2011/2012 - Central Highlands Water · WATER QUALITY REPORT 2011/2012 03 INTRODUCTION Central Highlands Region Water Corporation (Central Highlands Water) is responsible for delivering

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2011/2012WATER QUALITY REPORT

02 WATER QUALITY REPORT 2011/2012

Introduction 3

What is Drinking Water? 3

Sources of Water 3

Table 1 - The Source of Your Water 4

Table 2 - Reservoir Capacity and Current Levels 5

Managing Water Quality 6

Ensuring Your Water is Safe 8

How Your Water is Treated 10

Table 3 - Treatment Processes and Added Substances 12 for Central Highlands Water Supply Systems

Risk Management 13

Summary of Audit Findings 14 Risk Management Plan Audit Certificate 16

Water Quality Improvement Projects 17

Distribution System Improvements 18

Water Treatment Plant Improvements 19

Source Water Improvements 20

Emergency / Incident Management 22

System Summaries 25

Understanding Concentration and Limits 28

Further Information 29

WaterQualityTables

Table 4: Escherichia coli (E. coli) 30 Figure 1: E. coli Trending 31

Table 5: Chloroacetic Acid 32 Figure 2: Chloroacetic Acid Trending 33

Table 6: Dichloroacetic Acid 34 Figure 3: Dichloroacetic Acid Trending 35

Table 7: Trichloroacetic Acid 36 Figure 4: Trichloroacetic Acid Trending 37

Table 8: Trihalomethanes 38 Figure 5: Trihalomethanes Trending 39 Figure 5a: Trihalomethanes Monthly Trending 39

Table 9: Bromate 40 Figure 6: Bromate Trending 40 Figure 6a: Bromate Monthly Trending 40

Table 10: Formaldehyde 41 Figure 7: Formaldehyde Trending 41

Table 11: Aluminium (Acid Soluble) 42 Figure 8: Aluminium (Acid Soluble) Trending 43

Table 12: Turbidity 44 Figure 9: Turbidity Trending 45

Table 13: Fluoride 46 Figure 10: Fluoride Trending 47

Table 14: Aesthetic Parameters - pH 48 Figure 11: pH Trending 49

Table 15: Aesthetic Parameters - Total Dissolved Solids 50 Figure 12: Total Dissolved Solids Trending 51

Table 16: Aesthetic Parameters - True Colour 52 Figure 13: True Colour Trending 53

Table 17: Aesthetic Parameters - Hardness 54

Table 18: Aesthetic Parameters - Iron 55

Table 19: Aesthetic Parameters - Zinc 56

Table 20: Other Substances - Cadmium 57

Table 21: Other Substances - Copper 58

Table 22: Other Substances - Lead 59

Table 23: Other Substances - Manganese 60

Table 24: Other Substances - Nickel 61

Table 25: Other Substances - Arsenic 62

Table 26: Other Substances - Chromium (Total) 62

Table 27: Other Substances - Cyanide 63

Table 28: Other Substances - Mercury 63

Table 29: Other Substances - Selenium 64

Table 30: Health Related Organic Compounds 65

Table 31: Pesticides 66

Table 32: Percentage of potable water sampling 67 localities receiving complying water

Table 33: Percentage of population receiving 67 complying potable water

Table 34: Complaints and Responses 68 Central Highlands Water Service Area Map 69

Abbreviations 70

CONTENTS

WATER QUALITY REPORT 2011/2012 71

NOTES


INTRODUCTION

Central Highlands Region Water Corporation (Central Highlands Water) is responsible for delivering domestic drinking water services to approximately 130,000 residents in more than 60 locations throughout the Central and Western regions of Victoria.

This report provides a record of the water quality for each water supply system for the financial year 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 and aims to illustrate the extent of the water quality monitoring and testing regime in place at Central Highlands Water (CHW).

Guidance regarding the structure of the 2011/12 Water Quality Report has been provided by the Department of Health in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and the current Drinking Water Regulation Guidance Note, May 2012.

During the year, CHW delivered more than 11,100 million litres of water to more than 62,700 properties across the region. CHW services customers in 15 distinct water supply systems, which are comprised of 38 specific water sampling localities and three regulated water supplies.

The 15 water supply systems are:

• Amphitheatre• Avoca• Ballarat and District (including the major towns of Ballan,

Buninyong, Creswick, Skipton, Smythesdale and many smaller townships)

• Beaufort (including Raglan)• Blackwood (including Barrys Reef)• Clunes• Daylesford (including Hepburn)• Dean• Forest Hill (serving the towns of Allendale, Broomfield, Kingston,

Newlyn, Smeaton and Springmount)• Landsborough (including Navarre)• Learmonth• Lexton• Maryborough and District (including Carisbrook, Daisy Hill, Talbot

and several smaller townships)• Redbank• Waubra

Amphitheatre, Raglan and Redbank are Regulated (non-drinking) water supplies. Landsborough/Navarre has been classed as a potable (drinking water) supply from 5 March 2012.

The service area map on page 69 shows the location of each water supply system.

CHW has a water treatment services agreement with Ballarat Water Pty Ltd, which is responsible for the management of the following water treatment facilities:

• Beaufort Water Treatment Plant

• Blackwood Water Treatment Plant

• Clunes Water Treatment Plant

• Forest Hill Water Treatment Plant

• Lal Lal Water Treatment Plant

• White Swan Water Treatment Plant

United Water International operates these facilities on behalf of Ballarat Water Pty Ltd.

What is Drinking Water?Drinking water is defined by the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 as water that is intended for human consumption or for the purposes connected with human consumption, such as the preparation of food or the making of ice for consumption or for the preservation of unpacked food, whether or not the water is used for other purposes.

Drinking water should be safe to use and aesthetically pleasing. Ideally, it should be clear, colourless and well-aerated, with no unpalatable taste or odour, and it should contain no suspended matter, harmful chemical substances or pathogenic (disease-causing) micro-organisms.

Appearance, taste and colour are generally the characteristics by which the public judge water quality and are therefore useful indicators of the quality of water. However, water which is turbid, coloured or has an objectionable taste or odour may not necessarily be unsafe to drink. Conversely, the absence of any unpleasant qualities does not guarantee the water’s safety. The safety of water, in public health terms, is determined by its microbiological, physical, chemical and radiological quality.

sources of WaterThe CHW supply systems are supplied from stream diversions, on-stream storages and groundwater bores as detailed in Table 1.

Most of the headwork systems (reservoir storage and groundwater assets) are owned and operated by CHW; however some assets are shared with or owned by others, including:

• CHW shares the Lal Lal Reservoir with Barwon Water, but is responsible for all operation and maintenance activities. There is also an environmental reserve component of this storage.

• CHW has a delivery entitlement for Newlyn and Tullaroop Reservoirs which are owned and operated by Goulburn-Murray Water.

• CHW operates the Goldfields Superpipe which sources water from the Goulburn system.

CHW has Bulk Entitlements (BEs) for its surface supplies, which specify how much water can be extracted and under what conditions. These were negotiated with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Rural Water Authorities (RWAs) and Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs).

CHW has groundwater extraction licences for its groundwater supplied systems which, similarly to BEs, specify extraction rates and volumes. Groundwater licences are managed by rural water Corporations, including Goulburn-Murray Water, Southern Rural Water and Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water.

CHW also works closely with associated CMAs in areas of improving land management and river health.


TABLE 1THE SOURCE OF WATER

Water Supply Systems / Water Sampling Locality Population Serviced Source Water Storage Treatment PlantDRINKING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS

Avoca 1,030 Sugarloaf ReservoirLead Reservoir^Bung Bong Bore 1Bung Bong Bore 2

- Avoca WTP

BallaratBallanBallarat CentralBallarat Nth / NerrinaBungaree / WallaceBuninyong / Mt HelenCardigan VillageCreswickEnfieldFiskville / GlenmoreGordon / Mt EgertonHaddonLal LalLintonNapoleonsSebastopolSkiptonSmythesdaleWendouree

2,27033,2504,3503707,9807802,700360509404,0001604808509,16049085032,300

Kirks Reservoir^Gong Gong Reservoir^Pincotts ReservoirCosgrave Reservoir^Bungaree BoreSuperpipe**Newlyn Reservoir^

Wilsons ReservoirBeales ReservoirMoorabool Reservoir

Ballarat West Bore 1^ Ballarat West Bore 2^Ballarat West Bore 3^

White Swan Reservoir

Lal Lal Reservoir

White Swan WTP

Lal Lal WTP

Ballarat West Disinfection

Beaufort 1,350 Cave Hill CreekTroys Reservoir^Side Spring Creek^ The GlutRaglan Bore^

Musical Gully Reservoir Beaufort WTP

Blackwood / Barrys Reef 430 Kyneton CreekLong Gully CreekBlackwood Bore^

Blackwood Basin Blackwood WTP

Clunes 1,650 Bore 1^Bore 2 Bore 3

- Clunes WTP

DaylesfordDaylesford High LevelDaylesford Low Level / Hepburn

1,6302,290

Wombat ReservoirBullarto ReservoirHepburn Reservoir^ Coomora Bore^

- Daylesford WTP

Dean 40 Dean Bore - Dean Disinfection

Forest Hill 950 Bore 1Bore 1ABore 2Bore 3^

- Forest Hill WTP

Landsborough 230 Landsborough Bore 1^ Landsborough Bore 2

- Landsborough WTP

Learmonth 300 Bore 1Bore 2^

- Learmonth Disinfection

Lexton 200 Lexton Reservoir - Lexton WTP

MaryboroughAlmaBet BetCarisbrookDaisy HillMajorcaMaryboroughTalbotTimor

4103201,0004302007,320450180

Tullaroop ReservoirEvansford ReservoirTalbot Reservoir^ Moolort Bore 1^Moolort Bore 2^ Stoney Creek Bore^

Centenary Reservoir Maryborough WTP

Waubra 260 Bore 1Bore 2

- Waubra Disinfection

REGULATED WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS

Amphitheatre* 120 Amphitheatre Reservoir Amphitheatre Bore^

- -

Raglan* 120 Cave Hill Creek Side Spring Creek^ The GlutRaglan Bore^

- -

Redbank* 50 Redbank ReservoirRedbank Bore^

- -

* Non-potable water supply system^ Not used in 2011/12** 109ML used for operational testing purposes, maintenance and water quality management


TABLE 2RESERVOIR CAPACITY AND CURRENT LEVELS

Reservoir Capacity (megalitres)

% full as at 30 June 2011

% full as at 30 June 2012

DRINKING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS

AvocaSugarloaf ReservoirLead Reservoir

304118

9443

5828

BallaratBeales ReservoirCosgrave ReservoirGong Gong ReservoirKirks ReservoirLal Lal ReservoirMoorabool ReservoirNewlyn ReservoirPincotts ReservoirWhite Swan ReservoirWilsons Reservoir

415680

1,902400

59,549 (CHW share 35,670)^^

6,192500 (CHW entitlement)**

21814,1071,010

291002#

9392 (CHW share 93)

99-

939541

561005079

92 (CHW share 98)96-

1007344

BeaufortMusical Gully ReservoirTroys Reservoir^

25368

10047

9937

Blackwood / Barrys ReefBlackwood Basin 22 99 100

Clunes(Groundwater source) - - -

DaylesfordBullarto ReservoirHepburn ReservoirWombat Reservoir

21935

568

9986

100

10010099

Dean(Groundwater source) - - -

Forest Hill(Groundwater source) - - -

Landsborough(Groundwater source) - - -

Learmonth(Groundwater source) - - -

LextonLexton Reservoir 120 100 86

MaryboroughCentenary ReservoirEvansford ReservoirTalbot ReservoirTullaroop Reservoir

1801,346846

2,100 (CHW entitlement)**§

5810086-

959384-

Waubra(Groundwater source) - - -


Amphitheatre*Amphitheatre Reservoir 67 100 72

Raglan*(Cave Hill to Musical Gully Reservoir Pipeline)

- - -

Redbank*Redbank Reservoir 132 78 33

* Non-potable water supply system** CHW entitlements are determined by Goulburn Murray Water allocations for these storages, Tullaroop capacity 72,950ML§ CHW Bulk Entitlement 1200ML annual allocation and carryover of unused allocation from previous year of 900ML^ Not in use^^ 7,086ML Lal Lal Reservoir Environmental Reserve

# Gong Gong Reservoir was drained during 2010/11 to allow dam safety works to be carried out


The impact of the changing regulatory environment has essentially been driven through the enactment of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and the supporting Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005.

regulatory stanDarDsSchedule 2 of the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 specifies the following mandatory testing of drinking water quality standards at customer taps:

• Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a subgroup of coliforms which are a group of organisms that cannot reproduce outside the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, but can survive better than other pathogens in water. The presence of E. coli is a reliable health indicator of the presence of contamination from human or animal waste. Its presence most likely indicates a breach of a water quality barrier or contamination during distribution of the water

• Trihalomethanes (THMs) are a range of organic compounds formed when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in water supplies

• Chloroacetic acids are produced in drinking water as by-products of the reaction between chlorine and naturally occurring humic and fulvic acids

• Formaldehyde may be present in drinking water through ozonation of naturally occurring humic material, contamination by accidental spills or deposition from the atmosphere

• Bromate is not a normal component of water but may be formed from bromide during ozonation

• Turbidity describes the cloudiness of the water and is caused by the presence of suspended material such as clay, silt and finely divided organic material.

• Aluminium may be present in water due to natural leaching from soil and rock. Aluminium is used as a coagulant to assist filtration effectiveness, however it is removed during the treatment process

The Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 also specifies that a risk management plan must be developed to address any risk to human health that arises from the presence in water of:

• Pathogenic micro-organisms

• Inorganic chemicals, including inorganic disinfection by-products

• Organic chemicals, including pesticides, pesticide residues and organic disinfection by-products

• Radiological parameters

• Algal toxins

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines is a technical reference document which CHW utilises to assess the microbiological, chemical, physical and radiological performance of the drinking water it supplies to consumers.

If a parameter is detected above specified guideline values in samples, then any of the following protocols may be initiated, subject to long term and short term impacts:

• Immediate operational corrective actions undertaken in close consultation with Department of Health and associated regulatory guidance notes, when required

• Referral to standard operating procedures and/or incident response plans

• Consideration to water quality improvement programs through capital investment

The Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 also specify the need for CHW to develop steps and initiatives to address aesthetic variations to water quality including:

• Taste and Odour

CHW has a group which meets regularly to assess taste and odour for a number of water supply systems.

• pH, Colour and Clarity

CHW undertakes a routine water quality monitoring program which considers pH, colour and clarity, refer to Tables 14, 16 and 12 respectively.

MANAGINGWATER QUALITY


unDertakingsIn accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 an “Undertaking Application” is required to be formally submitted to the Department of Health for secretarial approval if CHW is, or is likely to be, in contravention of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 or associated regulations.

