Council applies for water licence

Gosford Council has applied for an extension of its test production licence for Woy Woy bore field, according to council's manager of asset management and planning Ms Pam McCan.

Ms McCan said council was currently operating Woy Woy and Narara bore fields under a test production licence and had submitted an application for an additional 18 to 24 month licence to the NSW Office of Water.

"Council continues to monitor the aquifer levels and total dissolved solids (TDS) levels under this agreement," Ms McCan said.

"Interim reports have been provided to NSW Office of Water to date with further monitoring and data required.

"The ongoing performance of the aquifer is to be closely monitored by both council and the NSW Office of Water for changing characteristics such as sea level rise.

"Any changing nature of the aquifer could affect the extraction limits and water quality of the groundwater.

"Council will ensure compliance with any subsequent changes to the licence requirements. "In addition, council ensures drinking water provided from the aquifer complies with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines."

Council's acting director of environment and planning Mr John Parkes said council were continually monitoring salinity in water table to track movement of salinity due to a sea level rise or drop in aquifer.

"Continually testing for evidence of an elevation in levels of sea water," Mr Parkes said.

"If evidence begins to show an elevation in levels we will be in immediate contact with the NSW Office of Water."

Media statement, 17 Feb 2010 Pam McCan, Gosford Council Clare Graham, 3 Feb 2010 Interviewee: John Parkes, Gosford Council