Dear Editor,
I have read with interest the discussion about Molong’s future growth, but I think there is a more immediate question that needs answering: what about the water we already have?
Months ago, residents were told the proposed development had already connected to Molong’s water supply.
Concerns were also raised about the development changing from larger blocks to smaller lots, meaning more houses and potentially greater demand on the system.
More concerning is what some existing residents are reportedly experiencing.
Residents have told of tap water running dark and dirty, with some resorting to bottled water because they no longer trust what comes from their taps.
There have also been reports of staining and damage to appliances and concerns about using the water to bathe children.
I understand council’s position that the water is within required safety standards. But there is a difference between water being technically safe and residents having confidence that it is clean, clear and suitable for everyday use.
Council has reportedly suggested old pipes may be responsible for brown water, while also monitoring the use of an underground water source.
So perhaps the question we should be asking is simple: how many Molong residents are buying bottled water because they don’t trust their tap water?
Before we talk about accommodating more houses and families, surely we owe the people already living here a water supply they can rely on.
Growth is welcome. But clean, trustworthy drinking water should come first.
A concerned Molong resident