treatment processes include coagulation, lagoon sedimentation, pressurised rapid sand media filtration and chlorination. Water is then pumped to Tottenham Reservoir and distributed to the township which can also be reverse-fed along the B-Section Pipeline to service customers in Albert.

Raw Water

Burcher and Fifield draw raw water from storage dams. Fifield has two dams that capture local stormwater runoff while Burcher has a single dam. The raw water is then pumped to the village's reservoir where it is then delivered to the community for general non-potable use.

Tullibigeal and rural users on the Gibsonvale Pipeline are delivered treated non-potable water from Lake Cargelligo Water Treatment Plant. The water is delivered via the Gibsonvale Pipeline to rural customers between Kikoira and Tullibigeal and also the urban community in Tullibigeal.

Planned Water Interruptions

Planned water supply interruptions allow Council to undertake critical maintenance works to the reticulation system and also new developments. Council provides a notice via letter box drop to residents and businesses within the affected area, and details of the interruption are also posted on Council's website and Facebook.

Unplanned Interruptions

Unplanned interruptions may occur where unforeseen circumstances arise, such as a mains break, and emergency repairs are required. A notification is placed on Council's website and Facebook at the time the interruption occurs.

Preparing for an Interruption

If a water supply interruption is scheduled for your area, there will be a complete loss of water supply and potentially reduced pressure for surrounding areas. Residents and businesses in the affected areas are requested to ensure they have ample water in reserve to cover their requirements during the supply interruption.

There may also be discoloration of the water supply in the 24 to 48 hours following the works. Consumers experiencing this are encouraged to run an outside tap for a few minutes until the water runs clear. Should the water continue to remain dirty after this time, please contact Council on 02 6895 1900.

Any residents that have a special water need should contact Council immediately on 02 6895 1900 for service arrangements to be made.

Council appreciates the cooperation of consumers, and any queries regarding water supply interruptions should be directed to Council's Utilities Department on 02 6895 1900.

For connection, disconnection, relocation and maintenance of water or sewer connections;

1. Print out and complete the form   

2. Submit form to Council

3. Pay required fees

4. Works will be scheduled.

Raw non - potable water

Council's raw non-potable water standpipes are located in;

• The Condobolin SRA Grounds on Diggers Avenue, near the SRA Hall

• The Lake Cargelligo Recreation Ground on City Street, near the SES shed

Potable water

Council's potable water standpipes are located on;

• Eastern end of Bathurst Street inbetween the Council Depot Yards

• Moodana Street, Tottenham next to the Telstra Yard

• Rymer Street, Albert, next to the Rural Fire Service Shed

To access either water standpipes, you need to have a key tag. To obtain a key tag;

1. Visit a Council Office Site

2. Fill out required forms

3. Pay required fees

4. Key tags will be issued and activated by staff. 

 The Condobolin Truck Wash is located on Maitland Street, near the Condobolin Sale Yards.

To access a key tag for the truck wash. To obtain a key tag;

1. Visit a Council Office Site

2. Fill out required forms

3. Pay required fees

4. Key tags will be issued and activated by staff

Truck Wash Locations and Charge Rates

Truck Wash Terms and conditions 

Water Tips and Tricks

Lachlan Shire Council is a proud subscriber of Smart Water Advice. In collaboration with The Water Conservancy and water utilities and councils from across Australia, we are providing you with a range of tips and resources to help you save water in your home, garden and at work. For more information, click on the pictures below. 

Sewer Tips and Tricks

Whether you are connected to the town sewerage network or have an onsite septic system, here are some tips to help maintain these systems that can save you costly plumbing bills:

•  What can be flushed down the toilet? Remember the 3Ps: Pee, Poo and toilet Paper. Items commonly misconceived as being OK to flush include wet wipes and baby wipes, tampons and sanitary pads, cotton tips and cotton balls, dental floss, paper towels, rags and other general rubbish. These items should not be flushed, as they do not break down and cause costly blockages within plumbing systems. Remember, it's a toilet, not a trash can.

• Dispose of grease, fats and oils to your waste collection. Grease is a common cause of sewer blockages and backups
• Limit solids from going down the kitchen sink drain. Strainers or baskets are a cost effective tool to collect food and other solid items which can then be disposed to the bin.
• Use enzyme cleaners monthly - these work with a biological reaction, requiring a little time to do their magic, however are safe for you, your plumbing fixtures and septic system.
• Never ignore plumbing leaks - this can waste precious water and over the long-term lead to increased water bills and could cause costly damage to your home or business.
• Keep trees and plants away from sewer lines. Roots can make their way into deteriorating lines or weak points and create blockages.
• Replace old clay sewer pipes - these become brittle over time and can collapse or be invaded by tree roots, creating blockages.
• Replace old plumbing pipework - pipes tend to corrode over the years. If you notice your pipes have begun to flake into your water or experience frequent leaks, it's time to replace.

Condobolin Sewerage Scheme

Raw sewage is delivered to Condobolin Sewage Treatment Plant via gravity and also 14 sewage pumping stations. Condobolin Sewage Treatment Plant consists of two separate treatment systems - double unit biological trickling filter and pasveer channel treatment. The treated sewage is then delivered to a maturation pond.

Licencing Information: Condobolin Sewerage Treatment Plant: EPA licence 4480.

Lake Cargelligo Sewerage Scheme

Raw sewage is delivered to Lake Cargelligo Sewage Treatment Plant via gravity and also three sewage pumping stations and is processed by pasveer channel treatment. The treated sewage is then sent to the Lake Cargelligo Sewerage Treatment Plant Lagoons. The lagoons are established as a bird ecosystem, hosting a bird hide for bird watchers.

Tottenham Sewerage Scheme

Raw sewage is delivered to Tottenham Sewage Treatment Plant via gravity and via Tottenham Caravan Park Sewage Pumping Station and is processed by pasveer channel treatment.