Coliban Water will be trialling a change in the way drinking water is treated at the Castlemaine Water Treatment Plant this month in order to improve disinfection and maintain chlorine residuals across the entire water supply network.
Executive General Manager Water Quality, Mr David Sheehan, said the change in chlorine disinfection is needed to ensure the drinking water supply continues to be safe to drink and meets the requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
“The disinfection method that will be trialled is called free chlorination and is found to be more effective in maintaining chlorine residuals.
“Maintaining chlorine levels throughout a water supply network is important. It protects against potential contamination as the water travels through our water mains to customers’ properties after being treated at our Castlemaine Water Treatment Plant,” Mr Sheehan said.
The trial will commence the week of Monday 22 October 2018, with the effectiveness of the trial to be reviewed every three months over a 12 month period in order to study the results across the seasonal fluctuations that take place during a year.
The Castlemaine water supply network supplies water to the towns of Castlemaine, Chewton, Campbells Creek, Elphinstone, Fryerstown, Harcourt, Barkers Creek, Taradale, Maldon, Yapeen, Newstead and Guildford.
Mr Sheehan said customers may notice a change in the taste and odour of the drinking water; however, the water is safe to drink.
“Customers may notice a slight change in the taste and odour of the drinking water as a result of the free chlorination disinfection method. The water is safe to drink, for customers and their pets.
“Customers can fill a jug with water for drinking and place it in the fridge for at least one hour to allow the taste of chlorine to dissipate.
“We do advise customers with aquariums to seek advice from their local pet shop as they may need to review their treatment process of the aquarium water due to this change,” Mr Sheehan said.
For more information on water treatment, please visit our website www.coliban.com.au or call our Customer Support Team on 1300 363 200.
Last updated on 08 Jul 2019