MOUNT Isa water got the tick of approval from qldwater representatives yesterday, despite the city’s water supply still struggling with an unprecedented blue-green algae outbreak.
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The sample put forward to the Orica Best of the Best Queensland Water Taste Test came straight from the Mount Isa City Council’s tap.
Mount Isa residents raised concerns about Mount Isa’s water quality last October but its odour and discolouration were put down to the “extensive disinfection and treatment processes” when the blue-green algae outbreak was still at its peak.
Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady also told residents at the time there was likely to be more sediment in the water during times of high water restrictions because water needed to regularly flush water mains was in short supply.
Qldwater chief executive officer Dave Cameron said a “quality” water sample was provided for the taste test, despite the challenges faced by the city’s water supply.
“It’s positive to see when people still going through challenges can come up with such a quality product,” he said.
“I know you (Mount Isa) have been through issues with residents who have complained about the price of water and the blue-green algae issue but at the end of the day they have entered a sample that is high quality and of Australian Drinking Water Standards,” he said.
Mount Isa Water Board chief executive Greg Steven said it was “refreshing” to have someone who had tasted a range of water supplies throughout Queensland to make those comments about Mount Isa’s water.
“It’s nice to say, with the current filtration plant in place, the water is comparable to the good quality water provided elsewhere,” he said.
As for complaints about discolouration or sediment in the past, Mr Stevens said the water coming out of the Mount Isa Water Board’s filtration plants had “extremely low turbidity” and was “very clear”.
