Residents boil drinking water as NSW floodwaters hit levels not seen in 70 years

Flooded residents in the New South Wales central west town of Forbes have been told to boil their drinking water as the Lachlan River reaches its peak.

The water is expected drain slowly, as the community and its surrounding villages take stock after the worst flood in more than 70 years.

In the past 24 hours, there had been more than 25 flood rescues by State Emergency Service (SES).

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There are currently just under 97 warnings across New South Wales, including 21 emergency warnings.

NSW SES volunteer Alex Griffith said the Lachlan River in Forbes still remained a focus area for the service.

"We are seeing near record levels," he said.

"We are asking the community to stay out of the floodwater and do not to drive through floodwater.

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A young mum and her two daughters were among those assisted by volunteers.

The rescue proved to be an adventure of sorts for Aria and Arabella, who are now at their grandfather's home, who described the day as "fun".

The day proved to be a double ordeal for pregnant woman Mamata Pun Rana, who was rescued from floods after her waters broke.

She made it to Forbes Hospital, where she welcomed her boy Imaan into the world on Saturday afternoon.

"We got her safely to hospital and it was great to be able to help out," SES volunteer Ryan Jones said.

After helping others, SES volunteer Rebecca returned to find her own home flooded but in time to rescue her cat Benny.

She said the situation was "very overwhelming".

Forbes residents were advised to boil their water until further notice due to the flooding.

"Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe," the local council told residents.

"Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this. Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.

"Bottled water or cool boiled water should be used for drinking, washing uncooked food, making ice, cleaning teeth, gargling and pet's drinking water.

"Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher."

Transport remains an issue in the town, with nurses getting boats to the local hospital to start their shifts.

The army is on standby for the clean-up in Forbes, which is expected to take place in several days.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to register their damage online with the SES so the army can assist once floodwaters recede.

The Lachlan flooding is expected to move downstream towards Condobolin.

Meanwhile as water levels slowly drop around Wagga, the inland city's river has fresh fields to flood.

Authorities said the Murrumbidgee River's water was expected to head towards Narrandera, where a peak is expected tomorrow.

NSW residents can stay up to date with the latest emergency warnings at the SES website.