About three weeks ago, Cloncurry residents were told their water was no longer suitable for drinking without prior boiling, as bore water now comprised up to 50 per cent of the town supply.
The dire situation, which stemmed from a lengthy period of no rain and receding dam levels, which is at an alarming three per cent, has forced many parents to pay up to $14 for bottled water to keep their children hydrated.
But their long battle may soon be eased with Ernest Henry Mine lending their support to the crisis.
On Wednesday, the first delivery of drinking water was made from EHM’s water treatment plant to the rainwater tank at Cloncurry State School, enabling students to drink freely from the designated taps.
The school will receive up to two deliveries of drinking water per week until a more permanent solution is sourced.
The school’s drinking water is carted by a 4000 litre potable water tank and truck supplied by council with the round trip to make the delivery about 65 kilometres.
Mayor Andrew Daniels said he was pleased to see a positive result to a situation which “has been ongoing for many years”.
“I’m fair dinkum about sorting out the problem of water supply in Cloncurry and recognise the key to getting results is with partnership with all stakeholders. This includes the mines, State and Federal Government and other business,” Cr Daniels said.
“It’s good to see there is commitment to solve some immediate problems but we need to continue to work together as a community and have a sustainable outcome to this problem (unsecured water supply) which has plagued Cloncurry for a long time.”
Ernest Henry Mine general manager Mike Westerman said the infrastructure at EHM had allowed it to decant more than 8000 litres of water to support the provision of safe drinking water for Cloncurry State School.
“We are happy for this to continue but recognise this is a temporary measure only,” Mr Westerman said.
The temporary solution was the outcome of Cr Daniels’ presentation last week to Mr Westerman to promote the school’s need for fresh drinking water for its 470 staff and students.