Coliban Water has increased its water quality testing program and has started water carting to some towns following elevated levels of blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) in the Goulburn water supply system.
Coliban Water Executive General Manager Water Quality David Sheehan said towns on the Goulburn system are largely supplied with untreated water via the Waranga Western Channel, which is managed by Goulburn-Murray Water.
“Water carting is currently underway for the towns of Dingee and Mitiamo, following poor raw water quality and the presence of low levels of blue-green algae in early February 2019.
“We have also experienced the same situation in regards to the raw water supply for the township of Mysia and, in response, commenced water carting to our customers there yesterday,” Mr Sheehan said.
“We provide Dingee, Mitiamo and Mysia with a non-potable water supply, which means it is untreated and not deemed suitable for drinking or cooking purposes. The decision to cart water to these areas is a precautionary measure until raw water quality improves.”
Blue-green algae is also impacting the quality of raw water supplies for the townships of Rochester and Lockington.
“These customers are provided with treated drinking water. The Rochester and Lockington water treatment plants are equipped with treatment processes that can manage blue-green algae in the raw water supply,” Mr Sheehan said.
“Customers should not notice any difference to the taste or odour of their treated water supply, and the treated water remains safe to use for all household purposes.
“We will continue our increased water quality monitoring for all townships supplied via the Goulburn system for as long as blue-green algae remains an issue in the raw water.”
If customers have any questions or concerns, they can contact the Customer Support Team on 1300 363 200 or call 1300 COLIBAN.
Last updated on 10 Jul 2019