Annual report on drinking water quality in Victoria 2009–2010 Annual report on drinking water quality in Victoria 2009–2010 Accessibility If you would like to receive this publication in an accessible format, please telephone 1300 761 874, use the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required or email [email protected]

This document is also available in PDF format on the internet at: www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/water/drinking

Published by the Victorian Government, Department of Health, Melbourne, Victoria

ISBN 978 0 7311 6340 3

© Copyright, State of Victoria, Department of Health, 2011 This publication is copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

Authorised by the State Government of Victoria, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Printed on sustainable paper by Impact Digital, Unit 3-4, 306 Albert St, Brunswick 3056 March 2011 (1101024) Foreword

The provision of safe drinking water to Victoria’s urban and rural communities is essential for maintaining public health and wellbeing. In Victoria, drinking water quality is protected by legislation that recognises drinking water’s importance to the state’s ongoing social and economic wellbeing.

The regulatory framework for Victoria’s drinking water is detailed in the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005. The Act and Regulations provide a comprehensive framework based on a catchment-to-tap approach that actively safeguards the quality of drinking water throughout Victoria.

The main objectives of this regulatory framework are to ensure that: • where water is supplied as drinking water, it is safe to drink • any water not intended to be drinking water cannot be mistaken for drinking water • water quality information is disclosed to consumers and open to public accountability.

Under section 32 of the Act, the Secretary of the Department of Health is required to provide the Minister for Health with an annual report on the quality of Victoria’s drinking water, which is then presented to each house of Parliament.

This annual report is the sixth produced under the Act. It provides an overview of the implementation of the Act in Victoria in relation to the quality of drinking water supplied during the 2009–10 financial year.

It also examines the operations and performance of water businesses, water treatment and fluoridation activities and some of the initiatives that the state’s water businesses undertook to improve or enhance drinking water quality across Victoria during the period.

The report shows that the high quality of Victoria’s drinking water was maintained in 2009–10. 96.8 per cent of all Victorians supplied with drinking water received water that complied with all the state’s drinking water quality standards. Of the potential threats to water quality reported to the department, the majority were minor and transient in nature and did not compromise public health.

Water businesses have made significant performance improvements in their risk management plan audits. Of the 25 audits that were undertaken during the period under review, 23 returned results of compliance. In the two cases of non-compliance, the issues that led to non-compliance were relatively minor in nature.

Consistent with previous reports, most customer complaints about the quality of Victoria’s drinking water during 2009–10 related to discolouration or taste and odour issues. The number of complaints remained low.

Most importantly, Victorians have continued to access, and enjoy the benefits of, high-quality drinking water. This report highlights how this has been achieved. Firstly, Victoria’s water businesses have continued to face the challenges and work hard to deliver quality drinking water. Secondly, the collaborative relationship between the department and water businesses, that underpins the regulatory framework, has continued to drive improvements in our drinking water quality.

Fran Thorn Secretary, Department of Health

Contents

At a glance 1

What we do 1

Highlights in 2009–10 2

Challenges 2

The Drinking Water Regulatory Framework 6

Overview 6

Objectives and functions 6

Activities 7

1 Fluoridation 7

2 Auditor certification 9

3 Competency framework for water treatment operators 9

4 Approving analysts 10

5 Undertakings 10

6 Water sampling localities 11

7 Regulated water supplies 12

8 Review of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 12

9 Catchment management 13

10 Water quality issues associated with Eucalyptus nitens trees 13

11 Trichloroacetaldehyde (chloral hydrate) review 14

12 Industry and research organisation membership 15

Drinking water safety expenditure 15

Drinking water supplies in Victoria 18

Standards for drinking water quality in Victoria 19

Water quality data for 2009–10 20

Non-compliant results 22

Risk management plan audits 23

2009 audits 23 Notifications 25

Microbiological detections 26

Boil water notices 26

Blue-green algae 27

Customer complaints 28

Part 3: Summaries of performance of individual water businesses 29

Alpine resort management boards 30

Falls Creek Alpine Resort 31

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort 33

Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort 34

Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort 37

Mount Hotham Alpine Resort 39

Barwon Water 41

Central Highlands Water 45

City West Water 48

Coliban Water 51

East Gippsland Water 55

Gippsland Water 59

Goulburn–Murray Water 63

Goulburn Valley Water 67

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (GWM Water) 71

Lower Murray Water 76

Melbourne Water 79

North East Water 83

Parks Victoria 88

South East Water 91

South Gippsland Water 94

Southern Rural Water 98 Wannon Water 101

Western Water 105

Westernport Water 108

Yarra Valley Water 111

Appendices 113

Appendix 1: Water storage managers and water suppliers 2009 –10 114

Appendix 2: Overview of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and 115 Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 and Functions of the Secretary

Appendix 3: Contact details for water businesses 117

Appendix 4: Gazettal dates for water sampling localities 118

Appendix 5: Regulated water declarations 119

Appendix 6: Undertakings for 2009–10 120

Appendix 7: Water quality and treatment data for 2009–10 123

Appendix 8: Notifications for 2009–10 145

Appendix 9: Localities and towns 166

At a glance

What we do Victoria’s drinking water regulatory framework is administered by the Department of Health which oversights all aspects of the supply of drinking water to Victorians to:

• protect public health in relation to the supply of drinking water • monitor and enforce compliance with the Act and the regulations • investigate and report on any aspect of drinking water quality in Victoria • report on the performance of water businesses • make recommendations to the Minister for Health on any matter relating to drinking water • promote industry and public awareness and understanding of drinking water quality.

The department achieves this by supporting the water businesses to comply with the Act and manage risks to drinking water quality.

During 2009–10, 96.7 per cent of the state’s population that was supplied with drinking water received water that complied with all drinking water quality standards. This translates to 89 per cent of the state’s 485 water sampling localities complying with the standards. This was a 3 per cent improvement on the 2008–09 reporting period and 7 per cent improvement over the 2007–08 results.

Projects undertaken by water businesses to improve water quality during 2009–10 included:

• commencement of the supply of drinking water to the townships of Eskdale, Sebastian and Eynesbury (see page 118) • completion (six years early) of the 8800-kilometre Wimmera-Mallee pipeline project-saving -around 103 billion litres of water a year and supplying water to almost 10 per cent of Victoria • upgrading of the Winneke Water Treatment Plant, which supplies drinking water to a significant proportion of Melbourne • completion and commissioning of a new dissolved air flotation filtration (DAFF) water treatment plant at Bonnie Doon • completion of the 52-kilometre Hamilton–Grampians Pipeline • commissioning of a Salinity Reduction Plant at the Bridgewater Water Treatment Plant • opening of the new Woodglen Water Treatment Plant and reservoir.

1 Highlights of 2009–10 • Improvements in the level of compliance against most individual water quality standards: 2009–10: 89 per cent of water sampling localities complied with the standards 2008–09: 86 per cent complied 2007–08: 82 per cent complied • decreases in the number of non-compliant water sampling localities

• decrease in the incidence of the disinfection by-product trihalomethanes from 43 non-compliant localities (2007–08) to 16 (2009–10):

For turbidity, the decrease was from 10 (2007–08) to 4 (2009–10) non-compliant localities

E. coli from 4 (2007–08) to 2 (2009–10)

Aluminium from 30 (2007–08) to 26 (2009–10)

• additional three communities supplied with drinking water • increase in numbers of Victorians receiving optimally fluoridated drinking water since 1994 from 74 per cent to 90 per cent • increase in results from a second round of risk management plan audits in 2009 of 92 per cent from 60 per cent compliance following the first round (2008) • decrease in notifications of water quality issues from 195 (2007–08) to 172 (2008–09) and then further to 156 (2009–10).

