Coliban Water will be holding a community information session for Castlemaine customers this month to provide an update on the current change to the drinking water treatment process.
Executive General Manager Water Quality David Sheehan said the way the Castlemaine drinking water supply system is treated was changed late last year, and the first three month review of the planned 12-month trial period has recently been completed.
“In October last year we commenced a 12-month trial to change the way we treat the Castlemaine drinking water supply, using a method known as free chlorination, or chlorination.
“The change was made in order to improve disinfection and maintain chlorine levels across the entire Castlemaine water supply network.
“Maintaining chlorine levels throughout the water supply network is important. It protects against contamination as the water travels through our water mains to customers’ properties, after being treated at our Castlemaine Water Treatment Plant,” he said.
Mr Sheehan said the chlorination treatment method itself is not a trial.
“Chlorination is a tried and tested treatment method which is widely used across Australia and internationally.
“We have been trialling the effectiveness of this disinfection method in the Castlemaine water supply network,” he said.
The Castlemaine water supply network supplies water to the towns of Castlemaine, Chewton, Campbells Creek, Elphinstone, Taradale, Harcourt, Fryerstown, Barkers Creek, Maldon, Yapeen, Newstead and Guildford.
Results to date indicate that improvements are being seen across the network, with some adjustments to dosing being made.
“The water quality data is showing an improvement in the chlorine levels across the network, particularly in areas where there has been very low chlorine levels previously.
“However we are aware that some customers in areas of our supply network have experienced a strong chlorine taste and odour.
“Chlorine dissipates over time. The recent very warm weather and greater use of water is having an impact on chlorine dissipation in some parts of the network.
“We are making adjustments to the treatment dosing to ensure the seasonal fluctuations do not have a greater impact on our customers, whilst ensuring safe levels are maintained throughout the network.
“The water continues to be safe and meets the requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines,” Mr Sheehan said.
An information session will be held for customers to come and speak with our staff and find out more about the treatment program.
“We will be holding an information session on Tuesday 22 January 2019 at the Ray Bradfield Room in Forest Street, Castlemaine from 4pm to 8pm.
“We want to provide customers will an opportunity to come and speak with staff to find out more and ask any additional questions that they may have, or provide feedback,” Mr Sheehan said.
An update on the treatment trial program with details of the community information session has been mailed to residents.
For further information please call our Customer Support Team on 1300 363 200 or 1300 COLIBAN or visit our website – www.coliban.com.au
Last updated on 09 Jul 2019