Water Quality 2010 has identified a number of improvements to system management and operation that can help Council proactively deal with water quality issues. These include implementation of the Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality and several system operational enhancements.  

Implementation of the Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality

Council currently operates under and complies with the 1996 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, however we are in the process of adopting the most recent edition of the guidelines released in 2004. The guideline values remain the same in the 2004 edition, with the change involving a management system to facilitate identification and elimination of risks so as to prevent drinking water quality issues.  

This process requires a risk management approach based on six guiding principles, including protecting water sources and treatment processes from pathogenic micro-organisms, and dedication to providing our customers with safe water.

The Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality consists of the following twelve elements:  

1. Commitment to drinking water quality management
2. Assessment of the drinking water supply system
3. Preventative measures for drinking water quality management
4. Operational procedures and process control
5. Verification of drinking water quality
6. Management of incidents and emergencies
7. Employee awareness and training
8. Community involvement and awareness
9. Research and development
10. Documentation and record keeping
11. Evaluation and audit
12. Review and continual improvement.

In relation to the first element, Council has adopted a new Drinking Water Quality Policy.

Optimising system operation

Council is in the process of assessing the way the water supply system operates to optimise system performance and reduce the likelihood of discoloured water events. The Peninsula system was the first area to be modified and is now operating at improved levels.

Changes also include a new reservoir operational strategy to address water age and reservoir detention time issues.

See also:

Drinking Water Quality
Understanding your drinking water
Water Quality 2010