Challenges • The drought conditions that were present during the reporting period continued to provide the state’s water businesses with a challenging working environment, including: - low river flows, which limit the availability of high quality source water - poorer raw water quality, which makes the water more difficult to treat - an 800-kilometre-long blue-green algae bloom along the Murray River, which created taste and odour issues in a number water supplies. • The need to resolve ongoing issues of non-compliance in a small number of rural water supplies continues. Whilst significant improvements have been made over the past couple of reporting periods, there is a need to look for long-term solutions for these supplies.

The number of notifications under section 22 of the Act has decreased over the last few reporting periods from 195 in 2007–08 and 172 in 2008–09 to 156 in 2009–10, a drop of 39 notifications.

Most notifications related to detections of Escherichia coli (E. coli), which, in nearly all cases, was absent from subsequent samples from the same location. None of the notifications received during 2009–10 were associated with known outbreaks of illness.

The data indicates that the vast majority of Victorians had access to safe drinking water during the 2009–10 reporting period. Where problems were ongoing, the department worked with the responsible water businesses to rectify them.

2 3 4 Part 1 Regulatory arrangements, structure of the Victorian water industry and activities of the department under the Act

5 The drinking water regulatory framework

Overview The regulatory framework for drinking quality water in Victoria consists of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 (the Act) and the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 (the Regulations). The fluoridation of drinking water is regulated under the Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973.

The regulatory framework is administered by the Department of Health.

The Act defines two types of water business:

• water suppliers provide drinking water or regulated water to the public • water storage managers provide water to water suppliers.

The role of water suppliers is to manage risk in relation to the supply of drinking water to the public. The role of water storage managers is to manage risk in relation to the supply of untreated water to water suppliers.

Victoria’s water suppliers include 16 water businesses, five alpine resort management boards and Parks Victoria.

Victoria’s water storage managers include Southern Rural Water and Goulburn Murray Rural Water (both supply untreated water to water suppliers), Melbourne Water (which primarily supplies treated drinking water to water suppliers) and Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (which is both a water supplier and a water storage manager as it supplies raw water to several water suppliers).

At 30 June 2010 there were 25 water businesses regulated by the department under the regulatory framework. These businesses are listed in Appendix 1 of this report (see page 114).

Objectives and functions The Drinking Water Regulatory Section administers the Act and Regulations on behalf of the Secretary to the Department of Health. The specific functions of the Secretary, as prescribed in section 27 of the Act, are to:

• protect public health in relation to the supply of drinking water • monitor and enforce compliance with the Act and the regulations • report on the performance of water suppliers and water storage managers in relation to the requirements imposed on them under the Act • investigate and report on any aspect of drinking water quality in Victoria • make recommendations to the Minister for Health on any matter relating to drinking water or regulated water • promote industry and public awareness and understanding of drinking water quality issues.

In carrying out these functions, the department liaises closely with Victoria’s water businesses, other Victorian water-related regulatory agencies (primarily the Office of Water in the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Essential Services Commission), water industry representative bodies (Victorian Water Industry Association and Water Services Association of Australia) and equivalent interstate regulatory agencies.

6 Activities The day-to-day activities of the Drinking Water Regulatory Section include:

• reviewing and assessing the health significance of notifications made to the department under section 22 of the Act • providing advice to water businesses on drinking water quality issues • working with water businesses that are found to be non-compliant with the Act or Regulations to help them to achieve compliance • preparing and disseminating guidance material on aspects of the regulatory framework • keeping abreast of current research and emerging drinking water quality issues • providing input into national guidelines and policy discussion.

The following sections provide more detail on regulatory activities undertaken by the department during 2009–10, which include:

1. Fluoridation 2. Auditor certification 3. Developing a competency framework for water treatment operators 4. Approving water analysts 5. Overseeing undertakings 6. Specification of water sampling localities 7. Overseeing regulated water supplies 8. Reviewing the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 9. Catchment management 10. Assessing water quality issues associated with Eucalyptus nitens trees 11. Reviewing trichloroacetaldehyde levels 12. Participation in industry organisations and research

1 Fluoridation Water fluoridation is widely recognised as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century. It has been practiced in Australia since 1953. The overwhelming weight of scientific evidence demonstrates that water fluoridation significantly reduces dental caries (tooth decay) without harmful side effects.

In some areas of Victoria, fluoride naturally occurs at optimal levels. However, for the majority of community drinking water sources, this is not the case. Water fluoridation commenced in Bacchus Marsh in 1962, followed by a small number of other rural locations, and Melbourne in 1977.

By 2004, 74 per cent of Victorians had access to a fluoridated drinking water supply. In 2004 as part of a broader oral health strategy, the Victorian Government commenced a program to extend water fluoridation to those parts of rural and regional Victoria that did not receive the dental benefits of this important public health initiative.

7 In Victoria, the relevant legislation that addresses the fluoridation of drinking water is the Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973. This Act provides the Secretary to the Department of Health with the authority to direct a water business to commence water fluoridation. Water businesses are responsible for water fluoridation plant construction, commissioning and ongoing operation.

During 2009–10, fluoridation plants were commissioned in the drinking water supply systems for Ballarat, Colac, Phillip Island, Kyabram, Seymour, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance. Fluoridation plants were built in Yarrawonga, Hamilton, Benalla, Mildura, Red Cliffs, Swan Hill, Kerang and Cobram in this period. Final commissioning of these plants, except Cobram, is scheduled for late 2010. In the case of Cobram, water fluoridation has been delayed due to the requirement for significant new infrastructure.

In many cases, due to the configuration of water reticulation systems, a number of nearby smaller communities also received fluoridated water in addition to the main towns. Some localities are now receiving fluoridated water as a result of interconnecting pipelines to existing systems (namely Seville and Sebastian/Raywood).

Since 2004, the expansion of water fluoridation has increased the proportion of Victorians receiving optimally fluoridated drinking water from 74 per cent to 90 per cent – an additional 700,000 Victorians (see Figure 1). This increase to 90 per cent coverage brings Victoria into line with other jurisdictions in Australia.

Figure 1: Water fluoridation in Victoria

Mildura

Red Cliffs

Robinvale 2006

Swan Hill

Kerang Cobram Yarrawonga Echuca 1978 Wodonga 2007 Tongala 1966

Kyabram 2010 Wangaratta 2007 Shepparton 1985 Benalla Horsham 2006 Bendigo 2002

Castlemaine 2008 Seymour 2010 Kyneton 2002 Gisborne 2004 Ballarat 2009 Melbourne 1977/Mornington Peninsula 1978 Hamilton Bacchus Marsh 1962 Warragul Maffra Bairnsdale 2010 Melton 1972 2006 1976 Moe Sale 2006 Lakes Entrance 2010 2006 Warrnambool Geelong 2009 Traralgon 2006 2008 Drouin Morwell Portland Torquay Port Fairy Colac 1974 2006 2010 2009 Phillip Island 2010

Towns with water fluoridation at 1 July 2010 Under construction during 2009–2010 Naturally occurring optimal fluoride levels

8 2 Auditor certification The auditor certification scheme for drinking water quality management systems was established by the department in 2007, in collaboration with the Water Services Association of Australia and the Victorian Water Industry Association. Auditors certified under this scheme are eligible for approval to undertake regulatory audits under the Act.