Examples of where an undertaking would be applicable are:

• Where one or more water quality standards are not being met

• A regulatory audit of a Risk Management Plan identifies non-conformances with the plan

No undertakings are currently in place for CHW.

exemptionsIn accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 a water supplier may apply to the Minister for Health and, if satisfied, will be exempt from a water quality standard as it applies to drinking water supplied by the water supplier.

Approved exemptions release water suppliers from the requirement to meet a specified quality standard for a period of time, but do not release them from the obligation to minimise any risk to the public.

For example, in response to a natural disaster such as major bushfire or flood in a catchment area, CHW may apply for an exemption from meeting a specific standard until the situation has been rectified.

regulateD Water DeterminationIn accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 the Minister for Health may declare certain water supplies as “Regulated Water”, to protect public health. Regulated water is classified as water that is not intended for drinking, but which could be reasonably mistaken for drinking water.

CHW continues to manage three Regulated water supply systems of Amphitheatre, Raglan and Redbank. The Minister for Health declared these water supplies as Regulated in 2006; Government Gazette numbers G31 and G35.

On 20 January 2012, a specification was published in the Victoria Government Gazette (Special Edition 13) declaring Landsborough/Navarre as a drinking water sampling locality, effective from 5 March 2012. The plant was officially opened by the Hon Peter Walsh MLA, Minister for Water on 4 May 2012.


Drinking Water QualityCHW is required to undertake water quality compliance monitoring in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005. The due diligence requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines are used for developing microbiological, physical, chemical and radiological monitoring programs and also for benchmarking performance.

CHW’s 38 water sampling localities are tested at the source, at treatment facilities, at tanks throughout the distribution system and at specified customer taps for microbiological, physical, chemical and radiological parameters. Testing within the water sampling localities, at customer taps, is conducted on a structured, but random basis in accordance with the specified regulations. The frequency of testing varies for each locality according to population and risk. The geographic location of customer sampling taps is designed to ensure representative samples are collected across the water sampling locality.

CHW has within its resources a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) registered laboratory to perform the majority of routine and non-routine testing.

NATA accreditation ensures that testing is conducted according to strict guidelines using quality assurance systems, and provides a high level of independence. The data supplied by the CHW NATA accredited laboratory is used for all compliance reporting. In addition to this independent monitoring, CHW conducts operational testing to further extend the monitoring of water supplies.

performance monitoring anD compliance criteriaDuring 2011/12, specified microbiological and chemical performance monitoring was scheduled in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005, refer to Tables 4 through to 29. Most parameters listed in these tables are tested at customer tap locations and do not include treated water storage or non-routine monitoring programs. Additionally, data prior to 5 March 2012 for the Landsborough/Navarre system has been excluded due to the conversion to a potable supply.

A review of aesthetic and health-related testing and monitoring needs is scheduled annually across all systems. The monitoring frequency is determined through an understanding of the real or potential risk to consumers. CHW determines the frequency of testing, which is representative of the water supplied to customers, on a case by case basis for each water sampling locality.

CHW also conducted organic compound and pesticide sampling during 2011/12, refer to Tables 30 and 31.

approveD analysts for Water testingIncluded in the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 is mandatory National Analytical Testing Association (NATA) accreditation for laboratories. This also requires qualified staff employed by water testing laboratories to submit applications with the Department of Health to become approved analysts for regulatory parameters.

Laboratory services are provided to CHW by its own “in house” laboratory. CHW Laboratory Services holds NATA accreditation in the chemical and biological field, and has several approved analysts for E. coli and turbidity as required under the legislation.

Both CHW and CHW Laboratory Services are signatories to a “Service Level Agreement”, which outlines the provision of laboratory services.

compliance With Drinking Water Quality stanDarDs CHW endeavours to maintain a high and consistent level of compliance with all of the water quality standards in the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 and guideline values in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Details of compliance are available in Tables 4 through 31 of this report.

algae monitoringThe presence of high numbers of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in surface water storages can present operational interferences, but more importantly aesthetic and potential health risks to customers.

During warmer months a combination of sunlight, low rainfall, lack of inflow to catchments and reduced storage levels favours accelerated growth of algae. Reporting of events during 2011/12 where blue-green algae results reached reportable trigger levels in water storages was undertaken in accordance with regulatory protocols and CHW’s Blue-Green Algae Management Plan. Notifications were sent to the Department of Sustainability and Environment as required.

Management actions associated with these blooms (if applicable) can be found on pages 22-24.

ENSURING YOURWATER IS SAFE


compliance performance summaryDuring 2011/12 a number of non-compliances occurred in CHW’s drinking water supplies. All non-compliances were managed in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements. This generally includes site investigations, re-sampling, consideration of disinfectant levels, flushing, identifying areas for operational or capital improvements, plus informing the Department of Health.

Non-compliant results with Schedule 2 parameters, Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005, occurred in the following water supply systems:

• Trihalomethanes – Avoca

• Bromate – Clunes

Details of these non-compliances can be found on pages 22-24.

Other parameters non-compliant with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines occurred in the following water supply systems:

• Colour - Lexton

Additionally, the following water supply systems did not meet the desirable range recommended in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines for the following parameters:

• TDS - Waubra

• Hardness - Waubra

Details of all results can be found in Tables 4 through 31.


central highlanDs Water treatment processesCHW uses a number of different technologies to treat the water. The process used depends on the quality of the water to be treated. The treatment process and added substances are detailed in Table 3, and processes are described below.

coagulation / flocculationCoagulation / Flocculation is a complex process where a controlled amount of chemical coagulant is added into the water to destabilise particles, allowing clumps to form (flocculation) and settle out of suspension. This occurs in a mixing tank prior to the filtration process. The particles are then easily removed during the sedimentation and filtration stage. The type of filtration process used to remove the particles depends on the weight of the particles formed.

The coagulation / flocculation process is utilised at the water treatment plants at Avoca, Ballarat, Beaufort, Blackwood, Daylesford, Landsborough and Maryborough.

seDimentation / filtrationWhere the raw water quality allows large heavy particles (floc) to be formed during the coagulation / flocculation process, the water is further treated by the sedimentation process. The floc forms a blanket which continues to trap more suspended particles. The particles sink to the bottom of the sedimentation tank and are drawn off to waste. The clear water which flows to the surface of the sedimentation tank is collected and then passed through sand filters. Any particles not removed in the sedimentation process are filtered out by the sand filter. The filters are washed regularly to remove the collected material to waste. Filtration of the water removes naturally occurring particulate material from the water prior to disinfection. The process improves the effectiveness of disinfection; assists with clarity; reduces the risk of taste and odour and ensures a consistent quality of supply.

This process is utilised at the Avoca and Maryborough water treatment plants.

DissolveD air flotation anD filtration (Daff)Some waters contain coagulated matter which is lighter and will not easily sink. For these supplies Dissolved Air Flotation and Filtration (DAFF) is utilised. DAFF relies on the injection of microscopic air bubbles into the water stream, causing the flocculated particles to float to the surface of the filtration tank. The particles are drawn off the surface of the filtration tank and removed to waste. Clear water then passes down through filtering material in the bottom of the filtration tank, capturing any fine particles that were not removed by the air.

The DAFF process is utilised at the Ballarat, Beaufort, Blackwood and Daylesford water treatment plants.

microfiltrationMicrofiltration is used to remove suspended solids and some colloidal matter from the source water. The water is pumped through a filter membrane trapping suspended solids in the process. The concentrate (material that does not pass through the membrane) is periodically removed to waste to prevent the blocking of the membrane filters.

The Lexton water treatment plant utilises membrane microfiltration technology.

lime / soDa ash / soDium hyDroxiDe aDDitionTo assist the water treatment process and to ensure the pH level in filtered water is within a desirable target range, high quality lime, soda ash or sodium hydroxide is automatically added to the water in the treatment plant. Maintaining pH in the desired range optimises the effectiveness of treatment and disinfection, minimises the risk of corrosion/scaling and improves taste.

This process is utilised at the Avoca, Ballarat, Beaufort, Blackwood, Clunes, Daylesford, Forest Hill, Landsborough and Maryborough water treatment plants.

chlorinationChlorine is widely used throughout the world to disinfect drinking water to reduce the risk of disease-causing organisms. Chlorination requires minimal contact time with the water to effectively destroy these organisms.

Chlorination is utilised at the Beaufort, Clunes, Daylesford, Dean, Forest Hill, Landsborough, Learmonth and Waubra water treatment plants.

chloraminationChloramination is used throughout the world as a means of disinfecting drinking water to destroy any disease-causing organisms. Small amounts of chlorine and ammonia are added to the water to form chloramines, providing a relatively long lasting process to safely disinfect water. Chloramination is less likely to cause taste and odour problems compared to chlorine alone, providing the water supply system is cleaned regularly.

Chloramination is utilised at the Avoca, Ballarat, Lexton and Maryborough water treatment plants.

HOW YOUR WATERIS TREATED


ultra violet DisinfectionUltra Violet (U.V.) light is an effective means of disinfection; however, efficiency is only at the point of application as U.V. treatment has no lasting effect. Effectiveness also relies on the water having low turbidity as particulates minimise the amount of U.V. light penetration, hence potentially allowing the survival of micro-organisms that could present a health risk.

U.V. disinfection is utilised at the Beaufort and Blackwood water treatment plants.

Water softeningWater softening, or de-alkalisation, is a process used to remove the calcium and magnesium salts from the water to reduce the hardness and hence the “scaling” effect of the water.

This process is utilised at the Clunes and Forest Hill water treatment plants.

ozonationOzone pre-treatment is used specifically at the Clunes water treatment plant to reduce the levels of iron and manganese that can be present in this groundwater source. The process involves oxidation of the soluble iron and manganese from the water, and removal during the filtration process. The oxidising process also assists in minimising colour and odour-causing sulphides.

fluoriDationIn accordance with Department of Health requirements, the Ballarat and District water supply is fluoridated. All other CHW systems are currently non-fluoridated. Any fluoride present in these non-fluoridated systems is due to naturally occurring sources.

reverse osmosisReverse Osmosis is used to remove dissolved salts from the source water. Pre-treated water is pumped at high pressure through spiral wound membranes, trapping dissolved salts in the process. The concentrate (material that does not pass through the membrane) is periodically removed to waste. The water passing through the membranes is extremely pure and is blended to maintain an acceptable salt balance in the water.

The Avoca water treatment plant utilises Reverse Osmosis membrane technology.

electroDialysis reversalElectrodialysis is used to remove dissolved salts from the source water. Water is transferred to a treatment unit and an electrical DC voltage is applied, removing dissolved salts through special ion exchange membranes. The concentrate (material that passes through the membranes) is periodically removed to waste by reversing the charge or polarity across the membranes. This treatment process has the advantage of being robust and flexible, and results in high product recoveries.

The Landsborough water treatment plant utilises Electrodialysis Reversal membrane technology.


TABLE 3 - TREATMENT PROCESSES AND ADDEDSUBSTANCES FOR CHW SUPPLY SYSTEMS

* Non-potable water supply system ^ Added substance if required

Water Supply System Water Sampling Locality Treatment Process / Disinfection Added Substances


Avoca Avoca Coagulation + Flocculation Sedimentation/Clarification Granular Media FiltrationReverse Osmosis Chloramination

Aluminium Sulphate Sodium Hydroxide Chlorine Gas Aqueous AmmoniaAluminium Chlorohydrate^Hydrochloric Acid^Antiscalant^Potassium Permanganate^ Powder Activated Carbon^

Ballarat BallanBallarat CentralBallarat Nth / NerrinaBungaree / WallaceBuninyong / Mt HelenCardigan VillageCreswickEnfieldFiskville / GlenmoreGordon / Mt EgertonHaddonLal LalLintonNapoleonsSebastopolSkiptonSmythesdaleWendouree

Coagulation + Flocculation Dissolved Air Flotation Granular Media Filtration ChloraminationFluoridation

Coagulation + Flocculation Dissolved Air Flotation Granular Media Filtration ChloraminationFluoridation

Chloramination Fluoridation

White Swan Treatment PlantLime Aluminium Sulphate Poly Electrolyte Chlorine Gas Aqueous Ammonia Fluorosilicic AcidSodium Hydroxide^ Powder Activated Carbon^ Potassium Permanganate^ Lal Lal Treatment PlantSoda Ash Aluminium Chlorohydrate Poly Electrolyte Chlorine Gas Aqueous Ammonia Fluorosilicic AcidSodium Hydroxide^ Powder Activated Carbon^ Potassium Permanganate^ Ballarat West Disinfection PlantChlorine Gas Aqueous Ammonia Fluorosilicic Acid

Beaufort Beaufort Coagulation + Flocculation Dissolved Air Flotation Granular Media Filtration Ultra Violet (U.V.) LightChlorination

Aluminium Sulphate Sodium Hydroxide Sodium Hypochlorite Powder Activated Carbon^ Potassium Permanganate^

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Coagulation + Flocculation Dissolved Air Flotation Granular Media Filtration Ultra Violet (U.V.) Light

Aluminium Chlorohydrate Poly Electrolyte Sodium Hydroxide Powder Activated Carbon^ Potassium Permanganate^

Clunes Clunes OzonationCartridge Filtration Dealkalisation (Ion Exchange) Chlorination

Sodium Hydroxide Chlorine Gas Ozone Gas

Daylesford Daylesford High LevelDaylesford Low Level / Hepburn

Coagulation + Flocculation Dissolved Air Flotation Granular Media Filtration Chlorination

Polyaluminium Chloride Sodium Hydroxide Poly Electrolyte Chlorine Gas Potassium Permanganate^Powder Activated Carbon^ Aqueous Ammonia^

Dean Dean Chlorination Sodium Hypochlorite

Forest Hill Forest Hill Dealkalisation (Ion Exchange) Chlorination

Sodium Hydroxide Chlorine Gas

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Coagulation + Flocculation Pressure Filtration Electrodialysis Reversal Chlorination

Sodium Hydroxide Sodium Hypochlorite Ferric Sulphate^

Learmonth Learmonth Chlorination Chlorine Gas

Lexton Lexton Membrane Microfiltration Chloramination

Chlorine Gas Aqueous AmmoniaPotassium Permanganate^ Sodium Hypochlorite^

Maryborough AlmaBet BetCarisbrookDaisy HillMajorcaMaryboroughTalbotTimor

Coagulation + Flocculation Sedimentation/Clarification Granular Media Filtration Chloramination

Soda Ash Aluminium Sulphate Poly Electrolyte Chlorine GasAqueous AmmoniaPowder Activated Carbon^ Potassium Permanganate^

Waubra Waubra Chlorination Chlorine Gas


Amphitheatre* Amphitheatre No Treatment

Raglan* Raglan No Treatment

Redbank* Redbank No Treatment


CHW continually strives to improve the integrity of its water supply catchment, water supply systems and associated infrastructure, and also undertakes independent research and development into drinking water quality. CHW maintains an awareness of developments in the water industry, to use research findings to further improve the quality and safety of the water supply.

