Feb 26 • 01:45 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Town learns its water is 'only good to flush the toilet' after 66 years

Residents of Sunset Strip, Australia, have been informed that their water is unsafe for use after 66 years of believing it was safe for cleaning and hygiene.

Residents of Sunset Strip, a small community in far-west New South Wales, were shocked to discover that the water they have been using for washing and hygiene for the past 66 years is deemed unsafe. The revelation came via a Facebook post from a new resident who shared a letter from water utility Essential Water, highlighting that the water is only suitable for toilet flushing. This confusing update has left long-time residents like Darren Clifton, who learned about the issue through social media rather than official channels, deeply surprised and concerned about their past practices.

The situation has raised significant questions about the communication from Essential Water, with many residents expressing frustrations regarding the 'confusing' and 'inconsistent' messaging provided by the utility over the years. This announcement carries implications not only for health and hygiene standards in the community but also reflects on the oversight and regulatory measures regarding water quality in remote towns. Residents were left to ponder their health and the potential need for urgent changes in their daily routines to ensure safety amid ongoing uncertainty about their water supply.

As the news spreads, there is an increased demand for transparency and accountability from Essential Water regarding this matter. The community now faces both disbelief over their previous use of the water and concerns over the potential health ramifications. The case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of clear communication from utility providers and raises concerns over the adequacy of water quality monitoring in rural areas.

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