This should trigger a move to lift the 4.7 Water Restrictions in Tenterfield, but restrictions will remain in place due to water quality issues caused by ash runoff, and concern that the drought conditions may continue into the summer.

Residents are reminded that the Boil Water Alert has been lifted since December 23.

Council has hired an Osmoflow Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant which has been delivered to the Water Treatment Plant at the Dam. The unit will be commissioned next week. It replaces the smaller desalination unit provided by Rural Aid in August 2019 which has now been moved to Brewarina.

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The new plant will treat all water sourced from the bores, and strip out all contaminants. The plant is similar to those the Defence Forces and mining companies use to ensure good quality water from sources that are less than satisfactory.

Water exploration and drilling works are now finalized. Eight production bores will be connected to the supply system (including Shirley Park bore).

The yield of these combined bores is estimated at 14 litres per second. This exceeds the town requirements of 13 litres per second. Water rising mains are being constructed, and electrical installation works have begun.

The bore at the Transport Museum has been turned off until the new RO plant is commissioned.

Once the total project estimate is finalized, Council will submit to the Department of Planning and Environment for approval of the scope of works and cost estimates.

The Government has allocated up to $4.373 million; Council has contributed $124,333.

Due to the continuing dry conditions in the north of our shire, Urbenville and Mulli Mulli are now at Level 4 Water Restrictions. Jennings remains on the Emergency Water Restrictions (80 litres per person per day) imposed by Southern Downs Regional Council.

Council has received several complaints about the ash runoff into Tenterfield Creek. Council is responsible for Council-owned structures (bridges and causeways), and only has authority to clear debris within 10 metres of the structure in accordance with its annual maintenance Department of Primary Industries Fisheries Management Act Permit.

NSW Office of Water (DPI) manage the state's surface water and groundwater resources, and are aware of the effects of ash and fire debris into Tenterfield Creek. OzFish is working with NSW Fisheries to ensure fish stocks survive.

Council commends and thanks the community of Tenterfield for their diligence in maintaining the 4.7 Water Restriction goals. It hopes that the current damp conditions may herald the breaking of the crippling drought.