CHW also convenes a Water Quality Committee which regularly meets to provide oversight over the Risk Management Plan.

A number of projects were undertaken throughout 2011/12, as follows:

monitoring program revieWA review of CHW’s water quality monitoring program was completed in 2011/12. An annual review of the program incorporates any changes to the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003, Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, plus any identified risks to water supply systems. The review includes number and location of monitoring sites, sampling frequencies and inclusion of additional monitoring of specific health and non-health related parameters, making for a more robust system and ensuring the water supplied to CHW’s customers is safe to drink.

risk management planIn 2011/12, CHW continued to regularly review and update the Risk Management Plan for all water supply systems as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003. CHW has invested resources into the continued development of standard operating procedures and associated forms and checklists designed to assist in the management of water quality. All these documents become auditable elements under the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003.

The review of the Risk Management Plan resulted in further additions to CHW’s Improvement Plan, to continually improve performance in future years.

In line with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, CHW has developed Critical Control Points within its water treatment plants and water disinfection plants to manage critical operational activities that eliminate or reduce hazards in drinking water to safe and/or acceptable levels.

risk management plan auDitIn November 2011 the Department of Health, under Section 11 of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003, required Central Highlands Water to have its Risk Management Plan audited by an approved external auditor. The audit covered the period from 1 April 2010 to the date of the audit, and was completed by Dr Daniel Deere of Water Futures.

The audit found that Central Highlands Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003. No non-conformances were identified during the audit, however in the philosophy of continuous improvement, eight Opportunities For Improvement (OFIs) were proposed.

A copy of the audit certificate is provided on page 16.

Additionally, an ongoing program of internal audits was completed during the reporting period to ensure CHW strives to continuously improve its performance as part of routine business operations.

RISKMANAGEMENT


RISKMANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

summary of auDit finDingsOPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT (OFI) ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN IN RESPONSE TO OFI TIMEFRAME

1. Whilst external stakeholders were involved in the Water Quality risk register hazard identification, we understand that risk assessments are carried out by CHW staff. We suggest that external catchment stakeholders should be involved in the risk assessments when these are updated.

CHW conducts risk assessment workshops with a range of key internal CHW staff members. In turn, these staff members liaise with many external stakeholders such as Catchment Management Authorities and the Department of Sustainability and Environment. By this process, inputs from these external stakeholders are fed into risk assessments. CHW believe this is the most appropriate mechanism to engage these stakeholders, however, we will continue to explore further opportunities to include catchment stakeholders in risk assessment processes where deemed applicable and of value.

Ongoing

2. Review whether there would be benefit in capturing some of the catchment and distribution system controls (within the RMP Appendices) with the same level of precision and formalisation as the treatment controls – to help ensure their long-term retention.

During the next scheduled review of the RMP, CHW intends to incorporate references to these specific controls within the RMP with a sufficient level of detail to demonstrate their importance in controlling hazards to the water supply.

31 Dec 2012

3. Review whether there are treated water storages that are vulnerable to litter and debris blocking the drainage and in turn leading to risks of ingress and, if so, review means of reliably mitigating this risk.

During the audit, this observation was made at the Daylesford Low Level Storage Basin which is a distribution treated water storage within the Daylesford supply system. The drainage channel was cleared on the day of the audit. CHW is planning to implement a more formal inspection and reporting program for all treated water storages such that monitoring for any potential hazards is more closely controlled, documented and actioned. These works will be scheduled and tracked through the Asset Management system.

1 July 2012

4. Review the long-term resourcing needs of maintaining the now-essential SCADA systems given the competition for the relevant skills arising from the resources boom.

CHW is aware of the resourcing needs for online monitoring systems and their importance in Risk Management Programs. CHW commits to ensuring that this area of the business has the capability to meet current and future Safe Drinking Water regulatory drivers.

Ongoing


summary of auDit finDingsOPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT (OFI) ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN IN RESPONSE TO OFI TIMEFRAME

5. Seek to formalise the process used to ensure that items purchased for field services activities are fully compliant with both AS 4020 and are of a suitably high standard.

Purchase order terms and conditions have been submitted for legal review and these will now include the additional condition that materials purchased for potable water contact meet the requirements of WSAA and AS 4020. Specifically, the review will involve incorporating a standard text reference on all purchase orders that are generated to vendors and the modification of the standard purchasing terms and conditions. Training/awareness sessions will be held with relevant staff to ensure all are aware of the expectations.

31 March 2012

6. Review, at a high level, whether or not there needs to be a shelf-life limit on some of the water treatment chemicals.

CHW will contact our chemical suppliers to ascertain the stability of the various chemicals used and consult with the water treatment team to assess potential impacts on treatment processes. Where this information cannot be reliably obtained, sampling trials will be instigated to assess impacts on regulatory compliance.

30 June 2012

7. Consider removing/repairing mechanical level indicators on treated water storages where these indicators are not working and/or are not used.

During the audit, this observation was made on the Polyaluminium Chloride chemical storage tank at the Daylesford water treatment plant. A work order has been raised via the CHW asset management system to repair this manual indicator. CHW will assess the functionality of all chemical and water tank manual indicator systems to ensure proper operation.

30 June 2012

8. Ensure that the incorporation of key drinking water quality management system documents is effective under the roll out of the new document management system and have this highlighted as an audit item under the next Act audit.

The Intranet site for CHW’s Quality Management Systems has recently undergone a complete revision and upgrade with a full implementation program planned. As part of the revised process, quality management system documents and procedures are now stored in and fully controlled and supported by CHW’s Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) [TRIM]. Key drinking water quality management system documentation and quality procedures have been incorporated into this new process. Drinking water quality management system documents and quality procedures are now published via controlled links from the EDRMS to an internal Intranet site. The efficacy of this new system will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as a part of routine operations. CHW will ensure that this revised management system is externally audited as part of future audits.

31 March 2012


RISK MANAGEMENT PLANAUDIT CERTIFICATE


staff aWareness / trainingWater quality risk management training and auditing was undertaken by key operational staff enabling internal development, assessment and ongoing review of water quality risk management plans and systems.

Trained and skilled staff are vital to protecting and maintaining high quality water, therefore improving employee skills and contractor awareness remain high priorities. CHW is committed to improving employees’ awareness and involvement in drinking water quality management issues.

Competency and awareness based training for relevant CHW staff in 2011/12 included:

• Chlorine operator training

• Operator training in various water treatment processes

• Water Quality Sampler training - employees involved in sampling completed refresher training in the collection, handling and transportation of water samples

• Team based internal presentations on water quality and regulations

• Refresher training on categorisation of water quality complaints

• Selected training at non-CHW treatment plants

• Attendance by key staff at numerous seminars and conferences

• Chemical contaminants – Significance, monitoring and interpretation

• Chloramination

• Membrane treatment design and operation

• Blue green algae identification and management

seminar / conference attenDanceSeminars and conferences of note that were attended by key staff throughout the year focussed on the following water quality issues:

• New Technology

• Regulation

• Environmental Management

• Quality Systems

• Industry and International Benchmarking

• UV disinfection monitoring

• Online turbidity operational monitoring

publishing results on the central highlanDs Water WebsiteSection 23 of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 requires that CHW makes available for inspection by the public the results of any water quality monitoring program conducted on any drinking water supplied by CHW. Customers and members of the public may access drinking water quality data by contacting CHW on 1800 061 514.

As part of keeping the customer closely informed on the quality of treated water supplied to their area, CHW also publishes water quality performance results monthly on our website, www.chw.net.au

Additionally these can be obtained by contacting CHW directly. Also included on the website is the current annual Water Quality Report.

WATER QUALITYIMPROVEMENT PROJECTS


mains cleaning programCHW undertakes systematic mains cleaning through the water supply systems to improve the quality of drinking water supplied to customers. During 2011/12 over 34,000 meters of water mains in the Ballarat water supply system and over 11,000 meters of water mains in the Landsborough/Navarre water supply system were air scoured. The Landsborough/Navarre water supply network was also disinfected during 2011/12.

The normal cleaning process varies, either through traditional flushing from hydrants or utilising air scouring techniques. Air scouring involves the controlled injection of filtered compressed air into the water mains, increasing the water flow above that of normal operation. The increased flow, together with a controlled mix of air and water, scours the pipe and removes a build-up of sediment that can potentially contribute to dirty water, taste and odour, and microbiological non-compliance. The process also conserves more water than traditional flushing.

The Blackwood reticulation system continues to be cleaned on a regular basis to complement the U.V. disinfection process utilised at the water treatment plant. The minimum maintenance regime consists of:

• Air scouring of the reticulation system annually

• Disinfection of the entire pipe network six-monthly

• Flushing of dead end mains two-monthly

mains reneWal programCHW’s water network comprises of approximately 2,400 kilometres of pipelines. For many reasons, water mains can burst, leak or cause dirty water. These events are monitored, recorded and analysed. A program, focussed on repeat problems with older pipes, is developed to replace a number of mains each year, which also assists in maintaining high water quality. During 2011/12 over 3,000 metres of water mains were replaced on this basis.

tank cleaning programCHW maintains 57 water storage tanks.

Condition assessments are conducted on tanks which determine the tank cleaning program. Tanks may also be cleaned based on water quality results, or alternatively if tanks are taken off line or returned to service to meet operational or supply needs.

nitrification controlFrom 21/01/12 to 05/03/12 the Avoca water supply disinfection system changed from chloramination to chlorination to manage system nitrification. Nitrification processes create difficulties in maintaining a stable disinfectant residual throughout the supply area. After this period, this system was returned to its normal disinfection method of chloramination and disinfection residuals significantly improved throughout the distribution network.

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMIMPROVEMENTS


A number of water treatment plant improvement programs focusing on improved treatment and operational reliability continued to be delivered across the region in 2011/12. This program is in accordance with CHW’s Essential Services Commission Water Plan.

ballarat Water treatment plantsThe controls at both the White Swan and Lal Lal treatment plants have been modified by programming a plant emergency stop function to minimise flow into the system in the event of a chemical dosing malfunction. Additionally, at both plants a new water quality compliance page has been added to SCADA to facilitate closer monitoring of plant performance by operators. At the White Swan treatment facility, the chlorinators along with the service water pumps and delivery lines have been replaced to improve operational control. At the Lal Lal treatment facility, aluminium sulphate coagulation has been replaced with aluminium chlorohydrate. This change has improved water quality and improved filtration performance, and resulted in less chemical addition and a more stable pH throughout the treatment process. A new Ballan pump has been installed and the old pump refurbished, acting as a backup to improve pumping reliability.

beaufort Water treatment plantThe chlorine dosing installation has been upgraded to a permanent system with the facility for an emergency top up dosing option.

blackWooD Water treatment plantAluminium sulphate coagulation has been replaced with aluminium chlorohydrate. This change has improved water quality and improved filtration performance.

A second raw water storage basin has been constructed to provide increased reliability of supply.

clunes Water treatment plantAn upgraded telemetry link between the treatment plant and the Clear Water Storage tank site has been installed to improve operational control. Additionally, an online ozone concentration analyser has been installed to further optimise ozone dosing.

DaylesforD Water treatment plantUpgrades to optimise the chlorine dosing system have been completed. Chemical dosing pumps have also been upgraded to better control the coagulation and pH adjustment processes. Both duty and standby air compressors have been replaced with higher efficiency units to reduce energy usage.

lanDsborough Water treatment plantThe Landsborough treatment plant was officially opened during May 2012, supplying quality drinking water to the customers of Landsborough and Navarre. The plant consists of a new filtration, desalination and disinfection process, ensuring the supply is of a potable standard. Part of the plant construction included the commissioning of a new bore supply to assure water security. Additionally, evaporation basins have been constructed to accept brine waste from the plant.

maryborough Water treatment plantIn September 2011, the automation upgrade to the Maryborough water treatment plant was completed. Plant upgrades included the installation of new filter inlet valves to improve backwashing processes and controls over filter operations.

Additionally, the chlorine analysers and service water pumps have been upgraded to better control chlorine dosing and optimise chemical usage. The automation upgrade has given operators better control over treatment processes and optimised plant performance.

WATER TREATMENTPLANT IMPROVEMENTS


Water supply DemanD strategies.Victoria has an integrated and dynamic water planning framework, in which Water Supply Demand Strategies play an important role in guiding strategic local planning for regional urban water corporations. The purpose of Water Supply Demand Strategies is to identify the best mix of measures to maintain a balance between the demand for water and available supply in our towns over a 50 year outlook.

CHW released a Water Supply Demand Strategy for each of its fifteen water supply systems in 2007 and is required to review the strategy at 5 year intervals. As such, CHW completed the formal review of the Water Supply Demand Strategy in 2011/12 and released the final strategy in March 2012. The development process included detailed technical analysis, community workshops, stakeholder consultation, draft strategies, public submissions, CHW senior management approval and scrutiny by the DSE.

toWn planningWater quality can be affected by inappropriate development within catchments and incremental land use change from broad-scale agriculture to residential development. To protect against these risks, CHW actively participates in Victoria’s Planning Policy Framework by influencing planning at a state and local level.

At a state level, CHW influences planning by:

• Providing input and recommendations during the development of government guidelines relating to planning permits and residential developments in water supply catchments

• Ensuring water supply catchments are listed under Schedule 5 of the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, which establishes CHW as a referral authority

At a local level, CHW protects water supply catchments and influences planning by:

• Ensuring that Local Planning Policy Frameworks include policy statements, zoning and overlays that protect water catchments

• Actively exercising referral powers by not supporting inappropriate development and disputing planning permit decisions

In 2011/12, CHW processed approximately 57 planning permit applications for proposed development within special water supply catchments. The majority of these applications were supported by CHW and included permit conditions necessary to manage the impact of the proposed development on water quality.

To ensure a consistent approach in assessing planning permit referrals, CHW utilises its Water Catchment Protection Policy. This is a common policy developed in partnership with Barwon Water, Western Water and Southern Rural Water that outlines relevant objectives and policy standards for water catchment protection.

CHW is also undertaking a number of reviews, including catchments, with a view of identifying areas most at risk. CHW will also seek amendments to the relevant planning schemes within our catchments to ensure adequate planning controls and planning permit referral powers are in place.

catchment risk managementCHW continued to implement actions to reduce risks to water quality within its declared water supply catchments. Key actions to control risks in addition to statutory planning in catchments are detailed below.

Water Catchment Protection Policy

Reviewed and updated Water Catchment Protection Policy for the Moorabool Planning Scheme. The updates to the policy include changes to the Victorian planning scheme zones and schedules. Consultation with partner water corporations will be undertaken in late 2012.

Approved 48 out of 54 planning referrals within the Corporation’s declared special water supply catchment areas.

Revised Catchment Related Water Quality Procedures

These procedures were revised to ensure accuracy and relevance to the Water Quality Risk Management Plan and the Safe Drinking Water Act audits. Refresher training for field staff in the revised procedures was also completed.

