Last week council was notified that the Glen Innes town water supply had an unusual taste and odour and set about implementing treatment measures and water analyses.

Council Coordinator of Integrated Water Services Glenn Wilson sent results of water samples to Lismore laboratories which confirmed suspected algae growth in the Beardy Waters reservoir. 

Director of Infrastructure Keith Appleby said once the cause was known immediate action was taken.

“Once Council was advised that the bloom which is an algae growth in the off stream storage was progressing rapidly a decision was made to stop the use of the off stream storage until the bloom is brought under control,” he said.

“The water supply system has the ability to utilise different supply sources and so Council is able to supply water from the Beardy Weir directly to the plant.”

Mr Appelby said town water is safe to drink and the NSW Public Health Unit was alerted.

“They recommended that no formal public alert was warranted,” he said. “This means that the bloom in the off stream storage has no effect on supply.”