Funding is being sought for Council to undertake test bores to identify a suitable ground water source for Hay.

Council currently draws water from the Murrumbidgee River, but fears there could be a major risk on the water supply should the river water become unavailable or unsuitable.

General Manager, David Webb said Council’s Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan was updated in 2022, and identified a risk to Hay’s water supply without having a secondary water source.

Council hopes to secure this through groundwater.

Two areas within the Lower Murrumbidgee Deep Aquifer, situated near Hay Water Treatment Plant, have been identified as potential groundwater sources to supply Hay.

“Since water quality data from existing bores near the identified groundwater source were considered representative, samples were collected and tested.” Mr Webb said.

“Additionally, an assessment was carried out to determine whether Hay Water Treatment Plant could effectively treat water from the new groundwater source, should treatment be necessary.”

The first bore tested showed a very high sodium level which far exceeds the Australian Drinking Water Guideline (ADWG).

Slightly elevated levels of iron, manganese and chlorine were also reported.

A very high iron level was detected in the second bore, with sodium and total dissolved solids slightly exceeding ADWG limits.

Both bores tested were on private land.

“Based on the test results, water from the two bores is not considered to be of good quality, primarily due to excessive levels of sodium, dissolved solids and iron,” Mr Webb said.

“Hay Water Treatment Plant is not equipped to manage these water quality exceedances.

“Upgrading the plant and implementing new treatment processes, particularly to reduce high sodium levels, could be complex and costly. The bores used for testing (respectively 120 metres deep and 250 metres deep) are considered relatively shallow.

“According to the hydrogeologist’s report, the bores need to be drilled deeper to reach the next aquifer, which may yield better quality water.

“It is quite expensive to sink a bore and funding will be needed.” Mr Webb said staff were working with the relevant departments to obtain funding to identify a suitable ground water source.