Delivered on Ground Works to Improve Catchment Water Quality

• Ballarat Catchment

Decommissioned two on-stream dams on the tributaries immediately above Wilsons Reservoir.

Completed willow removal along the West Moorabool River from Mollongghip to Moorabool Reservoir, Giles Creek at Kirks Reservoir and Fellmongers Creek at Gong Gong Reservoir.

Replaced 6km of perimeter fence line at Lal Lal, Wilsons and Moorabool Reservoir.

• Evansford Reservoir Catchment

Developed access into McCallum’s Creek diversion weir and erected fencing to exclude stock access around the asset.

Obtained Committee of Management status for a one kilometre section of unreserved crown land along McCallum’s Creek.

SOURCE WATERIMPROVEMENTS


Partnered with the adjacent landholder at the Evansford Reservoir to implement waterway fencing and stock exclusion.

• Amphitheatre Reservoir Catchment

Implemented extensive erosion control earth works and stock exclusion fencing with an upstream landholder.

• Avoca Reservoir Catchment

Partnered with the adjacent landholder at the Sugarloaf Reservoir race line to implement waterway fencing and stock exclusion.

Fuel reduction burning in water catchments

Liaised with DSE to minimise the impact of fuel reduction burning with water supply catchments at Avoca, Blackwood, Maryborough and Ballarat.

Partnered the North Central Catchment Management Authority in the Flood Recovery Employment Project in response to the January 2011 Storm Events on Catchment Assets.

CHW partnered the North Central CMA in the delivery of a number of flood recovery projects on CHW land within the Hepburn, Pyrenees and Central Goldfields shires.

A range of flood recovery tasks were completed at:

• Sugarloaf Reservoir

• Talbot Reservoir

• Creswick Creek

• Bullarto Reservoir Catchment

• Lawrence Weir – Birches Creek

• Maryborough Wastewater Treatment Plant - Two Mile Creek

regional catchment strategyCHW continued to engage with CMAs with regard to the Corporation’s assets and their association with regional natural resources. This was underpinned by the reinforcement of drinking water quality standards and the impact of broader catchment land use.

Collaboration has been maintained in the salinity knowledge and statutory planning decisions. Negotiations over bulk entitlement passing flow and monitoring requirements were ongoing.

The deadlines for the renewal of Regional Catchment Strategies (RCS) has been extended to late 2012. CHW is liaising with the following five CMA regions that are located in CHW’s drinking water catchments:

• Corangamite CMA

• North Central CMA

• Glenelg Hopkins CMA

• Port Phillip and Western Port CMA

• Wimmera CMA

victorian river health strategyA CHW staff member continued to participate in the Stakeholder Reference Committee for the Victorian Waterway Strategy. The Committee revised draft policy papers in preparation for the release of the Draft Strategy in 2012. Notably this includes water quality, wastewater discharges, extreme events and riparian land management.

Ongoing management of CHW’s 34km of waterway included the continued removal and rehabilitation of willow, hawthorn and elderberry infestations at Cosgrave, Gong Gong, Kirks and Wilsons Reservoirs.


The information reported below provides a summary of each incident, issue or event during 2011/12 which had a potential or actual impact on the quality of drinking water.

Section 22 Incidents

The objective of Section 22 of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 is to protect public health. CHW must inform the Department of Health of any potential or actual contaminated water supplied for drinking purposes. Information relating to all Section 22 incidents during 2011/12 is listed below.

EMERGENCY / INCIDENTMANAGEMENT

Date (and Duration) of Incident

Location of Incident

Nature of Incident

Potentially Affected / Affected Drinking Water Supplies

Actions Taken in Response to Incident

4 August 2011 (41 days)

Clunes Customer Tap Bromate - 0.03 mg/L Clunes Reticulation Informed DH. Thorough investigations conducted in conjunction with treatment contractor. Works completed to optimise control of ozone dosing while assessing impacts on sulphide and manganese removal capability. Increased frequency of bromate monitoring during trials.


Beaufort Clear Water Storage Tank, Beaufort

E. coli - 4 org/100mL Beaufort Reticulation No E. coli detected in an additional sample taken by treatment contractor at the same location and on the same day. Routine locality sample clear. Site investigation and resamples collected. Confirmed disinfectant levels and correct operation of plant. No E. coli detected in resamples. Informed DH of initial and resample results.


Gordon/Mt Egerton Customer Tap (Ballarat System)

E. coli - 3 org/100mL Gordon/Mt Egerton Reticulation (Ballarat System)

Site investigation and locality resamples collected. Confirmed disinfectant levels. No E. coli detected in resamples. Informed DH of initial and resample results.

8 September 2011 (5 days)

Warrenheip Basin, Warrenheip (Ballarat System)

E. coli - 1 org/100mL ~ 50% of Ballarat Reticulation

Resample collected and confirmed disinfectant levels. No E. coli detected in resample. Informed DH of initial and resample results.


South Wallace Tank, Bungaree/Wallace (Ballarat System)

E. coli - 2 org/100mL Bungaree/Wallace Reticulation (Ballarat System)

Tank isolated from supply and site inspection conducted. Confirmed disinfectant levels. Routine locality sample clear. Both tanks spot dosed with chlorine. Resamples collected and no E. coli detected. Operations protocol for tanks reviewed. Informed DH of initial and resample results.


Beaufort Customer Tap Turbidity - 7.87 NTU Beaufort Reticulation Adequate disinfectant residual present at sample address and no detection of E. coli or total coliforms. A resample was collected and water usage at the site was investigated. The resample showed a low turbidity result (1 NTU). Informed DH of intial and resample results. Decision to relocate sample point to a more representative location.


Skipton Customer Tap (Ballarat System)

E. coli - 1 org/100mL Skipton Reticulation (Ballarat System)

Disinfectant levels and the correct operation of the upstream chlorine booster unit confirmed. Site inspection conducted and locality resamples collected. No E. coli detected in resamples. Informed DH of initial and resample results. Decision to relocate sample point to a more appropriate location to minimise interferences during sampling processes.

9 November 2011 (6 days)

Ballarat Road Basin, Creswick (Ballarat System)

E. coli - 18 org/100mL Creswick Reticulation (Ballarat System)

Site inspection conducted. Confirmed disinfectant levels. Basin spot dosed with chlorine. Basin and locality resamples collected and no E. coli detected. Operations protocol for basin reviewed. Informed DH of initial and resample results.




Nature of Incident



18 November 2011 (13 days)

Maryborough (All Localities)

Widespread customer taste and odour complaints (45)

Maryborough Reticulation (All Localities)

BGA bloom experienced in raw water service reservoir to treatment plant. Reservoir spot dosed with algaecide. Issues experienced with Powder Activated Carbon dosing facility at plant, which was subsequently corrected. Absence of toxins and copper residual in treated water confirmed. Reticulation network thoroughly flushed to remove affected water. Informed DH during incident of corrective and preventative actions undertaken by CHW.

28 January 2012 (6 days)

Fiskville/Glenmore (Ballarat System)

E. coli - 100 org/100mL

E. coli - 200 org/100mL

Fiskville/Glenmore Reticulation (Ballarat System)

Initial samples taken following a site inspection at a network break pressure pit. Site inspection confirmed that the overflow for the pit was not adequately protected from potential contamination. A series of investigative and follow up samples taken. Downstream customers placed on a boil water advisory for the duration of the incident and an emergency water supply was provided. Sections of network were flushed and disinfected and a faulty meter was replaced. DH was informed of all resample results and of the flushing and disinfection program.

17 February 2012 (4 days)

Mt Helen Tank, Mt Helen (Ballarat System)

E. coli - 27 org/100mL Buninyong/Mount Helen Reticulation (Ballarat System)

Site investigation conducted. Tank and locality resamples collected. Confirmed disinfectant levels. No E. coli detected in resamples. Informed DH of initial and resample results.

1 March 2012 (6 days)

North Wallace Tank, Bungaree/Wallace (Ballarat System)

E. coli - 2 org/100mL Bungaree/Wallace Reticulation (Ballarat System)

Tank isolated from supply and site inspection conducted. Confirmed disinfectant levels. Both tanks spot dosed with chlorine. Resamples collected and no E. coli detected. Informed DH of initial and resample results.


Warrenheip Basin, Warrenheip (Ballarat System)

E. coli - 1 org/100mL ~ 50% of Ballarat Reticulation

Site inspection conducted. Resample collected and confirmed disinfectant levels. No E. coli detected in resample. Informed DH of initial and resample results. Decision to relocate sample point to a more appropriate location to minimise interferences during sampling processes.


Buninyong Tank, Buninyong (Ballarat System)

E. coli - 1 org/100mL Buninyong Reticulation (Ballarat System)

Tank isolated from supply and site inspection conducted. Resample collected and confirmed disinfectant levels. E. coli detected in resample. Informed DH of initial and resample results. Decision to relocate sample point to a more appropriate location to minimise interferences during sampling processes. Tank remains offline until spot disinfection completed when required.


EMERGENCY / INCIDENTMANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)



Nature of Incident



8 June 2012 (19 days)

Enfield Customer Tap (Ballarat System)

E. coli - 11 org/100mL Enfield Reticulation (Ballarat System)

Site inspections conducted. A series of investigative and follow up samples taken. Downstream customers placed on a boil water advisory for the duration of the incident and emergency water supplies were provided. Sections of network were flushed and disinfected. All meters within locality checked for backflow. Manual ongoing disinfection of upstream storage basin. DH informed of all resample results and of the flushing and disinfection program.

25 June 2012 (3 days)

Smeaton Tanks (Forest Hill System)

E. coli - 1 org/100mL Forest Hill Reticulation Site inspection conducted. Confirmed disinfectant levels. Resample collected and no E. coli detected. Informed DH of initial and resample results.

Section 18 Incidents

The objective of Section 18 of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 is to alert the Department of Health to potential issues in relation to the supply of drinking water that may not comply with specific standards, which requires further investigation or actions. In the 2011/2012 reporting period, CHW submitted a Section 18 notification to the Department of Health in relation to the Avoca water sampling locality. This locality failed compliance (0.35 mg/L) due to a single trihalomethane detection (in February 2012) above the standard within the 12 month period. This was due to the reversion to free chlorination within this system from 21 January 2012 to 5 March 2012 to control system nitrification and low disinfectant residuals. The system was subsequently returned to the usual operating mode using chloramination, with compliant trihalomethane results thereafter. See Pages 38 and 39 for further details.


This section of the report provides a summary of each water supply system and any operational event where Central Highlands Water (CHW) notified customers or regulatory bodies that there would likely be an impact on water quality.

‘Water Quality Notice’ communications and ‘Reminder Water Quality Notice’ communications were issued during the 2011/12 year.

‘Water Supply Update Notice’ communications issued during the 2011/12 year provided a range of information relating to water supplies such as water quality, water saving rules, restrictions and follow up communications.

avocaThe Avoca water supply system consists of Sugarloaf Reservoir, Bung Bong Bore groundwater supply and Lead Reservoir.

CHW has had the option of blending surface water and groundwater when the surface water supply is available. The blending of surface water and groundwater prior to water treatment can generate substantial improvements in water quality, reducing salinity and hardness levels.

The Avoca Treatment Plant upgrade included the installation of a desalination plant and has been providing Avoca with a secure potable (drinking) water supply for the previous 12 months and for the future.

Customer Communications 2011/12

• A ‘Reminder Water Quality Notice’ was issued on 14 December 2011 and 12 June 2012 to a small number of supply by agreement customers (supplied with untreated water)

• An updated Avoca Desalination Plant Project Fact Sheet was made available online at www.chw.net.au during the reporting period.

• A Water Supply Update Notice was issued on 20 January 2012 advising of routine maintenance and a temporary change in disinfection method. A follow up Water Supply Update Notice was issued 20 February 2012 advising customers that the related routine maintenance had been completed and the disinfection method would return to normal in the following weeks.

ballarat & DistrictBallarat & District is the largest water supply system in the Central Highlands Region and includes the townships of Ballarat, Ballan, Creswick, Linton, Smythesdale and Skipton. The Ballarat & District system has several major sources of water supply including the White Swan Reservoir, Lal Lal Reservoir, the Goldfields Superpipe and the Ballarat West groundwater supply.

The Goldfields Superpipe and Ballarat West groundwater was not utilised for the drinking water supply in the 2011/12 reporting period.

The rainfall events during the 2011/12 period have replenished both surface and groundwater supplies to near and above capacity in many reservoirs and allowed Permanent Water Saving Rules to continue.


• Weekly water resource updates were published in the local newspaper and provided on the website

beaufortThe Beaufort water supply system is sourced from the Musical Gully Reservoir and has a groundwater supply if needed.

Musical Gully Reservoir continued to receive good inflows in the 2011/12 period and maintained near full capacity.



blackWooDThe Blackwood and Barrys Reef water supply system is sourced from stream diversions and is disinfected using an Ultra Violet Light Disinfection (U.V.) process.

• As part of the continued Blackwood Water Quality Improvement Program, a new storage basin was constructed and completed during the reporting period ensuring a secure supply throughout the year.

SYSTEMSUMMARIES


clunesClunes has been receiving a high quality groundwater supply since the system was upgraded in 2006.

DaylesforDDaylesford receives high quality water from a water filtration plant, which has been operating since 2000. In June 2009, the Coomoora groundwater bore was commissioned as part of the Daylesford-Hepburn long-term water resource plan. The Coomoora groundwater bore is an additional source of water for the Daylesford water supply system in the future. Bullarto Reservoir continued to undergo planned dam safety works during the reporting period.

DeanDean is the smallest water supply system in the region, serving 20 connections. The water supply for Dean is from local groundwater sources.

forest hillForest Hill has been receiving a high quality groundwater supply since the system was upgraded. Rainfall events and completion of groundwater bore infrastructure upgrades in 2011/12 enabled the Forest Hill system to reduce water restrictions to Permanent Water Saving Rules.

lanDsborough anD navarreThe Landsborough-Navarre water supply system shifted from a non-potable water supply to a potable (drinking water) supply from 5 March 2012.

The Landsborough–Navarre desalination and disinfection plant was officially opened on 4 May 2012 by the Hon Peter Walsh MLA, Minister for Water.


• Landsborough–Navarre Water Quality Update letter was issued on 25 October 2011

• A ‘Reminder Water Quality’ notice was issued to Landsborough-Navarre customers on 14 December 2011

learmonthLearmonth draws its water from local groundwater sources, which provide good quality water.

lextonThe Lexton water supply is obtained from the Lexton Reservoir and the water is filtered using microfiltration technology. Investigations are continuing in relation to source water from an alternate supply to improve water quality.


• CHW distributed a customer notification of possible pressure changes due to maintenance works scheduled for 4 September on 27 August 2012

maryborough & DistrictMaryborough & District’s water supply is the second largest system managed by CHW, providing filtered water to Maryborough and several surrounding rural towns.