The scheme is administered independently of the department by RABQSA International, an international personnel certification organisation. The department chairs the committee overseeing the development and policy attributes of the scheme.

The scheme is recognised as a national benchmark for certifying drinking water quality management system auditors; it is also referenced in drinking water quality regulatory frameworks in Queensland and New South Wales. The scheme provides essential training to professionals servicing the water industry.

By the end of the reporting period, 18 individual auditors had been certified under the scheme. The names and contact details of certified auditors can be obtained from the RABQSA website at www.rabqsa.com.

A significant component of the scheme is the exam administered by RMIT. The exam is marketed as a standalone short course, but forms an integral part of the auditor certification process. It has the dual benefit of assessing candidate auditors’ knowledge competency for the scheme as well as providing a challenging forum in which people working in the Australian water industry can test their understanding of the concepts involved.

Growth opportunities include meeting the need for certified auditors of risk management plans for validating recycled water and/or drinking water treatment processes prior to commissioning and auditing recycled water schemes that supply water for non-potable purposes (to residential, agricultural, municipal or industrial uses). The scheme committee is already examining these challenges.

3 Competency framework for water treatment operators During the reporting period, the department completed work on a minimum competency framework for water treatment operators.

Prior to the commencement of this project, there were no minimum requirements (specifying qualifications, experience or refresher training) for operators of water treatment plants in Victoria.

The project was established in collaboration with Victoria’s water businesses through their representative body, the Victorian Water Industry Association (VicWater) and the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA).

Two committees, formed under the auspices of VicWater, assisted the department in the development of the competency framework. One committee consisted of operational staff from various water businesses; the other comprised human resources managers.

9 Victoria’s water businesses have well-trained and skilled water treatment operators. Nevertheless, the businesses recognise that an ageing workforce, the prospect of skills shortages and a lack of national guidance on minimum requirements for staff operating water treatment plants create risks with regard to producing safe drinking water, and they have been supportive of the project.

The competency framework, which has been formulated as a best practice guideline, is based on an assessment of the level of microbial risk at individual water treatment plants. The assessment process will grade or classify water treatment plants – plants that are assessed as having higher microbial risk will require operators with higher qualifications, skills and training.

By the end of the reporting period, the framework had been endorsed by the VicWater Board and processes were being put in place to implement the competency framework during 2011. There is national interest in the framework and it may be used as the basis for a national water treatment operator certification scheme.

4 Approving analysts Under the Regulations, the department approves water analysts to analyse samples of drinking water collected by water suppliers. The department has determined that ‘analyse’ can encompass supervising the analysis, provided that all final analytical reports to water suppliers which contain the results of samples collected under the Regulations are signed off by an approved analyst.

During 2009–10 – as in previous years – the department received and processed a number of applications from analysts seeking approval. All approved analysts are listed on the department’s drinking water website www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/water/drinking. At the time of publication, there were approximately 90 approved water analysts.

5 Undertakings Where the department or water businesses identify non-compliance with the Act or Regulations, the Secretary may accept a written undertaking from the business to rectify the non-compliance within a set period of time. An undertaking may deal with more than one contravention, regardless of whether or not the contraventions are of the same nature.

During 2009–10, the department accepted one new undertaking from a water business to rectify microbiological non-compliances for the Myrtleford water supply.

Six undertakings from previous years and four undertakings due for completion in this reporting period were finalised. These mainly related to contraventions for turbidity and disinfection by-products such as trihalomethanes.

Most of the completed undertakings involved optimising treatment processes, constructing a new treatment plant or supplying water from a better-quality source. Two of the finalised undertakings were related to 2008 audit findings.

The status of undertakings at the end of the reporting period is summarised in Table 1.

10 Table 1: Status of undertakings from water businesses, 2009–10

Status Number

Total undertakings scheduled for completion by 30 June 2010 14 Completed by end date 0 Requested and granted an extension 4 Undertaking timeline not met 10

Total undertakings scheduled for completion after 1 July 2010 5 Scheduled for completion in 2010–11 4 Scheduled for completion in 2012–13 1

In this table ‘Undertaking timeline not met’ means that the contravention continued beyond the end date and the works were not completed on time. Of the ten undertakings breached, seven were for water supplied by Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water to Manangatang, Lalbert and Ultima (for turbidity) and for Woomelang, Wycheproof, Donald and Rupanyup (for trihalomethanes and turbidity). These supplies are now connected to the Wimmera Mallee pipeline, which has all but eliminated the previous ongoing water quality issues.

Five undertakings continue into 2010–11. Four of these are due for completion in the next reporting period and will be reported in detail in the next annual report. One undertaking, for Marysville and Buxton, is due for completion in July 2012.

The need for undertakings in Victoria in the future is expected to diminish as undertakings for existing water quality problems conclude, improvements are made and audit findings remain compliant.

A full list of undertakings for 2009–10 is provided in Appendix 6 (see pages 120–122).

6 Water sampling localities The Regulations allow for the specification of water sampling localities to assist in managing water quality and risk. Essentially, water sampling localities are areas of similar water quality; usually defined by water treatment process or system hydraulics.

At the end of the reporting period there were 485 water sampling localities in Victoria, with approximately 90 of these forming the Melbourne metropolitan water supply system. In regional Victoria, most water sampling localities equate to the water supply for an individual town.

The boundary or number of water sampling localities may change over time, due to population growth or supply upgrades. During 2009–10, the following changes were approved and published in the Victoria Government Gazette:

• Coliban Water – A new water sampling locality was created for Sebastian following the introduction of drinking water for this town (gazetted on 31 July 2009 and effective from 1 August 2009). • Western Water - A new water sampling locality was created for Eynesbury following the introduction of drinking water for this town (gazetted on 18 July 2009 and effective from 18 July 2009).

11 • North East Water – A new water sampling locality was created for Eskdale following the introduction of drinking water for this town (gazetted on 29 January 2010 and effective from 1 March 2010).

The Government Gazettes in which the water sampling localities were published are listed in Appendix 4 (see page 118).

The specific towns and suburbs that are supplied with drinking water are listed in Appendix 9 (see page 166–180).

7 Regulated water supplies Some water businesses supply a number of their customers with water that is not intended for human consumption. If it is considered that this water could be mistaken for drinking water the Minister for Health may, under section 6 of the Act, declare the water to be regulated water.

A water business supplying regulated water must prepare a risk management plan for the water, take all reasonable steps to ensure that the community is made aware of the nature of the water and advise of any health risks that may arise from the consumption of the water. The process for considering whether a particular supply is declared as regulated water incorporates a significant degree of consultation between the water supplier and the local community.

In addition to protecting public health, regulated water declarations are a mechanism to include these non-drinking water supplies within the state’s regulatory framework.

There were no new regulated water declarations during the 2009–10 reporting period.

One regulated supply, Sebastian, became a drinking water supply in 2009–10.

The full list of regulated water declarations is detailed in Appendix 5 (see page 119).

8 Review of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines During the reporting period a number of staff from the department were involved in a review of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, being undertaken by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). This included a senior staff member serving on the council’s Water Quality Advisory Committee.

