Parkes Shire will maintain a cautious approach to water management despite slight improvements in reservoir storage levels, as the NSW Government forecasts drought conditions expanding further into western, central and northern NSW.
Level 3 water restrictions will remain in place for Bogan Gate, Trundle, Tullamore and rural water users connected to the B-Section pipeline for the coming week. While storage levels have steadied, reservoirs remain at high-risk levels and demand across the B-Section network continues to be strong - particularly with ongoing usage from Tottenham contributing to overall consumption.
Demand remains high across the Shire and Council will continue to closely monitor conditions and reassess restrictions as required.
Parkes and Peak Hill will remain at their current water restriction levels for the foreseeable future. The B-Line situation will be reviewed regularly as Council's water managers carefully balance supply, demand, and the needs of residents, businesses and rural users.
Quality and PFAS testing of water supplies
Council wishes to reassure the community that water quality continues to meet all required health standards.
In August 2025, samples were collected for PFAS testing from Council river and bore sites, as well as treated water in Parkes. Analysis undertaken by an accredited laboratory confirmed all results were well below the guideline values for:
- PFOA: 0.200 µg/L
- PFOS: 0.0080 µg/L
In addition to this testing, Council staff undertake water sampling approximately three times per week at the Water Treatment Plant. Five samples are collected each fortnight and sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory in Sydney for microbiological testing, with further chemistry testing conducted monthly at the same laboratory.
Even during periods of restriction, water safety and quality remain uncompromised.
Council thanks the community for its continued cooperation and commitment to responsible water use during this challenging period.
Updates are available on Council's website: https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Services/Water-and-sewer/Water-services/Water-Supply
