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FAQs
Is the drinking water safe to consume?
TasWater will resume Tullah Water Treatment Plant operations on Wednesday 5 February, after extensive sampling shows no impact to the drinking water supply.
Water quality testing results show the oil spill has not impacted the sub-surface intake pipe for the Tullah Water Treatment Plant and impact to the water catchment has been assessed in collaboration with the EPA and Department of Health
TasWater will continue increased testing for drinking water quality in Tullah.
Please contact TasWater via their website directly for questions about your domestic or business water supply.
Am I at risk?
No. A clean up in underway and Marine and Safety Tasmania have closed the lake.
The Government Public Health Services will publicly communicate when the lake is safe for recreational use and fish consumption.
For more detailed information, you can call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
What is the substance?
A mixture of light and heavy oils.
Testing indicates there are no pesticides or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) present.
Testing is ongoing and for further queries please contact the Government Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
When will the lake reopen?
The lake is the heart of Tullah and we know it's an integral part of community life.
The lake is currently closed until 11:59pm, 14 February. In conjunction with other agencies involved in the response, we will provide an update on when the lake will reopen as soon as possible.
In the meantime, Tullah businesses and Lake Rosebery campground remain open, providing a great hub to explore nearby destinations like Lake Mackintosh (5 min away)
How will the oil be removed?
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is coordinating the clean-up process, supported by experts from across Tasmanian State Government agencies and Hydro Tasmania.
To date absorbent booms have been used in addition to manual shoreline clean-up and trial vegetation trimming. The EPA also requested that Hydro Tasmania lower the level of Lake Rosebery by 300 millimetres to enable safer shoreline access for clean-up efforts.
The slight lowering of the lake was part of the tactical response and will allow for more shoreline-based clean-up using waders rather than boats. This gives extra clearance in the gorge where oiled foliage is located on steep and difficult to reach areas. The lake will remain lowered for the time being to allow shoreline cleanup to occur.
A black ring around the edge of the lake may remain visible for some time depending on the clean-up method assessed as best suited to the specific area.
More information about the clean-up process, including methods and time frames will be shared on this site when available. Alternatively, you can contact the EPA directly.
Where can i camp, fish or kayak instead?
Lake Rosebery campground is still open and provides a great hub to explore the region. Local businesses like Tullah Lodge also remain open.
The closest alternative boat ramp is at Lake Mackintosh. There are also great facilities catering for everyone at Lake Pieman campground and boat ramp.
To explore Hydro Tasmania's other sites please visit www.hydro.com.au/things-to-do. Remember if you're staying at a Hydro Tasmania recreation site, always follow the signed rules.