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines is an authoritative reference on what defines safe, good quality drinking water and how it can be achieved and assured. The current review is the first since 2004.

The updated draft material was released for public consultation on 31 October 2009. The review primarily involved revision of chapters dealing with water quality monitoring, the production of new microbiological fact sheets and the review of numerous other chemical fact sheets. The review produced approximately 140 new fact sheets on pesticides, resulting in a fact sheet for every pesticide that can be legally used in Australia.

It is anticipated that the updated version of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines will be released in early 2011.

12 9 Catchment management Good catchment management practices are an important factor in managing the risks to drinking water quality. Ensuring good quality source water means that water treatment is likely to be more effective; thus it is an important component of ensuring safe drinking water.

The department works collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to continually improve and raise awareness of catchment issues.

In January 2010, the department developed and released a pamphlet titled ‘Protect our waters, protect our health: Highlighting the importance of preventing stock access to waterways’. This publication was developed for use by the water industry and other stakeholders to raise awareness among landholders in drinking water catchments about the importance of preventing stock access to waterways in protecting the quality of Victoria’s drinking water supplies. Cattle have been seen as a priority as cattle have had a tendency to wade in water, particularly in the warmer months and may carry the pathogen Cryptosporidium. The pamphlet highlights the collective benefits for the farmer as well as the environment in general.

It was distributed widely to water businesses and catchment management authorities (CMAs) as well as the Victorian Water Industry Association, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Environment Protection Authority, Department of Primary Industries, Victorian Farmers Federation and local councils via the Department of Health regional offices.

10 Water quality issues associated with Eucalyptus nitens trees In mid February 2010, ABC Television aired an episode of Australian Story in which it was alleged that the water supply in the Tasmanian township of St Helens was poisonous and possibly contributing to an increased cancer risk. These concerns were raised by a local general practitioner and a consultant environmental scientist.

The suggestion was that the chemical or chemicals contributing to this increased cancer risk were derived from plantations of the eucalypt, Eucalyptus nitens, which is native to Victoria. In Victoria, plantations of Eucalyptus nitens exist in drinking water catchment areas managed by Gippsland Water and South Gippsland Water.

In response to this issue, the Tasmanian Government formed an independent water quality panel, the George River Water Quality Panel (GRWQP), which was chaired by the Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority. The panel publicly released its final report on 29 June 2010.

In addition, Tasmania’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) sought toxicological and water quality advice from Victorian Department of Health’s Environmental Health Unit. The advice provided to DHHS was used by the GRWQP.

After reviewing all available data, the GRWQP concluded that there was no evidence to support the claims made in the Australian Story program and that the drinking water being supplied to St Helens has always been safe to drink.

13 The GRWQP concluded that the toxicity effects that were observed in the experimental work commissioned by the local general practitioner and her consultant environmental scientist were likely to have been the result of the sampling technique employed. The sampling technique used concentrated compounds in the foam and scum by 1000-fold. Such concentrated samples were highly likely to be toxic. The GRWQP also concluded that the same sample would not be expected to be toxic at natural concentrations.

Based on the conclusions of the GRWQP report, the department is confident that plantations of Eucalyptus nitens do not pose a health risk to downstream drinking water supplies.

11 Trichloroacetaldehyde (chloral hydrate) review Over the past two years, the disinfection by-product trichloroacetaldehyde (chloral hydrate) has been detected at levels above the health-related guideline value (0.02 mg/L) in a number of water supply systems in Victoria.

Routine monitoring is not required for chloral hydrate and possible health effects would only arise from long-term exposure to elevated levels.

To obtain a perspective on whether the presence of chloral hydrate at elevated levels is a statewide issue or restricted to a small number of supplies, the department funded a survey of selected water supplies across the state.

The study involved the collection and analysis of ten samples from each selected water supply system and involved five water businesses. In addition, three years’ worth of chloral hydrate data from one water business was also reviewed.

Results were compared to the health-related guideline value for chloral hydrate in the ADWG. Of the 1045 available chloral hydrate results, ten (approximately 1 per cent) were found to be above the health-related guideline value of 0.02 mg/L. Nine of the non-compliant results were from unfiltered, chlorination-only supplies; the remaining non-compliant result originated from a filtered, chloraminated supply. The largest non-compliant result of 0.04 mg/L was from an unfiltered, chlorination-only supply.

Based on these results, it can be reasonably stated that a lack of effective filtration, (which removes the precursors to chloral hydrate formation) is likely to be the reason for the non-compliant levels. Based on this survey, it appears that the chances of the concentration of chloral hydrate exceeding the health-related guideline value are minimal and unless there are ongoing instances of the chloral hydrate concentration exceeding the health-related guideline value, the health risk associated with the presence of chloral hydrate should also be minimal.

The department continues to work with water businesses who manage unfiltered chlorination only water supplies to find long-term solutions to the issue of by-product formation.

Part 3 of this report provides a summary of the performance and activities of each water supplier and water storage manager (see pages 29–112).

14 12 Industry and research organisation membership During 2008–09, the department continued its industry membership of Water Quality Research Australia (WQRA) and its associate membership of the Water Services Association of Australia, the peak body of the Australian urban water industry.

Water Quality Research Australia Limited (WQRA) is the national research centre that succeeded the Co-operative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment from 30 June 2008. WQRA undertakes national collaborative research on drinking water quality, recycled water and relevant areas of wastewater management. During the reporting period the department had representation on the board of WQRA.

Membership of both organisations provides the department with valuable access to the leading water quality research in Australia, as well as a means for highlighting drinking water regulatory issues at a national level.

During the reporting period, WQRA commenced its first round of research projects, the majority of which address water quality issues relevant to Victorian drinking water supplies.

Drinking water safety expenditure The department set the administrative levy for the 2009–10 financial year, payable under section 51 of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003. Receipts of $1,037,632.92 were paid into Consolidated Revenue, as required under the Act.

To cover the administration of the Act for the reporting period, equivalent funds were appropriated to the department. The application of these funds is shown in Table 2. The variance column shows the difference between the assessed expenditure for 2008–09 and 2009–10.

The expenditure in this reporting period is lower than that in 2008–09 because of one-off projects run in 2008–09 (that is, a stakeholder engagement survey and a contribution to the National Health and Medical Research Council for the review of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines).

Table 2: Expenditure under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2007–08 to 2009–10 Expenditure ($)

2007– 08 2008 –09 2009 –10 Variance

Salaries, allowances and salary-related oncosts 411,916 437,925 462,840 24,915 Indirect costs 39,480 42,613 44,258 1,645 Operating costs 104,603 111,338 90,229 (21,109) Communication and education 21,747 75,489 36,632 (38,857) Research and development 354,738 323,781 291,782 (31,999) IT development 0 0 9,232 9,232 Total expenses 932,484 991,146 934,973 (56,173)

15 16 Part 2 Statewide perspective on drinking water quality

17 Drinking water supplies in Victoria

Water suppliers provide drinking water to approximately 98 per cent of Victoria’s population. All drinking water supplies in Victoria are disinfected.

Twenty water suppliers provided drinking water to a total of 485 water sampling localities across Victoria1 (see Figures 2 and 3 below). The Lake Mountain alpine resort management board is unique in that it is the only water supplier that supplies regulated water (non-drinking water) only.

