Coliban Water has reported record low sewer blockages in the last year thanks to a dedicated program of sewer maintenance and preventative cleaning.
Manager Customer Operations Steve Dunlop said the corporation is working to improve sewer performance and reduce service interruptions, overflows, and impact to communities and the environment.
“In the last financial year, we recorded 20 blockages per 100 kilometres of sewer, which is a dramatic reduction since the 2013/14 financial year, where we recorded in excess of 60 blockages per 100 kilometres.
“By 2022 we aim to further reduce that number even further,” he said.
The program has included sewer cleaning of more than 4,100 sewer mains, or roughly 203 kilometres of sewer, condition assessment and maintenance hole inspections in the last year.
“We have been utilising Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) condition assessment of around 1,550 poor performing sewer mains throughout our region, which has given us better accuracy of their condition,” Mr Dunlop said.
In 2018/19 approximately 500 sewer maintenance holes have been inspected across the region and a total of 139 sections of sewer main have been renewed, which is equivalent to 7.9 kilometres of sewer main.
Sewer blockages can be caused by tree roots, but it is the rubbish people flush down the toilet that does not break down, that increases the risk of blockages, emphasising the importance of preventative maintenance.
“Carrying out this significant program not only means fewer sewer blockages and spills, it minimises our impact on the environment and saves customers and the organisation money in responding to spills.
“This reduction in blockage rates now brings Coliban Water into line with other Victorian water authorities and helps us work towards our Strategy 2030 goals of a cleaner environment and healthier communities,” Mr Dunlop said.
The reduced blockage rates are being assisted by the Bin it, don’t flush it campaign, which aims to educate the community on what can and cannot go down toilets and drains.
“We want to thank the public for their efforts to only put the three Ps down the toilet; pee, poo and toilet paper, but there is still a long way to go.
“Just last week we experienced a sewer spill in Kyneton, which was caused by a blockage of wet wipes. It goes to show everything that goes down the toilet has to go somewhere, and can have major implications for our communities,” Mr Dunlop said.
For further information about sewer blockages and the Bin it, don’t flush it campaign, visit our website www.coliban.com.au or read our Strategy 2030.
Last updated on 04 Mar 2020