The water is sourced from Evansford Reservoir, Talbot Reservoir and Tullaroop Reservoir, prior to being diverted and stored in Centenary Reservoir.


• A letter dated 15 August 2011 was sent to Maryborough district residents advising mains cleaning will take place on 15 August 2011

• A letter dated 6 September 2011 was sent to Daisy Hill residents advising air scouring was occurring on 28 and 29 September 2011

• A letter dated 22 November 2011 was sent to Maryborough customers advising reasons for odour issues identified over a two day period and remedial works undertaken to rectify the problem. Customers were also advised of further mains cleaning programs scheduled in the future.

• Notices to a small number of supply by agreement customers (supplied with untreated water) were issued on 14 December 2011 and 12 June 2012


WaubraWaubra draws its water supply from local groundwater sources. The Waubra water supply consists of two groundwater bores.

SYSTEMSUMMARIES (CONTINUED)


regulateD supplies These systems are supplied with non-potable water (untreated), and the water is not provided for drinking purposes or other human consumption such as food preparation or ice making. To indicate this, signs are displayed at publicly accessible taps throughout these supplies.

amphitheatreThis system sources water from the Amphitheatre Reservoir. A groundwater bore is available as a supplementary supply.


• A ‘Reminder Water Quality Notice’ was issued 14 December 2011 and 12 June 2012

raglanThe Raglan system is supplied upstream of the Beaufort treatment plant.

During the 2011/12 period Raglan water was supplied from the Mount Cole diversions.


• A ‘Reminder Water Quality’ notice was issued to Raglan customers on 14 December 2011 and 12 June 2012


reDbankThis system is currently supplied from the Redbank Reservoir.


• A ‘Reminder Water Quality Notice’ was issued to Redbank customers on 14 December 2011 and 12 June 2012


In most cases, standard limits are expressed as concentrations, which is the amount of substance dissolved in a certain volume of water. This allows for meaningful comparisons between different samples.

For example, the symbol “mg/L”, widely used in this report, means “milligrams per litre” and indicates how many milligrams (a thousandth of a gram) of the substance is dissolved in every litre of water. Another way of expressing mg/L is parts per million.

As is evident, water quality is concerned with measuring minute concentrations of substances.

The symbol “<” is used to denote “less than”. As an example, < 0.05 mg/L means that the concentration of a parameter tested in water should be less than 0.05 milligrams per litre (0.05 parts per million).

UNDERSTANDINGCONCENTRATION AND LIMITS


Further information regarding water quality can be obtained by contacting CHW directly by telephone on 1800 061 514 during normal office hours.

The internet also offers a wide range of sources of water quality information.

Sites that may be of interest include:

Australian Water Association http://www.awa.asn.au/

Australian Water Quality Centre http://www.awqc.com.au/

Australian Drinking Water Guidelines http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/eh52

Central Highlands Water http://www.chw.net.au

CSIRO Australia http://www.csiro.au/

Department of Health (Victoria) http://www.health.vic.gov.au/

Department of Sustainability and Environment http://www.dse.vic.gov.au

Essential Services Commission http://www.esc.vic.gov.au/

National Association of Testing Authorities http://www.nata.asn.au/

Rainwater Tanks - Your Private Drinking Water Supply http://www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/water/tanks.htm

Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 http://www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/water/d-wateract.htm

Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 http://www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/water/d-wateract.htm

Victorian Government Health Information - Water http://www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/water/index.htm

Victorian Water Industry Association http://www.vicwater.org.au/

Water Quality Research Australia http://www.wqra.com.au/

Water Services Association of Australia http://www.wsaa.asn.au/

World Health Organisation - Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/2011/dwq_guidelines/en/index.html

FURTHERINFORMATION


Standard At least 98% of samples of drinking water collected in any 12-month period to contain no E. coli (SDWR)

Description Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a subgroup of coliforms which are a group of organisms which cannot reproduce outside the intestinal tract of warm-blooded mammals, but can survive better than other pathogens in water. The presence of E. coli is a reliable health indicator of the presence of recent contamination from human or animal waste. Its presence most likely indicates a breach of a water quality barrier or contamination during the distribution of the water.

TABLE 4Escherichia coli (E.coli)

Water Supply System

Water Sampling Locality Frequency of sampling

No. of samples

Max Result (orgs/100mL)

% Samples with no E. coli

Complying (Yes / No)


Avoca Avoca Weekly 52 0 100 Yes

Ballarat BallanBallarat CentralBallarat North / NerrinaBungaree / WallaceBuninyong / Mt HelenCardigan VillageCreswickEnfieldFiskville / GlenmoreGordon / Mt EgertonHaddonLal LalLintonNapoleonsSebastopolSkiptonSmythesdaleWendouree

WeeklyWeekly #WeeklyWeekly

Weekly #WeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeekly

Weekly #WeeklyWeekly

Weekly #

52128525265525253525252535253655252

128

0000000

110300000100

10010010010010010010098.110098.110010010010010098.1100100

YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes

Beaufort Beaufort Weekly 52 0 100 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Weekly 52 0 100 Yes

Clunes Clunes Weekly 52 0 100 Yes


WeeklyWeekly

5252

00

100100

YesYes

Dean Dean Weekly 52 0 100 Yes

Forest Hill Forest Hill Weekly 52 0 100 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Weekly 17 0 100 Yes

Learmonth Learmonth Weekly 52 0 100 Yes

Lexton Lexton Weekly 52 0 100 Yes


WeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeekly


5252525252635252

00000000

100100100100100100100100

YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes

Waubra Waubra Weekly 52 0 100 Yes


Amphitheatre * Amphitheatre Fortnightly 24 15 66.7 N/A

Raglan * Raglan Fortnightly 24 72 45.8 N/A

Redbank * Redbank Fortnightly 24 1 79.2 N/A

* Non-potable water supply system # Weekly sampling with increases for population (ADWG 2011, Section 9.5.2)


FIGURE 1E.coli TRENDING

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

n

Haddo

nLa

l Lal

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

Perc

enta

ge w

ith n

o E.

col

i

Water Sampling Locality

Standard: At least 98% of samples of drinking water collected in any 12-month period to contain no E. coli per 100mL

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Black

wood /

Barry

s Ree

f

Clunes

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rnDea

n

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Lexto

nAlm

aBe

t Bet

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

Perc

enta

ge w

ith n

o E.

col

i



0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

n

Haddo

nLa

l Lal

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

Perc

enta

ge w

ith n

o E.

col

i



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Black

wood /

Barry

s Ree

f

Clunes

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rnDea

n

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Lexto

nAlm

aBe

t Bet

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

Perc

enta

ge w

ith n

o E.

col

i



0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Trending Summary • All regulated (non-potable) water supply systems have not been included in trending analysis

2011/12 Compliance Summary

Refer to Table 4

• All potable systems have demonstrated compliance with the SDWR criteria. There were some isolated events in the Enfield, Gordon/Mt. Egerton and Skipton water sampling localities.

• Refer to Page 22-24 for details of Section 22 non-compliances.


TABLE 5CHLOROACETIC ACID

Standard Must not exceed 0.15 mg/L (SDWR)

Description Chloroacetic acids are produced in drinking water as a by-product of the reaction between chlorine and naturally occurring humic and fulvic acids.

Water Supply System


No. of samples

No. of Non Complying Samples

Max (mg/L)



Avoca Avoca Monthly 12 0 0.005 Yes


Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly

121212121212121212121212121212121212

000000000000000000

< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005


Beaufort Beaufort Monthly 12 0 < 0.005 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef - - - - -

Clunes Clunes Monthly 12 0 < 0.005 Yes


Monthly Monthly

1212

00

< 0.005< 0.005

YesYes

Dean Dean Monthly 12 0 < 0.005 Yes

Forest Hill Forest Hill Monthly 12 0 < 0.005 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Monthly 4 0 < 0.005 Yes

Learmonth Learmonth Monthly 12 0 < 0.005 Yes

Lexton Lexton Monthly 12 0 < 0.005 Yes


Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly

1212121212121212

00000000

< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005


Waubra Waubra Monthly 12 0 < 0.005 Yes


Amphitheatre * Amphitheatre - - - - -

Raglan * Raglan - - - - -

Redbank * Redbank - - - - -

* Non-potable water supply system - Not applicable


FIGURE 2CHLOROACETIC ACID TRENDING

0.000

0.025

0.050

0.075

0.100

0.125

0.150

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

Chlo

roac

etic

aci

d (m

g/L)


Standard: Must not exceed 0.15 mg/L

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.000

0.025

0.050

0.075

0.100

0.125

0.150

Chlo

roac

etic

aci

d (m

g/L)



Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Clunes

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

0.000

0.025

0.050

0.075

0.100

0.125

0.150

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

Chlo

roac

etic

aci

d (m

g/L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.000

0.025

0.050

0.075

0.100

0.125

0.150

Chlo

roac

etic

aci

d (m

g/L)



Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Clunes

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra


Refer to Table 5

• All systems sampled for chloroacetic acid were compliant.


TABLE 6DICHLOROACETIC ACID


Description Chloroacetic acids are produced in drinking water as a by-product of the reaction between chlorine and naturally occurring humic and fulvic acids..

Water Supply System


No. of samples


Max (mg/L)






121212121212121212121212121212121212

000000000000000000

0.0110.0090.0050.0290.0120.0090.006

< 0.0050.0150.0140.0100.010

< 0.0050.0110.0120.0070.0110.006


Beaufort Beaufort Monthly 12 0 0.031 Yes




Monthly Monthly

1212

00

0.0140.016

YesYes





Lexton Lexton Monthly 12 0 0.029 Yes



1212121212121212

00000000

0.008< 0.0050.0090.012

< 0.0050.0110.0120.010









FIGURE 3DICHLOROACETIC ACID TRENDING

0.000

0.025

0.050

0.075

0.100

Dich

loro

acet

ic a

cid

(mg/

L)



Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.000

0.025

0.050

0.075

0.100

Dich

loro

acet

ic a

cid

(mg/

L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Clunes

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

0.000

0.025

0.050

0.075

0.100

Dich

loro

acet

ic a

cid

(mg/

L)



Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.000

0.025

0.050

0.075

0.100

Dich

loro

acet

ic a

cid

(mg/

L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Clunes

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra


Refer to Table 6

• All systems sampled for dichloroacetic acid were compliant.


TABLE 7TRICHLOROACETIC ACID


Description Chloroacetic acids are produced in drinking water as a by-product of the reaction between chlorine and naturally occurring humic and fulvic acids..

Water Supply System


No. of samples


Max (mg/L)






121212121212121212121212121212121212

000000000000000000

< 0.005< 0.005< 0.0050.014

< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005






Monthly Monthly

1212

00

0.0110.009

YesYes








1212121212121212

00000000

< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005< 0.005









FIGURE 4TRICHLOROACETIC ACID TRENDING

0.000

0.025

0.050

0.075

0.100

Tric

hlor

oace

tic a

cid

(mg/

L)



Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.000

0.050

0.100

0.150

0.200

0.250

Tric

hlor

oace

tic a

cid

(mg/

L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Clunes

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

0.000

0.025

0.050

0.075

0.100

Tric

hlor

oace

tic a

cid

(mg/

L)



Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.000

0.050

0.100

0.150

0.200

0.250

Tric

hlor

oace

tic a

cid

(mg/

L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Clunes

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

Trending Summary • An elevated trichloroacetic acid result from the 2009/10 financial year in the Lexton water supply system was due to high treated water organics combined with a period of reversion to chlorination. This system is listed on the Capital Improvement Program for works to improve trichloroacetic acid compliance by sourcing water from an alternative supply.


Refer to Table 7

• All systems sampled for trichloroacetic acid were compliant.


TABLE 8TRIHALOMETHANES


Description Trihalomethanes are a range of organic compounds formed when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in water supplies.

Water Supply System


No. of samples


Max (mg/L)



Avoca Avoca Monthly 12 1 0.350 No



121212121212121212121212121212121212

000000000000000000

0.0060.0050.0060.1600.0080.0060.0050.1100.0060.0060.0060.0050.1200.0080.0080.0790.0410.006




Clunes Clunes Monthly 12 0 0.110 Yes


Monthly Monthly

1212

00

0.0720.059

YesYes

Dean Dean Monthly 12 0 0.017 Yes

Forest Hill Forest Hill Monthly 12 0 0.013 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Monthly 4 0 0.055 Yes

Learmonth Learmonth Monthly 12 0 0.008 Yes




1212121212121212

00000000

0.0230.0210.0240.0210.0210.0240.0260.025


Waubra Waubra Monthly 12 0 0.005 Yes







FIGURE 5TRIHALOMETHANES TRENDING

FIGURE 5aTRIHALOMETHANES MONTHLY TRENDING

Trending Summary

• Elevated THM results from the 2009/10 financial year in the Lexton water supply system was due to high treated water organics combined with a period of reversion to chlorination. This system is listed on the Capital Improvement Program for works to improve THM compliance by sourcing water from an alternative supply.

• Details of monthly compliance can be found in Figure 5a for the Avoca system where non-compliances have occurred in 2011/12.


Refer to Table 8

• With the exception of the Avoca water sampling locality, all other systems sampled for THMs have demonstrated compliance with the SDWR criteria.

• The Avoca system marginally failed compliance (during February 2012) due to a period of reversion to chlorination from 21/01/12 to 05/03/12 to manage system nitrification and improve disinfectant residuals. Refer to Page 24 for details of the Section 18 non-compliance.

0.000

0.050

0.100

0.150

0.200

0.250

0.300

Trih

alom

etha

nes

(mg/

L)



Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.000

0.250

0.500

0.750

1.000

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Clunes

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

Trih

alom

etha

nes

(mg/

L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Jul-11 Aug-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jun-12

Month

0.000

0.250

0.500

0.750

1.000

Trih

alom

etha

nes

(mg/

L)

Standard: Must not exceed 0.25 mg/L Avoca

0.000

0.050

0.100

0.150

0.200

0.250

0.300

Trih

alom

etha

nes

(mg/

L)



Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.000

0.250

0.500

0.750

1.000

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Clunes

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

Trih

alom

etha

nes

(mg/

L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12


Month

0.000

0.250

0.500

0.750

1.000

Trih

alom

etha

nes

(mg/

L)


0.000

0.050

0.100

0.150

0.200

0.250

0.300

Trih

alom

etha

nes

(mg/

L)



Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.000

0.250

0.500

0.750

1.000

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Clunes

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

Trih

alom

etha

nes

(mg/

L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12


Month

0.000

0.250

0.500

0.750

1.000

Trih

alom

etha

nes

(mg/

L)



TABLE 9BROMATE


Description Bromate is not a normal component of water, but may be formed from bromide during ozonation.

Water Supply System


No. of samples


Max (mg/L)


Clunes Clunes Monthly 12 1 0.03 No

Trending Summary

• Elevated bromate results from the 2010/11 financial year in the Clunes water supply system was due to constraints in achieving a stable ozone dose rate at the treatment plant.