Water sampling localities vary considerably in size – from individual towns supplying water to fewer than 200 people, to localities in the Melbourne and Geelong metropolitan areas that supply many thousands of people (see appendices 7 and 9 for more detail).

Figure 2: Melbourne metropolitan water industry (Melbourne Water is the water storage manager supplying to three water suppliers – City East Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water).

Figure 3: In Victoria 16 regional water suppliers manage rural and regional drinking water supplies across the state (the dark area is the Melbourne metropolitan, detailed in Figure 2).

Maps provided by the Victorian Water Industry Association.

Section 17 of the Act and Regulations 10 and 11 require water businesses to comply with water quality standards and to carry out regular water sampling. The Regulations also specifies the required sampling frequency.

The Act requires water businesses to prepare, implement and review risk management plans which are subject to audits by an auditor approved by the department.

1 There was a net increase of two localities during 2009–10. Three localities were added (Eskdale, Sebastian and Eynesbury) and one locality was removed (Henty).

18 Standards for drinking water quality in Victoria

Section 17 of the Act requires drinking water supplied by a water supplier to comply with the nine water quality standards set out in schedule 2 of the Regulations. These include:

• Escherichia coli • turbidity • aluminium • trihalomethanes • chloroacetic acid • dichloroacetic acid • trichloroacetic acid • bromate • formaldehyde.

Bacterium Escherichia coli, is used as a specific indicator of faecal contamination. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. Aluminium based chemicals are used as a coagulant in the water treatment process.

The other six chemicals listed are by-products of the types of disinfection or water treatment commonly used in Victoria.

Water suppliers must also ensure that the drinking water they supply does not contain any algal toxin, pathogen, substance or chemical at levels that may pose a risk to human health. This means that drinking water supplied by water suppliers must also comply with the health-related guideline values set out in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), published by the National Health and Medical Research Council.2 Fluoridated supplies in Victoria must also comply with the requirements of the Health (Fluoridation) Act.

Water quality data for 2009–10 for each water sampling locality is shown in Appendix 7 (see pages 123–144). More detailed discussion of the results for individual water businesses can be found in Part 3 of this report (pages 29–112), the notifications section and in the annual water quality reports of the individual businesses.

Significant results are discussed on the following page.

2 Available at http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/eh19syn.htm

19 0 0 0 0 ------

830 440 350 260 240 3,940 7,590 7,240 2,150 96.7% 95.8% 98.2% 11,190 14,179 90,975 166,619 118,210 203,180 Population

1 0 1 0 1 1 0 6 1 0 3 6 0 8 1 0 5 0 1 1 50 14 85 67 89.7% 86.1% compliant Total non- Total

0 ------

82.4% 100.0% (see note) (see note) Fluoride

0 0 0 ------

Form 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

0 0 0 ------

100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Bromate

e than one standard are only counted once in the Total column only counted once in the Total are e than one standard 9 1 1 1 3 2 1 7 5 ------

TCA 98.1% 98.6% 99.0%

1 1 2 0 ------

DCA 99.8% 99.6% 100.0%

0 0 0 ------

MCA 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

1 2 1 1 5 2 2 1 Localities which did not comply on mor Water supplies that are non-potable (that is, not intended for drinking) are excluded from the above table. excluded from non-potable (that is, not intended for drinking) are supplies that are Water Fluoride data included since 2008–09 only. ------15 ------43 26

# THMs 96.9% 91.1% 94.6% Number of locations where drinking water did not comply in 2009Number of locations where –2010

1 4 1 1 5 2 6 1 4 1 26 30 27 ------

94.6% 93.8% 94.4% Aluminium

Escherichia coli Formaldehyde 4 4 8 10

------

99.2% 97.9% 98.3% E. coli Form Turbidity

2 2 4 5 ------

E. coli 99.6% 99.2% 99.0%

------richloroacetic acid richloroacetic rihalomethanes T T 13,180 71,390 26,570 54,430 46,530 20,000

144,950 102,680 126,130 148,760 130,280 695,220 119,510 281,140

supplied 5,023,710 1,558,720 1,484,220 4,892,685 4,962,745 Population TCA THMs

4 1 1 1 9 5 32 19 33 19 39 42 14 35 48 35 19 45 15 37 32 485 484 483 Number of localities oacetic acid oacetic acid

–10 –09 –08 Chlor Dichlor

MCA DCA

d

ater

ater

ater

ater

immera Mallee Water # immera Mallee Water ater ater ater ater n Valley Water n Valley ictoria # eek ARMB est Water Alpine Resort Management Boar

esternport Water estern Water annon Water arra Valley Water arra Valley

% of localities compliant for 2009 Statewide totals # Mount Buller & Stirling ARMB Mount Hotham ARMB Mount Baw ARMB Falls Cr Y W W W South Gippsland W South East W Parks V North East W Lower Murray W Grampians W Goulbur Gippsland W East Gippsland W Coliban W City W % of localities compliant for 2007 Central Highlands W % of localities compliant for 2008 Statewide totals # Water supplier Water Barwon Water Statewide totals # Water quality data for 2009–10 Water standards. met the required Victoria in 2009–10 The vast majority of drinking water supplied across years. 4, including a comparison with data for previous 3 and Figure shown in Table Results are 2009–10 drinking water did not comply with the quality standards 3: Number of localities where Table Abbreviations ARMB Comparison with previous years Comparison with previous

20 Figure 4: Performance against water quality standards 2007–08 to 2009–10

Form

Bromate

Trichloroacetic acid

Dichloroacetic acid

Chloroacetic acid

Trihalomethanes

Aluminium

Turbidity

2007–08 E. coli 2008–09 2009–10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Percentage of localities compliant

In 2009–10:

• 99.6 per cent of localities satisfied the standard for Escherichia coli • 99.2 percent of localities satisfied the standard for turbidity • 94.6 per cent of localities satisfied the standard for acid-soluble aluminium.

Of all localities, 89.7 per cent complied with all standards, representing drinking water supplied to 96.7 per cent of the total supplied population.

A change in the population figures provided to the department by each of the water businesses has affected the calculation of the percentage of the population supplied with water fully compliant with all water quality standards. The percentage of the population supplied with fully compliant water has slightly decreased from 98.2 per cent in 2008–09 to 96.7 per cent in 2009–10.

Non-complying results were, in general, spread across a number of smaller supplies in Victoria. This is an improvement on the figures for 2008–09, when 86 per cent of localities complied with the standards and 2007–08, when 82.4 per cent of localities complied.

All drinking water supplied by City West Water, East Gippsland Water, Lower Murray Water, South East Water, Western Water and Mount Hotham and Falls Creek Alpine Resorts complied with all standards in 2009–10.

Almost all drinking water supplied by Barwon Water, Central Highlands Water, Gippsland Water, Western Port Water, Yarra Valley Water and Mount Baw Baw and Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resorts complied with standards in in 2009–10 - each had only one non-compliant locality.

All fluoridated supplies complied with the requirements of the Health (Fluoridation) Act.

Results in 2009–10 are better than those from previous years – in terms of both the overall result and results for individual standards.

21 Non-compliant results Most non-compliant results were caused by one-off, short-term or sporadic problems with the water supply and were confined to a small number of water supply systems. All of these were rectified by the water supplier concerned. In all cases the department assessed the non compliant results and determined that the results did not compromise public health.

