Power and Water Corporation (PWC) advised the Department of Health on 17 April 2018 that routine testing of the Garawa community water supply identified that one sampling point in Garawa 1 had returned an elevated level of lead and one sampling site in Garawa 2 had returned an elevated level of lead and manganese.

PWC is continuing to investigate the matter.

Additional samples were taken by PWC today with results expected next week.

Testing has shown that the bore supplying groundwater to Garawa 1 and Garawa 2 does not contain lead or manganese. PWC is therefore investigating to see if the source of the contamination is in the water pipework for example, corrosion.

The town of Borroloola is not affected by this precautionary advice. Borroloola is supplied by a separate water supply - the water is safe to drink.

The precautionary advice to use an alternative water supply is specifically for Garawa 1 and Garawa 2 communities only.

PWC 0401 117 599

DOH 0437 190 271