Fluoridation Project Molong, Cumnock and Yeoval

Project Overview

Cabonne Council is progressing a project to introduce fluoridation at the Molong Water Treatment Plant, which supplies drinking water to the townships of Molong, Cumnock and Yeoval.

Current Project Status

The fluoridation application has been submitted to NSW Health and is currently being reviewed by NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and Council is currently awaiting approval. Subject to approvals being finalised, Council is aiming to have fluoridation operational by 30 June 2026.

How Fluoridation Works

Fluoride is added to drinking water supplied from both the dam and the bore (when the bore is operating). While fluoride occurs naturally in water, health authorities recommend adjusting levels to help support good dental health.

Testing undertaken in 2025 showed naturally occurring fluoride levels of 0.05 mg/L, which is well below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) maximum of 1.5 mg/L. During treatment, fluoride is added after the water has been clarified and before going through the filters, with a target level of 1.0 mg/L.

Fluoride levels are monitored at a Critical Control Point (CCP). If levels ever exceed 1.5 mg/L, the treatment plant will automatically shut down, ensuring that over‑fluoridated water cannot enter the drinking water supply.

Fluoride Tablets and Supplements

Fluoride tablets or drops are typically prescribed only when drinking water is not fluoridated. Once fluoridation commences, most people should stop taking fluoride supplements, unless they are advised otherwise by a dentist or medical practitioner. Residents are encouraged to seek guidance from their oral health professional if unsure.

Safety and Regulation

Cabonne Council operates in accordance with the NSW Code of Practice for Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies (2018). Strict procedures are in place to manage training, monitoring, reporting and auditing, and all relevant staff have completed the required training. The commissioning of the fluoridation system is currently funded by Council, with reimbursement expected through the NSW Health fluoridation subsidy once approvals are finalised. Residents with concerns are encouraged to refer to NSW Health resources or contact the NSW Health Water Unit on (02) 9391 9939 or email waterqual@doh.health.nsw.gov.au.

Cumnock & Yeoval – Potable Water Upgrade

A separate project is underway to formally declare the Cumnock and Yeoval water supplies fully potable.

Key milestones include ongoing water quality monitoring since 2021, the full disinfection of the Molong–Cumnock–Yeoval water main and reservoirs in 2022, and the commencement of routine fortnightly microbiological sampling in July 2025. All physical, chemical and microbiological test results since 2021 meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Additional infrastructure has been installed at both reservoirs to allow for extra chlorine dosing if required, and Dual Check Valves (DCVs) were installed at local properties in Cumnock and Yeoval in February 2026. These valves prevent water from private systems, such as rainwater tanks, from flowing back into Council’s network.

While significant progress has been made, the Cumnock and Yeoval water supplies have not yet been officially declared potable. Council will issue a formal announcement once all final approvals are complete.

Council has now completed all reports and documentation required by NSW Health and Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environmental and Water (DCCEEW) to support potable water status for Cumnock and Yeoval.