The department has worked with each of the non-complying businesses to establish a long-term solution to the problems. Examples include construction of new water treatment plants, upgrades to existing water treatment plants and sourcing new raw source water via pipelines. Some of these improvements have been implemented within this reporting period. This should be reflected in future reporting periods as improved compliance with standards.

All microbiological detections of Escherichia coli are reported to the department and each notification is assessed. The response by water businesses to positive detections is many and varied. When Escherichia coli is detected, water businesses will resample, and in nearly all cases Escherichia coli was absent in subsequent samples. The response taken by water businesses is described in Appendix 8 (page 145–165).

Most water sampling localities that returned a non-compliant result throughout the year failed because they experienced high results for aluminium, trihalomethanes or trichloroacetic acid. This was especially significant for Goulburn Valley Water, Wannon Water, North East Water, Coliban Water and Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, each of which experienced persistent problems with these parameters in a number of water sampling localities through the year.

Drinking water in 15 water sampling localities did not comply with the trihalomethanes standard in the reporting period, which is a significant reduction from the 26 localities recorded in the previous year.

In the case of non-compliance with the trihalomethanes water quality standard, nine of the 14 non-compliant localities (Bealiba, Coleraine, Donald, Lexton, Minyip, Pyalong, Quambatook, Rupanyup and Wycheproof) were non-compliant in both 2009–10 and 2008–09.

In the case of the trichloroacetic acid water quality standard, two of the nine non-compliant localities (Thornton and Mount Stirling – Telephone Box Junction) were non-compliant in successive reporting periods.

In most cases the elevated trihalomethanes and trichloracetic acid results were caused by natural organic matter in the source water reacting with the disinfection chemicals. This mainly affected some unfiltered surface water supplies in northern and central Victoria, though some filtered supplies were affected.

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water has had persistent problems over several years with trihalomethanes levels. This issue has been eliminated since the Wimmera Mallee pipeline project was completed. The new pipeline is providing better quality source water for the previously affected towns including Donald, Rapanyup and Wycheproof.

Looking at longer-term trends, the four localities that did not comply with the turbidity standard in 2009–10 (Lalbert, Manangatang, Nullawil and Ultima) were non-compliant in 2008–09.

22 Risk management plan audits

The Act requires water suppliers to prepare, implement and review risk management plans for their supplies of drinking water and regulated water. It requires water storage managers to do the same for their supply of water to water suppliers. The Act and Regulations, taken together, set out the mandatory content to be included in risk management plans.

The Act also requires that water suppliers and water storage managers must have their risk management plan audited. The auditors must be approved by the department.

This is one of the most important aspects of the regulatory framework, as it directly assesses, under audit, the risk management activities and capabilities of the water business, rather than the day-to-day quality of the drinking water supplied. Under the regulatory framework, risk management is the primary tool for the protection of public health.

2009 audits During the 2009–10 reporting period a second round of risk management plan audits was undertaken. The audits were conducted between July and December 2009 and covered the period from 1 January 2009 to the date of audit. All water businesses were requested to undertake an audit.

In the first round of audits, conducted between May and October 2008, 10 of the 25 audits returned a result of non-compliance (see Figure 5). The results of these audits are discussed in more detail in the department’s 2007–08 and 2008–09 annual reports.

A substantial improvement in audit performance was observed in the second round of audits, where only two of the 25 audits returned a result of non-compliance (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Results from the first and second rounds of audits

2009 audit results 2008 audit results

Compliant Non compliant

The eight water businesses that improved from a non-compliant audit result in the first round of audits to a compliant audit result in the second round of audits are listed in Table 4.

23 Table 4: Water businesses that went from a non-compliant to compliant audit result in second round of risk management plan audits

Water business

Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort Management Board Southern Rural Water Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board Westernport Water Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Management Board Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Goulburn-Murray Water Central Highlands Water

No water business went from being compliant in the first round of audits to being non-compliant in the second round.

The two water businesses who returned a result of non-compliance were North East Water and Parks Victoria. Prior to the end of the reporting period, North East Water had undertaken a voluntary third audit, in which they returned a compliant audit result. Parks Victoria undertook a voluntary third audit during the second half of 2010.

The audit findings that led to the non-compliant results were:

• not all actions or documentation had been recorded as required by the water supplier’s risk management plan • the frequency of recorded results did not agree with the frequency detailed in the risk management plan.

The auditors described the findings as minor non-compliances unlikely to pose a serious or imminent risk to public health. There were no findings of major non-compliance.

Table 5 provides a summary of the opportunities for improvement that were identified by auditors during the second round of audits. More details on individual audit results can be found in the individual water business summaries in Part 3 (see pages 29–112) of this report.

Table 5: Identified opportunities for improvement in the second round of audits

• Not all visual inspections were carried out, as per the requirements of the risk management plan. • Records or results were not recorded at the interval specified in the risk management plan. • Expired pH buffers were found in use at a water treatment plant. • Instrument calibration procedures should be reviewed to include tolerance levels. • Calibration records should be made available to water treatment plant operators to allow trending and performance assessment. • Records to be kept to deal with drift of instrumentation between calibrations. • Chemical deliveries should be checked to ensure they comply with the product specification requirements of the water business. • Acceptance criteria for differences between online measurements and those recorded by laboratory–based instruments need to be developed. • Actual values should be recorded, not just a tick in a box for pass or fail; forms to be amended. • Some water suppliers need to improve communication with water storage managers and ensure that sufficient monitoring is in place to minimise risks to drinking water supplies.

24 The marked improvement in audit performance between the two rounds of audits indicates that water businesses are embracing and effectively implementing the risk management principles that underpin the Safe Drinking Water Act.

More detail on the specific 2009 audit findings for each water business can be found in Part 3 (see pages 29–112). Notifications Under section 22 of the Act, officers of water suppliers and water storage managers must notify the department where drinking water that is supplied poses or may pose a risk to human health or may cause widespread public complaint.

Analytical laboratories are obliged to report the detection of pathogens in food or water supplies to the department under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009.

In conjunction with the water supplier(s) concerned, the department assesses all reported water quality notifications to determine whether any public health response is necessary, such as initiating a temporary boil water notice, providing an alternative supply, providing health-based assessments or coordinating a wider incident response.

Notifications typically relate to the detection of microorganisms or chemicals in drinking water, suspected sabotage or vandalism, compromises to barriers to contamination, failure of disinfection or water treatment plants or any suspected illnesses. Some notifications relate to events that last only for a day or so, while others relate to longer-term problems.

Notifications reported to the department during 2009–10 are listed in Appendix 8 (see pages 145–165) and summarised below.

Overall, 156 notifications were made to the department during 2009–10, including:

• Escherichia coli detected in drinking water: 94 notifications • levels of disinfection by-product chemicals above the permitted standard: - chloral hydrate: 18 notifications - trihalomethanes: 6 notifications - trichloroacetic acid: 2 notifications - chlorite: 2 notifications • widespread customer complaints: 6 notifications

In comparison, 172 notifications were reported to the department in 2008–09 and 195 notifications were reported in 2007–08, so the 2009–10 total shows a continued improvement.

Disinfection by-products and Escherichia coli are intensively monitored in all drinking water supplies in Victoria, so their predominance in the list of notifications is expected.

Notification of disinfection by-products were predominantly made by Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, Goulburn Valley Water, Wannon Water and Coliban Water. These were usually caused by a raised level of natural organic matter in raw water supplies.

