Aboriginal organisations demand action: Walgett drinking water health threat

University of NSW (UNSW) experts and medical researchers from The George Institute for Global Health have warned that the content of Walgett’s water supply is 15 times higher in sodium than medical practitioners recommend for long-term consumption by people with severe hypertension or renal and heart issues.

A survey of Walgett Aboriginal community members undertaken by UNSW and The George Institute in partnership with the Dharriwaa Elders Group and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service has found this is having severe negative effects on household expenses and food security, with some people paying up to $50 a week on bottled water to avoid using water from the tap which in turn impacts on their ability to afford other basic necessities.

Please see the full report on the survey results and media release from the Dharriwaa Elders Group and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service on this page.