The Northern Territory (NT) Supreme Court has determined that the territory's housing department is responsible for ensuring safe drinking water for its tenants. 

The ruling carries significant implications for Indigenous communities.

The court has overturned a previous verdict by the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) in a case brought forth by residents of the remote Laramba community, situated approximately 200 kilometres west of Alice Springs.

Locals expressed concerns about uranium levels in their drinking water in 2019, after data from the NT's Power and Water Corporation revealed that the water supply in Laramba contained 0.046 milligrams of uranium per litre, nearly three times the recommended national guidelines.

The NTCAT had initially ruled that the public housing landlord was not legally obligated to provide safe drinking water to its tenants. However, the NT Supreme Court has now reversed that decision.

Daniel Kelly, a solicitor with Australian Lawyers for Remote Aboriginal Rights, represented Laramba community members during the legal proceedings. 

He says the verdict extends beyond Laramba and could impact approximately 250,000 Indigenous individuals in Australia who lack reliable access to safe drinking water.

“For more than a decade no government department took responsibility or accepted liability for the water they were delivering to remote Aboriginal communities,” he said. 

“Remote tenants will now be able to demand their water quality be improved if it does not meet safety standards, and seek recourse for any health impacts caused by unsafe drinking water.”

The Laramba community has expressed delight over the NT Supreme Court's decision. While the victory is significant for Laramba, many other communities are still fighting for safe drinking water. 

The NT government has hinted at the possibility of challenging the Supreme Court's decision. 

A spokesperson from Territory Families, Housing and Communities has told reporters that the department is “currently reviewing” the ruling to consider its next steps.