A large-scale water mains cleaning program will kick off in Bendigo on Monday 16 January and run until the end of April 2023.
Manager Water Regulations David Sheehan said the program will also cover the communities of Axedale, Huntly, Marong, Sebastian and Raywood.
“What’s new this year is that this program will now become part of our annual works program.
“The rapid growth in many areas of Bendigo, especially near the extremities of our Bendigo water supply network, led us to review the frequency of works. We previously carried out these works every two to three years.
“This increased frequency is essential to ensure ongoing good network health and help maintain chlorine residual.
“It will ensure our Bendigo water supply network continues to be safe for our communities, which is the core of what we do,” he said.
Chlorine residual is the amount of chlorine that remains in the pipe network after water leaves the water treatment plant.
“These works will not affect the pressure or flow of customers’ water supply. It will involve changing the usual water treatment process at the Bendigo Water Treatment Plant.
“At all times the water will remain safe to drink and will meet all health-based aspects of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
“For the duration of works, only chlorine will be used to treat water – which is known as free chlorination. This is a common method of disinfection used in many parts of the Coliban Water region.”
Residents may notice Coliban Water crews using fire hydrants to flush water through the system.
Mr Sheehan said once the works are finished, the plant will return to the normal chloramination water treatment process (which uses a combination of chlorine and ammonia).
“We are communicating via various channels to create awareness prior to the works.”
Some customers may notice a change in the taste and odour of the water. If you believe you are sensitive to chlorine, you may choose to pass your drinking water through a purifier or filter. Another option is to fill a jug and place it in the fridge for ten minutes as this will remove the taste of chlorine.
The water will remain safe for pets to drink.
“We are also encouraging both pet stores and pet fish owners to review their water treatment processes if they intend on refilling an aquarium during this time,” Mr Sheehan said.
Further information about this water mains cleaning program can be found on our website here.
11 January 2023