• Details of monthly compliance can be found in Figure 6a for the Clunes system where non-compliances have occurred in 2011/12.


Refer to Table 9

• Clunes is the only system at Central Highlands Water to use ozonation.

• A bromate exceedence occurred in August 2011 at a level marginally above the standard. CHW has implemented a number of further corrective and preventative actions in regards to this exceedence. Refer to Page 22-24 for details of the Section 22 non-compliance.

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

Clunes

Brom

ate

(mg/

L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

Brom

ate

(mg/

L)


Month

Clunes


0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

Clunes

Brom

ate

(mg/

L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

Brom

ate

(mg/

L)


Month

Clunes


FIGURE 6BROMATE TRENDING

FIGURE 6aBROMATE MONTHLY TRENDING


TABLE 10FORMALDEHYDE


Description Formaldehyde may be present in drinking water through ozonation of naturally occurring humic material, contamination by accidental spills or deposition from the atmosphere.

Water Supply System


No. of samples


Max (mg/L)


Clunes Clunes Monthly 12 0 0.1 Yes

FIGURE 7FORMALDEHYDE TRENDING

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

Clunes

Form

alde

hyde

(mg/

L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12


Refer to Table 10

• Clunes is the only system at Central Highlands Water to use ozonation.

• The Clunes system was compliant for formaldehyde.


TABLE 11ALUMINIUM (ACID SOLUBLE)


Description Aluminium may be present in water due to natural leaching from rock or soil. Aluminium is used as a coagulant to assist filtration effectiveness, however it is removed during the treatment process.

Water Supply System


No. of samples


Max (mg/L)






121212121212121212121212121212121212

000000000000000000

0.020.040.060.010.030.030.040.020.020.020.030.030.040.020.020.030.030.04



Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Monthly 12 0 0.02 Yes

Clunes Clunes - - - - -


Monthly Monthly

1212

00

0.050.06

YesYes

Dean Dean - - - - -

Forest Hill Forest Hill - - - - -

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre - - - - -

Learmonth Learmonth - - - - -

Lexton Lexton - - - - -



1212121212121212

00000000

0.030.030.030.040.030.030.040.03


Waubra Waubra - - - - -







FIGURE 8ALUMINIUM (ACID SOLUBLE) TRENDING

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

Alum

iniu

m -

Aci

d So

lubl

e (m

g/L)



Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

Alum

iniu

m -

Aci

d So

lubl

e (m

g/L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Black

wood /

Barry

s Ree

f

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Alma

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

Alum

iniu

m -

Aci

d So

lubl

e (m

g/L)



Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

Alum

iniu

m -

Aci

d So

lubl

e (m

g/L)



2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Black

wood /

Barry

s Ree

f

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Alma

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or


Refer to Table 11

• All systems sampled for aluminium (acid soluble) were compliant.


TABLE 12TURBIDITY

Standard 95% UCL of mean of drinking water samples collected in preceding 12-months must not exceed 5.0 NTU (SDWR).

Description Turbidity describes the cloudiness of the water and is caused by the presence of suspended material such as clay, silt and finely divided organic material. Levels less than 1 NTU are desirable for effective disinfection.

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Max (NTU)

95% of UCL of Mean



Avoca Avoca Weekly 52 0.6 0.2 Yes





Weekly #

52128525265525253525252535253655252

128

0.51.80.60.60.60.81.10.56.00.70.70.20.40.80.41.00.40.7

0.20.20.20.20.20.20.30.20.50.20.20.10.20.20.10.20.20.2


Beaufort Beaufort Weekly 52 7.9 0.7 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Weekly 52 2.2 0.5 Yes

Clunes Clunes Weekly 52 0.8 0.2 Yes


WeeklyWeekly

5252

0.80.4

0.20.2

YesYes

Dean Dean Weekly 52 0.7 0.2 Yes

Forest Hill Forest Hill Weekly 52 0.9 0.2 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Weekly 17 0.7 0.4 Yes

Learmonth Learmonth Weekly 52 1.0 0.2 Yes

Lexton Lexton Weekly 52 0.4 0.2 Yes




5252525252635252

0.80.71.01.00.81.10.51.5

0.30.30.40.40.30.40.30.4


Waubra Waubra Weekly 52 1.2 0.3 Yes


Amphitheatre * Amphitheatre Fortnightly 24 5.8 2.5 N/A

Raglan * Raglan Fortnightly 24 7.5 1.6 N/A

Redbank * Redbank Fortnightly 24 3.9 2.9 N/A

* Non-potable water supply system # Weekly sampling with increases for population (ADWG 2011, Section 9.5.2)UCL - Upper Confidence Limit


FIGURE 9TURBIDITY TRENDING

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

Turb

idity

- 9

5% U

CL o

f Mea

n (N

TU)


Standard: 95% UCL of mean of drinking water samples collected in the preceding 12-months must be less than or equal to 5 NTU

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Black

wood /

Barry

s Ree

fClun

es

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

Turb

idity

- 9

5% U

CL o

f Mea

n (N

TU)



0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

Turb

idity

- 9

5% U

CL o

f Mea

n (N

TU)



Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Black

wood /

Barry

s Ree

fClun

es

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

Turb

idity

- 9

5% U

CL o

f Mea

n (N

TU)




Refer to Table 12

• All regulated (non-potable) water supply systems have not been included in trending analysis.

• All systems sampled for turbidity were compliant.


TABLE 13FLUORIDE

Standard <1.5 mg/L (ADWG-HEALTH) Mean result must not exceed 1.0 mg/L (HFA)

Description Fluoride is currently added to the Ballarat & District supply only. Fluoride detections in other systems are from natural sources only.

Water Supply System


No. of samples


Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)

Mean (mg/L)



Avoca Avoca Annually 1 0 0.02 0.02 0.02 Yes


WeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyWeekly

525452525352525352525253525353525254

000000000000000000

0.940.960.980.930.970.970.950.960.960.961.1

0.960.951.0

0.960.960.940.98

0.840.840.830.840.840.820.820.840.840.850.830.840.860.850.850.820.850.81

0.890.900.900.880.900.910.900.890.900.900.910.900.900.900.890.900.900.90


Beaufort Beaufort Annually 1 0 0.01 0.01 0.01 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Annually 1 0 0.01 0.01 0.01 Yes

Clunes Clunes Annually 1 0 0.32 0.32 0.32 Yes

Daylesford Annually 1 0 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 Yes

Dean Dean Annually 1 0 0.02 0.02 0.02 Yes

Forest Hill Forest Hill Annually 1 0 0.04 0.04 0.04 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Annually 1 0 0.15 0.15 0.15 Yes

Learmonth Learmonth Annually 1 0 0.05 0.05 0.05 Yes

Lexton Lexton Annually 1 0 0.20 0.20 0.20 Yes

Maryborough Annually 1 0 0.05 0.05 0.05 Yes

Waubra Waubra Annually 1 0 0.10 0.10 0.10 Yes


Amphitheatre * Amphitheatre - - - - - - -

Raglan * Raglan - - - - - - -

Redbank * Redbank - - - - - - -



FIGURE 10FLUORIDE TRENDING

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

Max

imum

Flu

orid

e (m

g/L)


Standard: Maximum concentration must not exceed 1.5 mg/L

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

n

Haddo

nLa

l Lal

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

Mea

n Fl

uorid

e (m

g/L)


Standard: Mean concentration must be less than or equal to 1.0 mg/L

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

Max

imum

Flu

orid

e (m

g/L)


Standard: Maximum concentration must not exceed 1.5 mg/L

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

n

Haddo

nLa

l Lal

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

Mea

n Fl

uorid

e (m

g/L)


Standard: Mean concentration must be less than or equal to 1.0 mg/L

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Trending Summary • Levels of fluoride have fluctuated from 2009/10 through to 2011/12 due to the incremental introduction of fluoride and a set point target change to a value of 0.9 mg/L from May 2010.


Refer to Table 13

• The Ballarat & District water supply is the only system at Central Highlands Water that is fluoridated.

• The Ballarat system was compliant for fluoride.


TABLE 14AESTHETIC PARAMETERS - pH

Standard >6.5 and <8.5 units desirable, up to 9.2 is acceptable provided microbiological performance is satisfactory (ADWG)

Description The pH of a water sample is an indicator of the acidity or alkalinity of the water. Water with a pH of seven is considered neutral. Concrete tanks and cement mortar lined pipes can significantly increase pH. For aesthetic reasons, and to reduce the risk of corrosion, it is preferable that pH is maintained between 6.5 and 8.5 units. pH values up to 9.2 may be tolerated provided monitoring indicates no deterioration in microbial quality.

* Non-potable water supply system ª Considered to meet guidelines if the mean is within the guideline values of 6.5 to 9.2 (ADWG 2011, Section 10.3.3)# Weekly sampling with increases for population (ADWG 2011, Section 9.5.2)

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Mean Max Min Complying (Yes / No)


Avoca Avoca Weekly 52 7.8 8.7 7.3 Yes





Weekly #

52128525365525253525252535253655252

128

8.07.77.58.27.98.07.68.28.08.18.17.88.27.87.88.57.97.8

8.48.17.98.58.48.78.18.68.48.59.08.08.78.28.38.98.48.8

7.67.26.47.97.57.67.27.87.57.67.57.47.87.57.48.17.37.2


Beaufort Beaufort Weekly 52 8.2 9.1 7.2 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Weekly 52 8.9 10.0 6.8 Yesª

Clunes Clunes Weekly 52 7.9 8.3 7.8 Yes


WeeklyWeekly

5252

7.77.7

8.88.1

7.27.2

YesYes

Dean Dean Weekly 52 7.2 8.0 6.7 Yes

Forest Hill Forest Hill Weekly 52 8.2 8.8 7.8 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Weekly 17 8.1 8.6 7.6 Yes

Learmonth Learmonth Weekly 52 8.1 8.3 6.9 Yes

Lexton Lexton Weekly 52 7.7 8.2 7.3 Yes




5252525252635252

7.68.07.78.38.18.08.38.1

8.18.88.18.98.78.38.88.5

7.47.57.57.67.57.77.97.8


Waubra Waubra Weekly 52 7.1 7.4 6.9 Yes


Amphitheatre * Amphitheatre Fortnightly 24 7.3 7.7 7.0 N/A

Raglan * Raglan Fortnightly 24 7.6 8.4 7.3 N/A

Redbank * Redbank Fortnightly 24 7.0 7.3 6.8 N/A


FIGURE 11pH TRENDING

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

pH

Guideline: >6.5 and <9.2 units

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree


Averages used

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

pH

Guideline: >6.5 and <9.2 units Averages used

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Black

wood /

Barry

s Ree

fClun

es

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra


0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

pH

Guideline: >6.5 and <9.2 units

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree


Averages used

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

pH

Guideline: >6.5 and <9.2 units Averages used

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Black

wood /

Barry

s Ree

fClun

es

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra


Trending Summary • All regulated (non-potable) water supply systems have not been included in trending analysis.

• Higher pH levels have been experienced from 2009/10 through to 2011/12 in some water sampling localities, namely Ballarat (Ballan, Bungaree/Wallace, Enfield, Fiskville/Glenmore, Gordon/Mt Egerton, Haddon, Linton, and Skipton) and Blackwood/Barrys Reef. This has been predominantly due to the use of low alkalinity source waters providing minimal buffering against pH changes caused by carbonate leaching from concrete lined pipes. In all cases there was no impact of the efficacy of disinfection processes. Due to the recovery of Ballarat water supplies, the use of low alkalinity Superpipe water was discontinued from August 2010 and pH levels have since stabilised.

• The Blackwood source water historically has low alkalinity and the supply is subject to higher reticulation pH levels due to carbonate leaching.


Refer to Table 14

• All systems sampled for pH were compliant.


TABLE 15AESTHETIC PARAMETERS - TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS

Standard <600 mg/L (ADWG)

Description Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) represents the total amount of material dissolved in the water and includes materials such as carbonates, bicarbonates, chlorides and sulphates of calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. The palatability of drinking water may be affected with increasing TDS levels.

* Non-potable water supply system Considered to meet guidelines if the mean is less than the guideline value (ADWG 2011, Section 10.3.3)# Weekly sampling with increases for population (ADWG 2011, Section 9.5.2)- Not applicable Total Dissolved Solids data derived from Electrical Conductivity data (x 0.5)

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Mean (mg/L)

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)



Avoca Avoca Weekly 52 300 370 220 Yes





Weekly #

52127525365525253525252535253655252

128

277204155281272169155287277275200270206277271208203160

295290165305290265165310295295285290260340290290260285

230150145235230155145245230235155230180235180170175130


Beaufort Beaufort Weekly 52 83 90 75 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Weekly 51 93 110 80 Yes

Clunes Clunes Weekly 51 340 350 330 Yes


WeeklyWeekly

5252

6767

7575

5560

YesYes

Dean Dean Weekly 52 138 160 130 Yes

Forest Hill Forest Hill Weekly 52 239 275 225 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Weekly 15 372 385 355 Yes

Learmonth Learmonth Weekly 52 277 285 270 Yes

Lexton Lexton Weekly 52 455 550 345 Yes




5252525252635152

276281277280281278281281

305315305310310305310310

230240240240240240240245


Waubra Waubra Weekly 52 688 750 650 No


Amphitheatre * Amphitheatre - - - - - -

Raglan * Raglan - - - - - -

Redbank * Redbank - - - - - -


FIGURE 12TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS TRENDING

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Tota

l Dis

solv

ed S

olid

s (m

g/L)

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree


Guideline: <600 mg/L

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12Averages used


2009/10

2010/11


0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Black

wood /

Barry

s Ree

fClun

es

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

Tota

l Dis

solv

ed S

olid

s (m

g/L)


0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Tota

l Dis

solv

ed S

olid

s (m

g/L)

Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree



2009/10

2010/11



2009/10

2010/11


0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Black

wood /

Barry

s Ree

fClun

es

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

Tota

l Dis

solv

ed S

olid

s (m

g/L)


Trending Summary • TDS exceedences from previous financial years in the Lexton and Maryborough systems were caused by drought conditions combined with supplementary groundwater use in the Maryborough system. Strong inflows into water storages combined with no requirement for groundwater use in the Maryborough system from 2010/11, have caused TDS levels to decrease significantly.

• At Avoca, the commissioning of the Reverse Osmosis salt reduction facility from the first half of 2011 has resulted in much lower TDS water being supplied to the Avoca system on an ongoing basis.


Refer to Table 15

• All systems sampled for TDS were compliant, with the exception of Waubra.

• Waubra sources its water from groundwater supplies with increased TDS levels.


TABLE 16AESTHETIC PARAMETERS - TRUE COLOUR

Standard <15 HU (ADWG), equivalent to Platinum-Cobalt (Pt.-Co.) units.

Description Colour is the actual true appearance of the water with suspended material removed. Colour can result from organic matter, sources of algae or inorganic materials such as manganese, copper and iron.

