Water carters provide a drinking water supply in areas where other water supplies are insufficient or temporarily unsuitable. Water carting businesses that operate in the Muswellbrook Local Government Area (LGA) are to ensure they comply with all relevant environmental and public health requirements associated with sourcing drinking water and selling this water to consumers. A current approval must be sought from Council’s Environmental Health Department prior to operating any water carting business, and additional approvals must be sought from the Water and Wastewater Department prior to use of Council’s reticulated water supply. All water carters must comply with the NSW Guidelines for Water Carters.
Only potable water sourced in the Muswellbrook LGA can be used and sold in the Muswellbrook LGA. Sourcing potable water from outside Muswellbrook LGA for distribution in Muswellbrook LGA is strictly prohibited.
Please note this information does not apply to those persons who transport drinking water for their own domestic use or those who transport drinking water for the sale as non-potable water.
Definitions
Water carter
A water carter is a person or business who receives water from a drinking water supply and transports and provides that water to consumers.
Drinking water/potable water
Potable water complying with Australian Drinking Water Guideline standards.
Non-potable water
Water that is not fit or suitable for drinking water supply.
Drinking water supplies in Muswellbrook Shire
Muswellbrook Shire Council supplies drinking water from two locations:
- Muswellbrook Industrial Area, Strathmore Road
- Denman, Merton Street
Prior to any use of street standpipes or hydrants you are to obtain approval from Council’s Water department. Illegal use of standpipes or operating outside of your permitted use as specified by Council is strictly prohibited and may result in action being undertaken against you and any associated business.
Specifications of Water Carting
Tank and Vehicle
Ideally, the water tank should be used only for the transport of drinking water. If this is not possible, then at a minimum the tank must not be used for transport of effluent (treated or otherwise), petroleum products, or other potentially hazardous materials that may be harmful to health.
Where the tank has been used for transport of non-hazardous materials other than drinking water, the tank must be cleaned and disinfected prior to filling with drinking water in accordance with NSW Guidelines for Water Carters. Details of this shall be recorded in the logbooks.
All tanks constructed of mild steel should be coated or lined with a material that complies with AS/NZS 4020:2018 Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water.
The vehicle tank and apparatus should be submitted once every five years minimum for inspection by Council’s Environmental Health department.
Hoses and Fittings
Hoses must be made of food grade material. Hoses and fittings must be capped or stored in a dust proof container during transport and when not being used. Where the tank has been used for transport of non-hazardous materials other than drinking water, the hoses, fittings and dust proof container must be:
- Cleaned and flushed out
- Disinfected by filling with water and chlorinated to at least 5.0 mg/L chlorine for a minimum of 30 minutes
Adequate backflow prevention devices fitted in accordance with AS3500.01 must be fitted where applicable.
Logbooks
A logbook must be kept by the water carter in each vehicle and a copy provided whenever requested.
Details should include the following:
- The name of each supplier of drinking water from whom the water carter receives water
- The place, date, and time at which water is supplied to the water carter
- The name and address of each person to whom the water carter supplies water
- The place, date and time at which the water is supplied to that person
- The volume of water supplied to that person
- Details of any substances other than drinking water transported in the water tank used by the water carter
- The dates on which any water tank used by the water carter is cleaned
- Identification detail for temporary mounted tanks (e.g. serial number if applicable)
- Chlorine level at the time of filling or re-chlorination
- Additional chlorine added (if applicable)
Testing Equipment
Adequate testing equipment must be available at all times for drivers and distributors to monitor chlorine levels. A chlorine test kit, such as a swimming pool kit, can be used to check the chlorine at the point of supply. The amount of chlorine that is available for disinfection is usually measured as ‘free chlorine’ and is also known as ‘available chlorine’. A ‘combined chlorine’ test should be performed for chloraminated supplies. Combined chlorine is formed when free chlorine reacts with ammonia. Colourmetric test strips are not recommended due to the potential for error.
Drinking Water Carting Approvals
Water Carters must obtain approval from Council. Approvals are valid for a maximum of 5 years, with inspections occurring prior to renewal. Water carters permitted must comply with all relevant Acts, Regulations and Council Policies and Approvals.
Checklist for Operating a Water Carter
- Must be registered with Muswellbrook Shire Council. Registration applications must be made under Section 68 of the Local Government Act through the Planning Portal. For further information, visit https://www.muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au/planning-portal/.
- Comply with the NSW Health/NSW Food Authority Guidelines for Water Carters.
- Must source their water from an approved location and have a valid account with Muswellbrook Shire Council.
- Undergo a pre operation or renewal inspection.
- Keep a logbook and provide access and/or a copy whenever requested by an authorised officer
- Develop and adhere to a ‘Quality Assurance Program’ as required by the Public Health Act 2010 and associated Regulation.
- Adhere to any other such requirements specified by Muswellbrook Shire Council.