25 The majority of notifications reported to the department were minor and transient, did not compromise public health and did not require a public health response from the department. In all cases, water suppliers initiated suitable operational responses to the detections and coordinated their responses with the department. Operational responses ranged from immediate interim responses to investment in capital works to provide long-term solutions.

The incidents that generated a public health response or community interest are discussed below.

Microbiological detections Under the established reporting criteria, all Escherichia coli detections in drinking water are reportable to the department. This ensures that all potential incidents involving the entry of microorganisms into drinking water supplies are assessed. It also provides a better understanding of the risk management regimes and responses employed by water businesses in Victoria.

Escherichia coli was detected sporadically by most water suppliers across Victoria. In nearly all cases Escherichia coli was absent from subsequent samples taken from the same locations. Causes included:

• inadequate disinfection – either by an interruption to the disinfection process or by the lack of an adequate post-treatment residual disinfection within the system. • contamination of storage tanks or reservoirs (for example, by animals or birds).

The department did not receive any notifications of illness associated with detections of Escherichia coli or any other microorganism in any drinking water supply during the reporting period.

Boil water notices In times of a potential threat to water quality, communities are issued a notice to boil their water before drinking it. Over the reporting period a number of Escherichia coli detections resulted in boil water advisory notices being issued. In most cases, these notices were implemented when Escherichia coli was detected in systems where there was no or very little residual disinfection within the distribution system, when undisinfected water was inadvertently supplied or when it was suspected that the quality of the water had been compromised.

The boil water advisory notices issued in 2009–10 are listed in Table 6.

In all circumstances, boil water advisories remained in place until corrective measures had been implemented and evidence indicated that the system was free of microbiological contamination.

26 Table 6: Boil water advisory notices issued in 2009–10

Supply Cause Duration Water supplier

Beaufort* Escherichia coli Permanent boil water Central Highlands Water in drinking water advisory was removed on 1 December 2009

Corryong/ Increased sediment, presence 21 May 2010 North East Water Cudgewa of algae and elevated turbidity to 9 August 2010 in raw water might have compromised the disinfection of drinking water Harcourt Escherichia coli 17–23 April 2010 Coliban Water in drinking water Inverloch Escherichia coli in November 2009 South Gippsland Water drinking water 4–9 Myrtleford# Enterococci or Escherichia 1 November 2009 North East Water coli in drinking water to 30 April 2010

* Chlorination has recently been introduced to the Beaufort drinking water supply. # The water treatment plant at Myrtleford is being upgraded to improve water quality and is due for completion in 2011. Blue-green algae Water storage managers and water suppliers advise the department of any blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) blooms that could potentially affect public health, either via drinking water or recreation. This is in addition to the Blue-green algae statewide coordination plan managed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

The most significant blue-green algae bloom during the 2009–10 reporting period was the extensive bloom that affected the Murray River. At its peak the bloom stretched for approximately 800 kilometres from Hume Dam (east of Albury) to Mildura.

The response to this blue-green algal bloom was coordinated by the Murray River Algal Coordinating Committee, which is chaired in New South Wales. Victorian water businesses are active members of this cross-border committee. Goulburn-Murray Water coordinated the Victorian response.

To ensure the continued safety of drinking water during the reporting period, North East Water, Goulburn Valley Water, Coliban Water and Lower Murray Water all incorporated powdered activated carbon dosing to the existing water treatment plants that source their water from the Murray River. While the bloom significantly affected recreational activity and the quality of water in the river itself, drinking water supplies sourced from the Murray River remained safe.

The bloom reinforced the need for a conservative management approach to ensure that public health is protected.

27 Customer complaints Customer complaints relating to the quality of drinking water are reportable under the Act if the drinking water is believed to cause widespread public complaint. Customer complaints are also reported in each water supplier’s annual report against five general categories: discoloured water, taste and odour, air in water, blue water, suspected illness and other.

Consistent with previous reporting periods, most complaints related to discoloured water, followed by taste and odour issues. The number of complaint incidents remained low and comparable to previous years.

With widespread water restrictions in place across the state and permanent water saving rules during the reporting period, a number of water suppliers reduced their water mains air scouring and flushing programs. In some cases this led to a small increase in customer complaints relating to discoloured water. In other cases water suppliers experienced a reduced complaint rate during the period of water restrictions.

The following incidents generated a significant number of customer complaints in the reporting period:

• Woori Yallock, September 2009 (Yarra Valley Water) – Dirty water was supplied to some customers after works were undertaken on a key supply main. Mains were flushed and parameters returned to normal. • Gladstone, October 2009 (South East Water) – A burst on a large-diameter water main in the centre of a hydrolic zone caused water to be stirred up throughout the area and dirty water was supplied to some customers. The entire area was flushed to remove the dirty water. • Traralgon, October 2009 (Gippsland Water) – A chemical dosing system failure at the water treatment plant resulted in elevated turbidity within the reticulation system causing customer complaints. Extensive flushing was undertaken throughout the reticulation network. • Broadford, February 2010 (Goulburn Valley Water) – Dirty water was present in the reticulation system due to high levels of iron and manganese present from the raw water source. A floating arm offtake was installed, which significantly reduced the levels of manganese being drawn into the system. The clear water storage tank was cleaned and the reticulation was flushed. • Coburg/Preston, March 2010 (Yarra Valley Water) – A higher than normal flow in Melbourne Water’s Winneke-Prestons water main caused dirty water. The mains were flushed. • Mildura, April 2010 (Lower Murray Water) – The blue-green algae bloom in the raw water (Murray River) caused taste and odour problems associated with elevated levels of geosmin, Methylisoborneol (MIB) and algal metabolites in the raw water. The water was dosed with powdered activated carbon to remove the taste and odour compounds.

The details of these incidents can be found in Part 3 of this report under the relevant water supplier (pages 29–129). In all cases water suppliers responded appropriately and public health was not compromised.

28 Part 3 Summaries of performance of individual water businesses Alpine resort management boards

Five alpine resort management boards have responsibility for all aspects of management of the commercial alpine resorts in Victoria. The current boards and the resorts they provide drinking water to are:

• Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board • Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Management Board (non-drinking water only) • Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort Management Board • Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board • Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board.

The resorts have no significant permanent populations. During the ski season, the populations at each resort rise significantly, and the number of visitors ranges from 7,000 (Mount Stirling) to 245,000 (Mount Buller)1. In recent years, winter visitors to all resorts combined have numbered between 460,000 and 830,000. All resorts, except Lake Mountain and Mount Stirling, have residential accommodation, varying from 750 to 7,800 beds. The demand for drinking water is therefore highly seasonal.

Figure 1 Map of Victoria showing the location of the six alpine resorts

Wangaratta Ovens Hwy Falls Creek Mt Stirling Seymour Mt Hotham Maroondah Hwy Mt Bulla

Lake Mountain Melbourne Warburton Mt Baw Baw Princes Hwy

Source: Map supplied by Department of Sustainability and Environment.

1 2003 Figures, Alpine Resorts 2020 Strategy, DSE, 2004.

30 Falls Creek Alpine Resort Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied to Falls Creek Alpine Resort during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by Falls Creek Alpine Resort as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

In recent years, Falls Creek Alpine Resort has experienced sporadic elevated levels of iron in the water supply occurring in late summer to early autumn and again in late winter to early spring. This has been found to relate to stratification of raw water in Rocky Valley Reservoir. Elevated iron levels may discolour the water, but they do not affect the safety of the supply. Falls Creek resort management has advised that when the reservoir has stratified, the interim connection of the drinking water supply to the snowmaking system, which is filtered, has seen a marked improvement in the iron levels in summer.