* Non-potable water supply system # Weekly sampling with increases for population (ADWG 2011, Section 9.5.2)

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Mean (HU)

Max (HU)

Min (HU)



Avoca Avoca Weekly 52 3 7 < 1 Yes





Weekly #

52128525265525253525252535253655252

128

421442234424244122

663664556647476445

1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1


Beaufort Beaufort Weekly 52 1 4 < 1 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Weekly 52 2 5 < 1 Yes

Clunes Clunes Weekly 52 1 3 < 1 Yes


WeeklyWeekly

5252

11

33

< 1< 1

YesYes

Dean Dean Weekly 52 1 3 < 1 Yes

Forest Hill Forest Hill Weekly 52 1 1 < 1 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Weekly 17 1 3 < 1 Yes

Learmonth Learmonth Weekly 52 1 1 < 1 Yes

Lexton Lexton Weekly 52 20 40 9 No




5252525252635252

22222222

46555545

< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1< 1


Waubra Waubra Weekly 52 1 2 < 1 Yes


Amphitheatre * Amphitheatre Fortnightly 24 29 60 15 N/A

Raglan * Raglan Fortnightly 24 51 140 21 N/A

Redbank * Redbank Fortnightly 24 161 220 95 N/A


FIGURE 13TRUE COLOUR TRENDING

Guideline: <15 HU

2009/10

2010/11


0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Colo

ur (H

U)


Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

Guideline: <15 HU

2009/10

2010/11


0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

Colo

ur (H

U)


Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Black

wood /

Barry

s Ree

fClun

es

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

Guideline: <15 HU

2009/10

2010/11


0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Colo

ur (H

U)


Ballan

Ballar

at Cen

tral

Ballar

at Nort

h / Nerr

ina

Bung

aree /

Walla

ce

Bunin

yong /

Mt H

elen

Cardiga

n Villa

ge

Creswick

Enfie

ld

Fiskvi

lle / G

lenmore

Gordon

/ Mt E

gerto

nHad

don

Lal L

al

Linton

Napole

ons

Seba

stopo

l

Skipt

on

Smyth

esda

le

Wendo

uree

Guideline: <15 HU

2009/10

2010/11


0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

Colo

ur (H

U)


Avoc

a

Beau

fort

Black

wood /

Barry

s Ree

fClun

es

Dayles

ford H

igh Le

vel

Dayles

ford L

ow Le

vel / H

epbu

rn Dean

Fores

t Hill

Learm

onth

Land

sboro

ugh /

Navarre

Lexto

nAlm

a

Bet B

et

Carisb

rook

Daisy H

ill

Majorca

Marybo

rough

Talbo

tTim

or

Waubra

Trending Summary • All regulated (non-potable) water supply systems have not been included in trending analysis.

• The Lexton WTP is not designed to remove colour. Although the colour is normally elevated, strong reservoir inflows during 2010/11 resulted in the colour increasing substantially for a period following these rain events.


Refer to Table 16

• All systems sampled for colour were compliant, with the exception of Lexton. This system is listed on the Capital Improvement Program for works to improve colour compliance by sourcing water from an alternative supply.


TABLE 17AESTHETIC PARAMETERS - HARDNESS


Description Hardness is predominantly caused by calcium and magnesium ions and is a parameter unique to the water source and does not normally change. Hard water sometimes causes difficulty in creating a lather and it can also form a deposit on hot water pipes and fittings under certain conditions.

* Non-potable water supply system Considered to meet guidelines if the mean is less than the guideline value (ADWG 2011, Section 10.3.3)- Not applicable

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Mean (mg/L)

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)



Avoca Avoca Monthly 12 144 180 90 Yes


MonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthly

121212121212121212121212121212121212

1219892

12811610591

12712311811211611612111311811396

130120100140130120100130130130130120120130130130120110

1108883

1201109483

12011011098

11010011010011010084


Beaufort Beaufort Monthly 12 17 20 15 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Monthly 12 31 40 23 Yes

Clunes Clunes Monthly 12 72 79 66 Yes


MonthlyMonthly

1212

2322

2725

1919

YesYes

Dean Dean Monthly 12 103 130 90 Yes

Forest Hill Forest Hill Monthly 11 101 110 90 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Monthly 3 45 48 44 Yes

Learmonth Learmonth Monthly 12 140 150 130 Yes

Lexton Lexton Monthly 12 220 270 180 No


MonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthly

1212121212121212

140147142148146141148146

160170160170160160170160

110120120120130120130130


Waubra Waubra Monthly 12 462 480 440 No


Amphitheatre * Amphitheatre - - - - - -

Raglan * Raglan - - - - - -

Redbank * Redbank - - - - - -


Refer to Table 17

• All systems sampled for hardness were compliant, with the exception of the Lexton and Waubra water supply systems. • The Lexton system is listed on the Capital Improvement Program for works to improve hardness compliance by sourcing water from an alternative supply.• Waubra sources its water from groundwater supplies with increased hardness levels.


TABLE 18AESTHETIC PARAMETERS - IRON

Standard <0.3 mg/L (ADWG)

Description Iron occurs naturally in surface water, but is found in higher levels in oxygen-depleted groundwater. A change in taste may be noticed above 0.3 mg/L and higher levels may cause stained laundry and plumbing fittings. Iron does not pose a health risk at concentrations found in water supplies.

* Non-potable water supply system


Refer to Table 18

• All systems sampled for iron were compliant.

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)



Avoca Avoca Monthly 12 0.09 < 0.01 Yes



121212121212121212121212121212121212

< 0.020.040.040.020.040.040.020.040.270.020.020.040.190.020.020.060.040.02

< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01


Beaufort Beaufort Monthly 12 0.11 < 0.01 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Monthly 12 0.25 0.01 Yes

Clunes Clunes Monthly 12 0.14 < 0.01 Yes


MonthlyMonthly

1212

0.040.05

< 0.01< 0.01

YesYes

Dean Dean Monthly 12 0.01 < 0.01 Yes

Forest Hill Forest Hill Monthly 12 0.15 < 0.01 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Monthly 4 0.07 0.02 Yes

Learmonth Learmonth Monthly 12 < 0.02 < 0.01 Yes

Lexton Lexton Monthly 12 0.05 0.01 Yes



1212121212121212

0.030.020.050.020.010.030.010.02

< 0.01< 0.010.01

< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01< 0.01


Waubra Waubra Monthly 12 0.03 < 0.01 Yes


Amphitheatre * Amphitheatre Monthly 12 2.8 0.04 N/A

Raglan * Raglan Monthly 12 0.48 0.05 N/A

Redbank * Redbank Monthly 12 5.0 1.4 N/A


TABLE 19AESTHETIC PARAMETERS - ZINC


Description Zinc is widely distributed and occurs in small amounts in almost all rocks, commonly as sulphide. Tap water can contain zinc as a result of the corrosion of zinc coated pipes and fittings. The guideline value is based on aesthetic considerations.



Refer to Table 19

• All systems sampled for zinc were compliant.

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)



Avoca Avoca Monthly 12 0.013 0.003 Yes



121212121212121212121212121212121212

0.0130.0100.0050.0310.0160.0050.0040.0220.0080.0460.0080.0080.0310.0080.0070.0060.0080.005

0.0010.0020.0010.0030.0010.001

< 0.0010.0030.0020.0020.0010.001

< 0.001< 0.001< 0.0010.0010.003

< 0.001


Beaufort Beaufort Monthly 12 0.007 0.001 Yes


Clunes Clunes Monthly 12 0.005 0.002 Yes


MonthlyMonthly

1212

0.0060.018

< 0.0010.001

YesYes


Forest Hill Forest Hill Monthly 12 0.013 0.001 Yes


Learmonth Learmonth Monthly 12 0.014 0.007 Yes




1212121212121212

0.0080.0030.0050.0040.0040.0080.0030.013

0.002< 0.0010.002

< 0.0010.0010.002

< 0.001< 0.001


Waubra Waubra Monthly 12 0.042 0.004 Yes






TABLE 20OTHER SUBSTANCES - CADMIUM

Standard <0.002 mg/L (ADWG-HEALTH)

Description Cadmium in drinking water generally indicates industrial wastes or contamination from impurities in galvanised (zinc) fittings, solders and brasses. The risk of cadmium contamination is considered very low.



Refer to Table 20

• All systems sampled for cadmium were compliant.

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)



Avoca Avoca Quarterly 4 < 0.0002 < 0.0002 Yes


QuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly

444444444444444444

< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002

< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002


Beaufort Beaufort Quarterly 4 < 0.0002 < 0.0002 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Quarterly 4 < 0.0002 < 0.0002 Yes

Clunes Clunes Quarterly 4 < 0.0002 < 0.0002 Yes


QuarterlyQuarterly

44

< 0.0002< 0.0002

< 0.0002< 0.0002

YesYes

Dean Dean Quarterly 4 < 0.0002 < 0.0002 Yes

Forest Hill Forest Hill Quarterly 4 < 0.0002 < 0.0002 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Quarterly 2 < 0.0002 < 0.0002 Yes

Learmonth Learmonth Quarterly 4 < 0.0002 < 0.0002 Yes

Lexton Lexton Quarterly 4 < 0.0002 < 0.0002 Yes


QuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly

44444444

< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002

< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002< 0.0002


Waubra Waubra Quarterly 4 < 0.0002 < 0.0002 Yes






TABLE 21OTHER SUBSTANCES - COPPER

Standard <2 mg/L (ADWG-HEALTH); <1 mg/L (ADWG-AESTHETIC)

Description Copper is widely distributed in rocks and soils as carbonate and sulphide materials. Principal sources in water supplies are from the corrosion of brass and copper pipes. High levels may cause a metallic taste and cause blue staining on sanitary fittings.



Refer to Table 21

• All systems sampled for copper were compliant with the ADWG health and aesthetic guidelines.

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)






121212121212121212121212121212121212

0.0370.1100.0080.2200.7900.0300.0370.0220.0150.0230.0090.0230.0090.0660.0210.0050.0120.029

0.0030.0070.0020.0020.0040.0020.0020.0040.0030.0020.0020.0020.0020.0030.0040.0010.0020.002


Beaufort Beaufort Monthly 12 0.079 0.001 Yes


Clunes Clunes Monthly 12 0.011 0.001 Yes


MonthlyMonthly

1212

0.0200.380

0.0010.003

YesYes




Learmonth Learmonth Monthly 12 0.026 0.001 Yes




1212121212121212

0.0340.0200.0480.0340.0430.0260.0140.083

0.0070.0060.0150.0030.0050.0080.0020.005


Waubra Waubra Monthly 12 0.024 0.005 Yes



Raglan * Raglan Monthly 12 0.720 0.001 N/A



TABLE 22OTHER SUBSTANCES - LEAD

Standard <0.01 mg/L (ADWG-HEALTH))

Description Lead occurs in water through dissolution from natural sources or rare occasions where household plumbing contains lead (e.g. pipes, solder). Lead contamination in the reticulation is considered a low risk.



Refer to Table 22

• All systems sampled for lead were compliant.

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)



Avoca Avoca Monthly 12 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes



121212121212121212121212121212121212

0.0060.0010.001

< 0.0010.002

< 0.0010.0010.0020.0080.001

< 0.001< 0.0010.0070.0010.001

< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001

< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001


Beaufort Beaufort Monthly 12 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Monthly 12 0.006 < 0.001 Yes

Clunes Clunes Monthly 12 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes


MonthlyMonthly

1212

0.0030.006

< 0.001< 0.001

YesYes


Forest Hill Forest Hill Monthly 12 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Monthly 4 0.004 < 0.001 Yes


Lexton Lexton Monthly 12 0.001 < 0.001 Yes



1212121212121212

0.0010.0010.002

< 0.0010.001

< 0.001< 0.0010.001

< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001


Waubra Waubra Monthly 12 0.001 < 0.001 Yes






TABLE 23OTHER SUBSTANCES - MANGANESE

Standard <0.5 mg/L (ADWG-HEALTH); <0.1 mg/L (ADWG-AESTHETIC)

Description Manganese occurs naturally in surface water and groundwater. At levels exceeding 0.15 mg/L manganese in water supplies stains plumbing fixtures and laundry. At higher concentrations, it causes undesirable tastes.



Refer to Table 23

• All systems sampled for manganese were compliant with the ADWG health and aesthetic guidelines.

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)






121212121212121212121212121212121212

0.0050.0040.0030.0050.0070.0020.0020.0020.0110.0070.0020.0160.0090.0060.0080.0100.0040.002

0.0010.002

< 0.001< 0.0010.002

< 0.0010.001

< 0.001< 0.0010.002

< 0.0010.001

< 0.001< 0.0010.002

< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001


Beaufort Beaufort Monthly 12 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Monthly 12 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Clunes Clunes Monthly 12 0.008 < 0.001 Yes


MonthlyMonthly

1212

0.0060.008

< 0.001< 0.001

YesYes

Dean Dean Monthly 12 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes


Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Monthly 4 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes





1212121212121212

0.0290.0360.0400.0250.0130.0320.0240.028

< 0.0010.0020.0090.0050.0080.0110.0040.007


Waubra Waubra Monthly 12 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes



Raglan * Raglan Monthly 12 0.015 < 0.001 N/A



TABLE 24OTHER SUBSTANCES - NICKEL


Description Drinking water generally contains very low concentrations of nickel. Unusually high concentrations, up to 0.5 mg/L, have been reported where water has been in prolonged contact with nickel-plated tap and plumbing fittings.



Refer to Table 24

• All systems sampled for nickel were compliant.

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)



Avoca Avoca Quarterly 4 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes


QuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly

444444444444444444

0.0010.001

< 0.001< 0.0010.001

< 0.001< 0.001< 0.0010.0010.010

< 0.0010.001

< 0.001< 0.0010.001

< 0.0010.001

< 0.001

< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001


Beaufort Beaufort Quarterly 4 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Blackwood Blackwood / Barrys Reef Quarterly 4 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Clunes Clunes Quarterly 4 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes


QuarterlyQuarterly

44

< 0.001< 0.001

< 0.001< 0.001

YesYes

Dean Dean Quarterly 4 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Forest Hill Forest Hill Quarterly 4 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Landsborough Landsborough / Navarre Quarterly 2 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Learmonth Learmonth Quarterly 4 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Lexton Lexton Quarterly 4 0.002 < 0.001 Yes


QuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly

44444444

0.0020.0010.0010.001

< 0.0010.0020.0010.001

< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.001< 0.0010.001

< 0.001< 0.001


Waubra Waubra Quarterly 4 0.002 0.001 Yes






TABLE 25 OTHER SUBSTANCES - ARSENIC

TABLE 26 OTHER SUBSTANCES - CHROMIUM (TOTAL)


Description Arsenic originates from natural sources, as well as mining, industrial and agricultural wastes.


Description Chromium is derived from industrial contamination of raw water or corrosion of materials in the distribution system / plumbing. The risk of chromium contamination is very low.

