Hawks Nest residents continue to voice their concerns over the use of recycled sewage to irrigate a football oval on Yamba Street.
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They believe spray drift from the irrigation system set-up in Myall Park has devalued their properties and is a risk to public health.
The system was installed about two years ago by MidCoast Water.
Resident, Phillip Daniel said during a three hour period last month he could feel mist from the sprinkler system on his face, and there was evidence of moisture around his house.
He said at the time there was a 20-28km, north-east breeze blowing.
This is totally unacceptable, Mr Daniel said.
However, MidCoast Council councillor, Len Roberts said he had been assured this issue had been attended to and the re-cycled water did not pose a risk to the public.
He said nozzles on the irrigation system had been adjusted to stop irrigation water drifting on to nearby houses about two weeks ago.
Cr Roberts said tests on the water had found it was safe enough to drink.
“But, of course this is not advertised as such,” Cr Roberts said.
“All the tests have been done with respect to human safety.
“Residents have to accept the science.”
But, Mr Daniel questioned council’s statement the water was safe.
“Council told us at a meeting with residents that this (system) is being used in housing estates in Sydney,” he said.
“That is incorrect.
“NSW Health have confirmed this is not domestic and is of a lower health grade.”
Mr Daniel believed residents living on the eastern end of Yamba Street would find it difficult to sell their homes.
“You only have to stand on anyone’s verandah to see our homes are built directly into this to capture the predominant north east breeze which is now recycled sewage spray mist.”
Mr Daniel is asking council to supply affected residents with an independent irrigation evaluation report to comply with the condition of consent from NSW Health.
We had a sample of groundwater from Myall Park tested by Dr Neena Tewary, a microbiologist from Park Stephens, Mr Daniel said.
“No E. Coli was found but Cryptosporidum was present in recycled water tests.
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
