27 April 2005

Recently NSW Health announced that it is unable to meet the full cost of services provided by NSW Health laboratories (the Division of Analytical Laboratories, and the Greater Murray and Northern Rivers Water Testing Laboratories).

From July 2005 water utilities will be asked to make a part contribution for services based on the number of samples allocated, and hence, the population served . The payment does not cover the whole cost of testing, but is a contribution towards total costs. NSW Health is committed to the continued success of the Drinking Water Monitoring Program and will continue to subsidise testing.

Public Health Units will soon contact each water utility with details of the payment to be requested.

Payment of the contribution will allow a water utility to submit its allocation of samples in accordance with the NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program and to receive the technical support services of the NATA accredited NSW Health laboratories.

NSW Health water laboratories will issue invoices in July with payment due by 31 October 2005. Water utilities serving fewer than 2,000 potable water connections and charging a typical residential bill more than 20% above the median bill for NSW may apply to have all allocated samples tested for free.

The Water Directorate is disappointed with this further withdrawal of State Government funding and will work with the LGSA to seek reinstatement of the funding for this critical program.  For more information on the changes contact your local Public Health Unit.

For more information contact: