Boil Water Alert: Scone from 8:00am 6 August, Aberdeen and Murrurundi (including Murrurundi pipeline) likely to Follow by Thursday 7 August.
5 August 2025
This alert is effective from 8:00am Wednesday 6 August 2025 for Scone, Aberdeen and Murrurundi may follow by Thursday 7 August.
Upper Hunter Shire Council has issued a Boil Water Alert for Scone, effective from 8:00am Wednesday 6 August 2025. Due to poor water quality caused by recent rainfall, residents must boil tap water before using it for drinking or food preparation. Aberdeen and Murrurundi, including the Murrurundi Pipeline, may move to the same alert by Thursday 7 August. Council will issue a further update for residents in those areas to confirm the status of the alert and advise when the change will take effect.
Heavy rainfall in the Glenbawn Dam catchment on Saturday 2 August has led to high turbidity from sediment and organic matter entering the water. The water is not safe to drink unless it has been properly boiled.
What residents need to do:
Boil all tap water used for:
- Drinking
- Preparing food and baby formula
- Making ice
- Brushing teeth or rinsing the mouth
- Washing raw fruit and vegetables
- Pets’ drinking water
Bring water to a rolling boil, allow it to cool, then store it in a clean, sealed container in the fridge. Kettles with an automatic shut-off are suitable.
You may still bathe and shower but avoid swallowing the water. Parents may choose to sponge bathe young children. Wash dishes in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. Students should take bottled or cooled, boiled water to school.
Council response
Council is working with NSW Health to monitor the situation and will lift the alert as soon as the water supply is safe.
For updates, visit: www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/boil-water
For health advice, contact the Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 or visit:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/bwa-what-to-do.aspx
More information
Schools and childcare:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/schools.aspx
Businesses and food service:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/foodfacts.aspx
Water tanks:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/watertanks.aspx
Pools and spas:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/pools.aspx
(Via Upper Hunter Shire Council)
