There is still no word on when the NT Government intends to lift Katherine’s water restrictions.
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Katherine Times has been told it won’t.
The government had indicated the restrictions, imposed in August as an emergency measure, would be lifted in November with the arrival of the wet season.
Now the decision is not so certain.
High PFAS contamination continues to be recorded in the town’s two water bores, traditionally used to supplement the Katherine River and provide safe drinking water.
With the bores no longer in use because of the high chemical loads, and the new $4 million treatment plant rushed in from the US only capable of treatment a small portion of the town’s total needs – the restrictions might have to stay.
Katherine is believed to be the first town in Australia to ever have water restrictions imposed because of chemical contamination issues.
From August 21 the restrictions began so that odd numbered properties could water Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays from 6pm – 8am.
Even numbered properties can water Tuesday, Thursday and Sundays.
Katherine residents have responded so well to the water crisis, by dramatically reducing their water use, the restrictions may have to stay until a long-term fix is found for the town’s water.
While Katherine MLA Sandra Nelson last year said a permanent fix was only six months away, Power and Water officials were quick to correct her, saying it will more likely take at least two years.
There has been no public update about the search for a permanent water fix for Katherine.
A spokesman for Ms Nelson today said the government’s PFAS inter-agency steering committee would make a recommendation to government on the lifting of restrictions.
The spokesman said the steering committee would meet “in the coming weeks” and would “prepare subsequent advice to government”.
The committee includes bureaucrats from EPA, Health, Power and Water, Primary Industry and Resources, Police and the department of the Chief Minister.
Earlier in January, a Power and Water spokeswoman said water conservation measures are currently in place to “ensure the provision of safe drinking water for Katherine residents and they have been effective”.
“Power and Water will provide advice to government on the future of water conservation measures in Katherine,” the spokeswoman said.
“This advice will be based on the outcomes to date, which includes the installation of the pilot treatment plant and demand management activities including leak detection and fixing and the Interim Human Health Risk Assessment.”