Fairbairn Dam – Do Not Consume Alert

Update 2 – Friday, 22 September 2023, 7:43pm

The ‘Do Not Consume’ alert which took effect on Thursday 21 September 2023 has now been lifted.

Customers are recommended to flush their taps prior to first use. 

If you have further questions, please contact Bailey McBeth-Cooper on 0459 602 051. For general enquiries please contact customer support by phone on 13 15 89 or live chat via sunwater.com.au, Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.

Update 1 – 21 September 2023

Sunwater advises all residents and visitors to Fairbairn Dam and the Lake Maraboon Holiday Park not to consume tap water used for drinking following the identification of elevated chlorine levels in the Fairbairn Dam potable water supply.

This alert applies to all residents and visitors to the Fairbairn Dam and the Lake Maraboon Holiday Park area from 21 September 2023.

This notice does not affect water supply for Emerald, Blackwater or other nearby towns. 

Sunwater is working closely with Queensland Health to resolve the situation.

The issue was detected on 21 September 2023. Sunwater is currently undertaking corrective actions at the water treatment plant to reduce the chlorine concentration to acceptable levels.

This alert will stay in effect until Sunwater and Queensland Health are confident there is no longer a public health concern. Regular updates will be provided.

Chlorine is widely used in the treatment of drinking water as a disinfectant. Water with low concentrations of chlorine is safe to consume, however elevated chlorine levels may pose a health risk.

Consuming drinking water during this alert 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.

Sunwater has established the following alternative drinking water supply arrangements for affected residents:

• Bottled water will be available from the Sunwater Office

Alternative safe supplies of drinking water should be used for drinking, preparing food and beverages, brushing teeth and making ice. Residents should note that boiling the water will not remove the contamination.

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

For more information, please contact Bailey McBeth-Cooper on 0459 602 051. For general enquiries, please contact customer support on 13 15 89 Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm or email your enquiry to customersupport@sunwater.com.au.