The Port Macquarie reclaimed water supply originates as tertiary treated wastewater from the Port Macquarie wastewater treatment ponds. 

According to council's website, the wastewater is treated by microfiltration, reverse osmosis, UV disinfection and chlorine at its reclaimed water treatment plant in Hindman Street. After this high level of treatment, the reclaimed water is odourless, free from viruses, bacteria and pathogens and conforms to National and NSW State guidelines for the production and use of reclaimed water.

It is however, not approved for drinking.

On Tuesday (March 19) it was identified that council had provided the event organiser with incorrect information about a water connection point for three blue mobile water stations, which council had provided on loan for the event.

Council general manager, Craig Swift-McNair said it was an unintended and isolated incident, specific to the two-day event.

"We want to ensure that event attendees and members of the public are aware that this has occurred," Mr Swift-McNair said.

"Specifically, council is wishing to inform anyone who drank from the blue bubbler or refilled their water bottle from one of the two blue bottle-filling stations, of this issue.

"The three stations were located together at Town Square immediately outside the CWA Tea Rooms. We regret to advise that these stations were connected to council's reclaimed water network, rather than our drinking water supply."

In addition, council has worked with the event organiser to communicate this information to event participants.

Port Macquarie-Hastings reclaimed water is produced using a rigorous and highly treated process, involving multiple stages, to ensure that high quality reclaimed water is produced, council says.

This is in accordance with the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling.

"Given the very high level of treatment, it is very unlikely that anyone who consumed this water will have noticed any adverse effects," Mr Swift-McNair said.

"While council has not been made aware of any concerns around this water by attendees, we acknowledge it is not approved as drinking water and are undertaking a thorough investigation into the incident.

"We will also ensure appropriate measures are put in place to prevent such a thing happening again," added Mr Swift-McNair.

In accordance with standard procedures for such an incident, council immediately consulted with NSW Health and the Department of Industry (Water) to ensure an appropriate response and a meeting was convened for the following day.

In addition to regular testing of the reclaimed water supply, council also conducted testing at the connection point as soon as this incident became known confirming the low risk for this isolated event.

Council director Jeffery Sharp said any formal complaint or notification of illness received by council will be immediately addressed.

"We are working with these authorities to manage our response, the investigation, and review of the incident. In addition, we are reviewing the relevant control mechanisms and procedures for the reclaimed water network, including the implementation of an improvement plan where applicable," Mr Sharp said.

"Any formal complaint or notification of illness is immediately managed through council's Incident Response process which includes liaison with NSW Health and the Department of Industry (Water)."

Any members of the public requiring further information are encouraged to contact council on 6581 8111 or council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.​