Sunset Strip residents learn water unsafe even for washing after 66 years using it to brush teeth
A shocking revelation has left residents of Sunset Strip, New South Wales, reeling. For 66 years, they have been using the local water to brush their teeth, shower, and clean their homes, unaware that it was deemed unfit for human use. The first time they learned the truth was when a new resident shared a letter from Essential Water on social media, warning that the water was not safe for drinking, cooking, or any form of bathing or washing.
The letter, which was not shared by the utility itself, stated that the water was 'not safe for showering, bathing, and washing activities'. This news came as a complete surprise to long-time residents like Darren Clifton, who had been using the water for years without any prior communication from Essential Water. Clifton, who had lived in the area his entire life, was particularly taken aback, as he had never received any information about the water's quality or its limitations.
'I clean my teeth in it every day, I shower in it every day,' Clifton said. 'But from what we've just found out, it's only good to flush the toilet.'
This revelation has left residents questioning their long-term habits and the value of their water bills. Some, like Joseph Cassar and his partner, were even more shocked when they discovered that the water was non-potable and had to be purchased separately for drinking. They had bought their home based on the assumption that it had town water connectivity, only to find out later that the water was unfit for use.
Kat Holmes, a resident of Sunset Strip for 15 years, was also 'gobsmacked' by the news. She had been using the water for drinking and other household activities, including giving it to her grandchildren, without knowing it was non-potable. Holmes had even contacted Essential Water 13 years ago, who assured her that the water was safe for brushing her teeth.
The water provider, Essential Water, has apologized for the 'inconsistent' communication, acknowledging that the water is piped from the Murray River and is chlorinated and filtered but not to the standard of Australian drinking water guidelines. This means the water cannot be classified as potable and is not safe for showering or washing.
The revelation has left residents of Sunset Strip with a lot of questions and concerns. They are now left to decide how to proceed, whether to continue using the water for non-potable purposes or to invest in alternative water sources and filtration systems.
