If the murky air and murky water aren't enough to contend with, you can't even escape the heat with a dip in the town pool.
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The silt flushed into Tenterfield Dam in the December 1 storm has increased the turbidity of the dam water 10-fold, well beyond the capability of Tenterfield's aged filtration plant.
Council's boil water alert remains in place for the foreseeable future, as households also struggle to get washing clean in the brown water.
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The same water from the filtration plant is causing major difficulties at the pool where the poor quality water can't be balanced to the correct pH level.
Council's chief corporate officer Kylie Smith said chlorine is reacting to the chemicals used to clear the water.
No date is being projected for a reopening at this stage, as staff search for a solution to the water quality issues.
Meanwhile council advises that water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe. (Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this.)
Bottled water or cool boiled water should be used for drinking, washing uncooked food (e.g. salad vegetables and fruit), making ice, cleaning teeth, gargling and pets' drinking water.
Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. Children should take bottled water or cool boiled water to school.