Water Supply System

Frequency of sampling

No. of samples

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)



Avoca Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Ballarat Annually 2 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Beaufort Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Blackwood Quarterly 4 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Clunes Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Daylesford Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Dean Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Forest Hill Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Landsborough Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Learmonth Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Lexton Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Maryborough Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Waubra Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)






Blackwood Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes











Refer to Table 25

• All systems sampled for arsenic were compliant.


Refer to Table 26

• All systems sampled for chromium (total) were compliant.


TABLE 27 OTHER SUBSTANCES - CYANIDE

TABLE 28 OTHER SUBSTANCES - MERCURY


Description Cyanide can be present in drinking water primarily through the contamination of source water. Cyanide was traditionally used in the extraction of gold and silver from low-grade ores and is also used in the electroplating, steel and chemical industries. The risk of cyanide contamination is very low.

Standard <0.001 mg/L (ADWG-HEALTH))

Description Mercury originates through industrial emissions and spills with very low concentrations occurring naturally. Mercury in drinking water is of inorganic form and is poorly absorbed.

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)







Clunes Annually 1 0.007 0.007 Yes









Water Supply System


No. of samples

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)

















Refer to Table 27

• All systems sampled for cyanide were compliant.


Refer to Table 28

• All systems sampled for mercury were compliant.


TABLE 29OTHER SUBSTANCES - SELENIUM


Description Selenium generally occurs at very low concentrations in water supplies.

Water Supply System


No. of samples

Max (mg/L)

Min (mg/L)

















Refer to Table 29

• All systems sampled for selenium were compliant.


TABLE 30HEALTH RELATED ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

Water Supply System

Frequency of

sampling

No. of samples

Benzene(mg/L)

Benzo(a) pyrene(mg/L)

Carbon tetrachloridea

(mg/L)

1,2- dichloroethane

(mg/L)

1,1- dichloroethene

(mg/L)

Penta chlorophenola

(mg/L)

Tetra chloroethene

(mg/L)

Tri chloroethene

(mg/L)

2,4,6- trichlorophenola

(mg/L)



Avoca Annually 3 < 0.001 < 0.000002 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Ballarat Annually 2 < 0.001 < 0.000002 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Beaufort Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.000002 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Blackwood Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.000002 - < 0.001 < 0.0001 - < 0.001 < 0.001 - Yes

Clunes Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.000002 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Daylesford Annually 3 < 0.001 < 0.000002 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Dean Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.000002 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Forest Hill Annually 2 < 0.001 < 0.000002 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Landsborough Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.000002 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Learmonth Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.000002 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Lexton Annually 1 < 0.001 < 0.000002 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Maryborough Annually 4 < 0.001 < 0.000002 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes

Waubra Annually 2 < 0.001 < 0.000002 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 Yes


Refer to Table 30

• All systems sampled for health related organic compounds were compliant.

• Samples collected from untreated source water locations: except aCarbon tetrachloride, pentachlorophenol and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol analysed on chlorine based disinfected treated water samples (single samples).


TABLE 31PESTICIDES

Water Supply System


No. of samples

OC Scanª(mg/L)

OP Scanb

(mg/L)Triazinesc

(mg/L)Herbicidesd

(mg/L)Cyanazine

(mg/L)Metsulfuron

methyl(mg/L)

Metribuzin(mg/L)

Diquat(mg/L)

Paraquat(mg/L)

Hexazinone(mg/L)

Glyphosate(mg/L)



Avoca Annually 3 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 - - < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes

Ballarat Annually 2 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.00005 < 0.0001 < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes

Beaufort Annually 1 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 - - < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes

Blackwood Annually 1 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 - - < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes

Clunes Annually 1 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 - - < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes

Daylesford Annually 3 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 - - < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes

Dean Annually 1 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 - - < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes

Forest Hill Annually 2 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 - - < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes

Landsborough Annually 1 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 - - < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes

Learmonth Annually 1 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 - - < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes

Lexton Annually 1 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 - - < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes

Maryborough Annually 4 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 < 0.00005 < 0.0001 < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes

Waubra Annually 2 ND ND ND ND < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.0001 - - < 0.0001 < 0.03 Yes


Refer to Table 31

• All systems sampled for pesticides were compliant.

• Samples collected from untreated source water locations.

ND - Not Detected - Not applicablea The Organo-Chlorine (OC) Scan includes the following parameters: Aldrin, BHC (alpha isomer), BHC (beta isomer), BHC (delta isomer), cis-chlordane, trans-chlordane, 4,4’-DDD, 4,4’-DDE, 4,4’-DDT, dieldrin, endosulfan I, endosufan II, endosulfan sulfate, endrin, endrin aldehyde, hexachlorobenzene, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, lindane (BHC gamma isomer), methoxychlor, endrin ketoneb The Organo-Phosphorus (OP) Scan includes the following parameters: Dichlorvos, monocrotophos, prophos, tetraethyldithiopyrphos, phorate, demeton-S, diazinon, methyl parathion, ronnel (fenchlorphos), malathion (maldison), fenthion, chlorpyrifos, (ethyl) parathion, trichlorinate, tetrachlovinphos, tukuthion, Fensulfothion, EPN, coumaphosc The Triazine Scan includes the following parameters: Ametryn, atrazine, prometon, prometryn, propazine, simazine, simetryn, terbuthylazine, terbutrynd The Herbicide Scan includes the following parameters: MCPA, 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D


The following tables show the percentage compliance across all potable sampling localities for the SDWR Schedule 2 parameters over the past three financial years.

percentageCOMPLIANCE

table 32PERCENTAGE OF POTABLE WATER SAMPLING LOCALITIES RECEIVING COMPLYING WATER

table 33PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION RECEIVING COMPLYING POTABLE WATER

Parameter 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12E. coli 100 97.3 100

Chloroacetic acid 100 100 100

Dichloroacetic acid 100 100 100

Trichloroacetic acid 97.3 100 100

Trihalomethanes 97.3 100 97.4

Bromate 100 97.3 97.4

Formaldehyde 100 100 100

Aluminium (acid soluble) 100 100 100

Turbidity 100 100 100

• All regulated (non-potable) water supply systems have not been included in trending analysis

Parameter 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12E. coli 100 98.1 100

Chloroacetic acid 100 100 100

Dichloroacetic acid 100 100 100

Trichloroacetic acid 99.8 100 100

Trihalomethanes 99.8 100 99.2

Bromate 100 98.6 98.6

Formaldehyde 100 100 100

Aluminium (acid soluble) 100 100 100

Turbidity 100 100 100

• All regulated (non-potable) water supply systems have not been included in trending analysis

Trending Summary

• Percentage compliance for E. coli has improved in 2011/12.

• Percentage compliance for Trihalomethanes has marginally decreased in 2011/12 due to the mitigation of nitrification effects and low system disinfectant residuals in the Avoca water sampling locality. See page 24 for details.

• Percentage compliance for Bromate has remained lower from 2010/11 through to 2011/12 due to detections in the Clunes water sampling locality. See pages 22-24 for details.

• Other parameters have achieved a consistent high level of compliance through to 2011/12.


complaints summaryWater quality complaints relating to faults, for example discoloured and first contact taste and odour, are generally reported to CHW’s Operations and Maintenance staff for immediate action. More complex complaints, for example health, disinfection by-products and unresolved taste and odour complaints, are forwarded to CHW’s Customer Resolution Officer or Coordinator Drinking Water Compliance for further investigation and resolution.

• Discoloured water - Complaints are normally responded to by flushing mains and cleaning water meters. Samples are obtained for testing in the laboratory in some circumstances. Where it is suspected that discoloured water may be caused by galvanised iron service pipes CHW may check the iron content relative to the mains supply. Advice is also provided on how customers may mitigate any effects of discoloured water.

• Taste and odour - CHW will obtain information from customers regarding the nature of the taste and or odour. CHW’s response may include flushing mains and cleaning the meter. Samples may be taken before and after flushing for on-site or laboratory testing.

• Blue water - If CHW received a suspected blue water complaint a site visit would take place to examine any available evidence and samples would be obtained for testing.

• Air in water - After clarification of symptoms with customers CHW will either suggest methods for the customer to remove the air or attend on-site and flush the main and or service pipe.

• Suspected illness - Complaints of this nature are forwarded to the Coordinator Drinking Water Compliance for immediate consideration. CHW will seek information on the symptoms associated with the illness and take the appropriate action in accordance with operating procedures. CHW advises the Department of Health where an illness is suspected or has been confirmed.

• Other complaints - Are investigated and responded to based on the nature of the complaint.

Customer complaints are recorded in a corporate database managed by the Customer Resolution Officer and complaint matters are followed up with the goal of providing satisfactory resolution. Complaints data is reported monthly to CHW’s senior management and Board. Systemic matters are addressed at several levels with outcomes such as improved policy / procedure, asset management, community consultation and staff training.

An elevated number of taste and odour complaints were received within the Maryborough supply (45) during November 2011 due to algae growth within the supply reservoir. See page 23 for details.

During 2011/12 CHW experienced an 18% reduction from 2010/11 in the number of water quality complaints received.

The easing of drought conditions throughout the region coupled by significant rainfall events were the major drivers behind this improvement.

System operational changes influencing the decreased number of water quality customer contacts between 2010/11 and 2011/12 can be attributed to the following key areas:

1. The recovery of smaller local surface water storage supply systems across many of our systems has contributed to improved standards of water quality to customers;

2. Water quality in Maryborough has improved significantly and the automation of the Water Treatment Plant has assisted in delivering consistent water quality; and

3. Distribution maintenance programs have enabled CHW to supply better quality water.

TABLE 34COMPLAINTS AND RESPONSES

Type of Complaint Number of ComplaintsNumber of Complaints

per 100 Customers suppliedDiscoloured Water 108 0.17

Taste / Odour 76 0.12

Blue Water 0 0.00

Air in Water 15 0.02

Alleged Illness 1 0.01

Other 11 0.02

There were no water sampling localities that recorded a total number of complaints greater than 10 per 100 customers during the reporting period.


CENTRAL HIGHLANDS WATER SERVICE AREA MAP

Water Supply District Boundary

Central Highlands Water Region

Towns Supplied Water

Towns Supplied Water & Sewerage Service


ADWG Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

AWA Australian Water Association

BE Bulk Entitlement

BGA Blue-Green Algae

CHW Central Highlands Water

CLPA Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994

CMA Catchment Management Authority

CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

DBP Disinfection By-Product

DC Direct Current

DH Department of Health

DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment

EDR Electrodialysis Reversal

EDRMS Electronic Document and Records Management System

EPA Environmental Protection Authority Victoria

ESC Essential Services Commission

E. coli Escherichia coli, a thermo tolerant indicator bacteria

HFA Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973

HU Hazen Unit, a measure of the colour of water (=Pt. Co. units)

< Less than

mg/L Milligrams per litre

ML Megalitres. One megalitre is equal to one million litres

NATA National Association of Testing Authorities

NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council

NOM Natural Organic Matter

NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Units, a measure of turbidity

OFI Opportunity For Improvement

Pathogen Disease causing micro-organism

PoU Point of Use

RCS Regional Catchment Strategies

RMP Risk Management Plan

RO Reverse Osmosis

RWA Rural Water Authority

SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act 2003

SDWR Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005

TDS Total Dissolved Solids

THM Trihalomethanes

TRIM Total Records Information Management

UCL Upper Confidence Limit

UV Ultra Violet

VCAT Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal

WHO World Health Organisation

WSAA Water Services Association of Australia

WSDS Water Supply Demand Strategy

WTP Water Treatment Plant

ABBREVIATIONSABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS REPORT


Introduction 3

What is Drinking Water? 3

Sources of Water 3

Table 1 - The Source of Your Water 4

Table 2 - Reservoir Capacity and Current Levels 5

Managing Water Quality 6

Ensuring Your Water is Safe 8

How Your Water is Treated 10

Table 3 - Treatment Processes and Added Substances 12 for Central Highlands Water Supply Systems

Risk Management 13

Summary of Audit Findings 14 Risk Management Plan Audit Certificate 16

Water Quality Improvement Projects 17

Distribution System Improvements 18

Water Treatment Plant Improvements 19

Source Water Improvements 20

Emergency / Incident Management 22

System Summaries 25

Understanding Concentration and Limits 28

Further Information 29

WaterQualityTables

Table 4: Escherichia coli (E. coli) 30 Figure 1: E. coli Trending 31

Table 5: Chloroacetic Acid 32 Figure 2: Chloroacetic Acid Trending 33

Table 6: Dichloroacetic Acid 34 Figure 3: Dichloroacetic Acid Trending 35

Table 7: Trichloroacetic Acid 36 Figure 4: Trichloroacetic Acid Trending 37

Table 8: Trihalomethanes 38 Figure 5: Trihalomethanes Trending 39 Figure 5a: Trihalomethanes Monthly Trending 39

Table 9: Bromate 40 Figure 6: Bromate Trending 40 Figure 6a: Bromate Monthly Trending 40

Table 10: Formaldehyde 41 Figure 7: Formaldehyde Trending 41

Table 11: Aluminium (Acid Soluble) 42 Figure 8: Aluminium (Acid Soluble) Trending 43

Table 12: Turbidity 44 Figure 9: Turbidity Trending 45

Table 13: Fluoride 46 Figure 10: Fluoride Trending 47

Table 14: Aesthetic Parameters - pH 48 Figure 11: pH Trending 49

Table 15: Aesthetic Parameters - Total Dissolved Solids 50 Figure 12: Total Dissolved Solids Trending 51

Table 16: Aesthetic Parameters - True Colour 52 Figure 13: True Colour Trending 53

Table 17: Aesthetic Parameters - Hardness 54

Table 18: Aesthetic Parameters - Iron 55

Table 19: Aesthetic Parameters - Zinc 56

Table 20: Other Substances - Cadmium 57

Table 21: Other Substances - Copper 58

Table 22: Other Substances - Lead 59

Table 23: Other Substances - Manganese 60

Table 24: Other Substances - Nickel 61

Table 25: Other Substances - Arsenic 62

Table 26: Other Substances - Chromium (Total) 62

Table 27: Other Substances - Cyanide 63

Table 28: Other Substances - Mercury 63

Table 29: Other Substances - Selenium 64

Table 30: Health Related Organic Compounds 65

Table 31: Pesticides 66

Table 32: Percentage of potable water sampling 67 localities receiving complying water

Table 33: Percentage of population receiving 67 complying potable water

Table 34: Complaints and Responses 68 Central Highlands Water Service Area Map 69

Abbreviations 70

CONTENTS


NOTES

Central H

ighlands Region W

ater Corporation W

ater Quality R

epo

rt 2011/12

2011/2012WATER QUALITY REPORT

Documents

2011/2012 - Central Highlands Water · WATER QUALITY REPORT 2011/2012 03 INTRODUCTION Central Highlands Region Water Corporation (Central Highlands Water) is responsible for delivering