Fairbairn Dam – Do Not Consume Alert lifted

Update 2 – Friday, 19 May 2023, 4:30pm

Do Not Consume alert lifted

The ‘Do Not Consume’ alert which took effect on Friday 28 April 2023 has now been lifted and the tap water can now be used for drinking.

Update 1 – Friday, 28 April 2023, 9:16pm

This alert applies from the evening of Friday 28 April 2023 to all Fairbairn Dam residents and visitors at the Lake Maraboon Holiday Village.

Sunwater advises all residents in Fairbairn Dam not to consume tap water used for drinking following the identification of Chlorate, which is a by-product of the water treatment process in the Fairbairn Dam water supply. Boiling the water will not remedy the water quality issue.

Bottled water will be provided by Sunwater for these purposes and will be delivered to affected residents. Visitors and residents at Lake Maraboon Holiday Village will be provided bottled water by park management. Please call Bailey McBeth Cooper (0459 602 051) should you wish to collect water from the Sunwater Office at Fairbairn Dam

The alert does NOT impact the water supply for Emerald and other towns in the region. It only applies to residents and visitors using the Fairbairn Dam water supply.

Sunwater is currently investigating this issue and is working on the restoration of the potable water supply.

The ‘Do Not Consume’ alert will stay in effect until Sunwater is confident there is no longer a public health concern. Sunwater will provide an update if a change occurs. If you are concerned about your health contact, your local doctor or local hospital and advise them of your concerns.

Water CAN be used for the following:

• showering and bathing other than infants
• washing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher, provided dishes are air-dried
• washing clothes
• flushing toilets

Residents are urged to share this alert with neighbours and friends.

If you have any further concerns, please contact Bailey McBeth Cooper (Operations Manager – Fairbairn Dam) on 0459 602 051.