SOME residents in the Ploughmans Valley and north Orange will not have a flushing toilet from next week when the Ploughmans dual water scheme comes on line.
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Inspections started in June last year with the intention to have the scheme running by the end of the year, however a report to councillors this week said 70 of the 1500 homes were still non-compliant.
The scheme aims to reduce the demand on potable, or drinking, water by sending lesser treated, non-potable water to toilets and outdoor taps.
But before the dual water scheme could be turned on, every house required an inspection to avoid potential cross connection issues between potable and non-potable supplies.
Orange City Council corporate and community relations manager Nick Redmond said issues were found in 200 homes, which were mostly incorrect outdoor taps.
“Using a reverse-thread tap is a key part of flagging to a user that they are using non-potable water,” he said.
Mr Redmond said most of the problems had been resolved, but in 50 houses, council staff had not been able to gain follow-up access to make sure the work was done and a further 20 homes had not granted access to complete the initial inspection, despite a number of letters and personal visits.
He said the scheme needed to be turned on to comply with state requirements.
“Next week, staff will begin a final round of face-to-face visits to these 70 houses - if there is no result, then council staff will be turning off the non-potable water supply to these houses,” he said.
“Residents will still have drinking water, and water for washing machines and showers.
“However, there will no water to toilets and outside taps.”
He said it was expected the step would prompt homeowners to contact council quickly, while still allowing the dual water scheme to be turned on.
danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au
