Stirling MLA Terry Redman said the community was concerned about the quality of the town’s unfiltered tap water, especially its salinity level.

Mr Redman said he questioned the Minister for Water Resources over the quality of Denmark’s drinking water and it was confirmed that in Denmark’s case the level was 836 mg/L.

“According to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, based on taste, total dissolved solids in drinking water should not exceed 500 milligrams per litre, Mr Redman said.

“Whilst not posing a health risk, Denmark’s water plainly falls well short of the Water Corporation’s commitment to providing a high quality product that consistently meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.”

Mr Redman said the unpalatability of Denmark’s water was clearly demonstrated by comparison with drinking water in nearby Albany, which has a salinity level of 535 mg/L.

“In fact, in parts of the South West, water used for irrigated agriculture far surpasses Denmark’s drinking water quality with salinity levels of just 300mg/L,” he said.

“Judging by the number of people who have raised this issue with me, local water quality has become a real bug-bear for residents and also for visitors to the town.”

Mr Redman said the lack of Government planning had left local water supplies profoundly wanting, both in terms of quantity and quality.

“The objectionable state of Denmark’s drinking water further accentuates the need for urgent implementation of the infrastructure necessary to guarantee the supply and the quality of this community’s water needs”, Mr Redman said.