Wannon Water assures safety of Penshurst water supply

30 July 2015

Wannon Water is extremely confident that the treated water supply in Penshurst remains safe to drink.

In consultation with the Department of Health & Human Services, Wannon Water can confirm there are no restrictions on the use of the urban water supply in Penshurst.

The reassurance follows an announcement earlier today regarding information from the CFA about groundwater contamination at its Penshurst Training Campus.

Managing Director Andrew Jeffers said Wannon Water’s primary concern is the wellbeing of its customers in Penshurst who use the urban water supply, who can be assured that the water is safe.

“I am extremely confident that there is no contamination of the Penshurst urban water supply,” Mr Jeffers said.

“I can say this with great confidence because:

  • the CFA tested the drinking water supply in March 2015 and the results indicate no contamination;
  • our water supply bore for Penshurst is 1.5 kilometres away and is much deeper than the groundwater bore at the CFA’s training campus;
  • the flow of groundwater in Penshurst moves to the north, away from Wannon Water’s bore 1.5 kilometres to the south; and 
  • All of our regular historical testing confirms the water is safe according to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

“Nevertheless, in consultation with the Department of Health & Human Services, Wannon Water has today taken water samples for testing as a precautionary measure to categorically confirm that no contamination has occurred. These tests results will be available next week.

“In the meantime, Wannon Water will also make bottled water available free of charge to any Penshurst customer who has any remaining concerns about the urban water supply.”

Any Penshurst customers can obtain the free bottled water from the Penshurst Newsagency and Takeaway, 86 Bell Street, open 7 days.

Wannon Water is also contacting all Penshurst customers directly to assure them of the safety of their water and provide details about collecting the free bottled water.

Should customers in Penshurst have any concerns about the urban water supply, they should contact Wannon Water on 1300 926 666.