For detailed water quality data, including data about other aesthetic characteristics of the drinking water and raw water quality in Rocky Valley reservoir, refer to the Falls Creek Alpine Resort Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.fallscreek.com.au/Assets/5194/1/WaterSupplyAnnualReport2009-10.pdf

Risk management plan audit The audit of Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board’s risk management plan was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in Falls Creek Alpine Resort’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

The audit found that Falls Creek Alpine Resort complied with the obligations imposed by the Safe Drinking Water Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Falls Creek’s response, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Consider signage of the raw water Under consideration; there is an extensive catchment storage and catchment. area within the alpine national park and the area managed by AGL Hydro requires consultation.

Continue, as a high priority activity, Ongoing program of improvements the plans to implement telemetry and continuous alarms for the UV systems.

Continue, as a high priority activity, the Ongoing program of improvements plans to implement systematic maintenance and calibration for the UV systems.

Continue, as a high priority activity, Completed the plans to finalise commissioning of the backup UV system.

31 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Develop improved record keeping for the Immediate implementation manual checks on the UV system.

Review cleaner and more sanitary storage Immediate implementation facilities for drinking water system tools, equipment and assets.

Implement the internal review and Internal review to be conducted audit process for updating of the risk after the 2010 snow season management plan.

It is recommended that Falls Creek Resort Immediate implementation at next review Management should develop water quality of emergency management plan incident contingency plans for the general case of possible water quality contamination incidents and a small number of reasonably foreseeable specific cases, as part of the update to its general site emergency management plan.

Formalise and document the approach to Immediate implementation following the 2010 be used to prevent contamination of the snow season potable water supply by tools, equipment and assets and by ingress during new works or repair works.

Water quality notifications There was one notification made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For further details of the notification, refer to Appendix 8 and Falls Creek Alpine Resort’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints related to water quality Two customer complaints relating to dirty water quality were recorded during 2009–10. These complaints were responded to by Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management.

2009–10 Highlights

Improved telemetry monitoring Telemetry monitoring has been improved at the header tank Browns Tank. If there are issues with the tank (such as very low water level) it initiates text messages to staff to alert them. Lightning protection Lightning strikes are an ongoing issue in alpine areas, which, on many occasions, cause damage or disruption to electrical hardware associated with water treatment. Falls Creek has introduced lightning protection to the water treatment plant, which has so far been successful.

32 Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Other water quality issues of potential health significance Lake Mountain resort management provides untreated water to the Lake Mountain Resort Day Visitor Centre, which contains resort management offices, retail and food outlets and public space for visitors to shelter. This water is not intended for drinking. This supply was declared as regulated water under section 6 of the Act in October 2005. Resort management has implemented a program to ensure that staff, stakeholders and visitors to the resort are aware that the water supplied is not for drinking.

Risk management plan audit Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Management Board’s risk management plan audit was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in Lake Mountain Alpine Resort’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.lakemountainresort.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/water-supplier-report.pdf

The audit found that Lake Mountain Alpine Resort complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Lake Mountain’s response, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Document more comprehensively in the Ongoing risk management plan the process of developing the risk register.

Consider reducing the frequency of tap Fortnightly inspections implemented sign inspection to weekly or fortnightly.

Develop a consolidated list of actions Ongoing and activities and, for each item, allocate responsibilities and set a timeline for completion or implementation. Develop a consolidated list of actions Ongoing and activities and use this as a means of tracking progress of the risk management plan implementation. Review of this list can be included in the list of reviews and audits in section 8.4 of the risk management plan.

Ensure records of risk management plan Implemented review meetings are kept.

Ensure that the supply description covers Ongoing the commercial supply and beverage hot water services.

33 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Reword section 3.11 of the risk Ongoing management plan as follows: ‘the names and contact details of, and the positions held by, the persons responsible for managing hazards and risks to the quality of the water identified in this risk management plan are...’.

Include water tap signage monitoring in the Ongoing list of verification equirementsr in section 7.

Develop a checklist to record site inspections Implemented and checking of ‘do not drink’ signs.

Water quality notifications There were no notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act.

2009–10 Highlights

Infrastructural improvements Infrastructure improvements have been made as a result of the damage caused by the 2009 Black Saturday fires, which include an upgrade of water delivery lines, improved signage and ongoing investigation into a potable water treatment system for the resort.

Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards, except for elevated levels of trichloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid during the months of February and March 2010. These incidences of non-compliance did not pose a risk to public health.

Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort’s water supply experiences low flow levels during February and March. It is thought that manual chlorine dosing and the low flows created a build-up of these chemicals in the supply system. In order to minimise and reduce the occurrence of elevated levels of disinfection by-products, a full system flush was undertaken during these months to create a false loading upon the system and draw further water from the catchment. Manual chlorine dosing was also suspended for one week after final water supply test results were received to reduce the levels of dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid to compliant levels.

Although the manual chlorine dosing system currently in place has been effective, Mount Baw Baw Resort Management has advised that the system is labour intensive. Technical expertise has been sought on the installation of equipment suitable for flow-paced chlorine dosing. This would enable the delivery of more efficient chlorine dosing and would also provide improved pathogen protection in addition to the existing ultraviolet treatment process currently in place.

34 Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period. These other parameters were alpha and beta radiation.

For detailed water quality data, including data about other aesthetic characteristics of the water, refer to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.mountbawbaw.com.au/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=106&tmpl=com ponent&format=raw&Itemid=148

Risk management plan audit The audit of Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort Management Board’s risk management plan was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

The audit found that Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Mount Baw Baw’s response, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Adjust action statements for ‘Very High’ Action statements have been allocated specified risk items so it is clear that they will lead to time frames for completion. Implementation of an outcome that effectively manages the actions will be dependent upon provision of identified risks within a specified time frame.# adequate resourcing and budgets.# Specify how risk reduction will occur for Mount Baw Baw water supply risk management issues ranked as a ‘High’ risk.# plan action plan and improvement program items identified as ‘High’ risk have been prioritised and will be completed according to allocated time frames. ‘High’ risk item task completion dates have been allocated up to end of December 2012.# Refer to the Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort Mount Baw Baw water supply risk management Management Board for confirmation that it plan tabled and accepted by Mount Baw Baw Alpine accepts the priorities assigned for reducing Resort Board of Management, 26 October 2009.# the ‘High’ and ‘Very High’ levels of risk and document this in the plan.# Consider analysing samples of water in Consultation has been undertaken with ALS the storage tanks for pathogens to better Environmental Group to implement monitoring understand the reliance being placed on of raw water in both the water supply catchment UV disinfection. and village supply tanks for pathogens during the 2010 –11 reporting period. Analyse samples of raw water and Consultation has been undertaken with ALS from customer taps to confirm that the Environmental Group to implement monitoring of concentrations of analytes assumed to be raw water and village supply taps for a number of low risk comply with the 2004 Australian of water quality parameters during the 2010 –11 Drinking Water Guidelines. reporting period.

35 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Include reference to the current laboratory’s Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort has recently changed NATA certification in the risk management service providers for sampling and testing of raw and plan. potable water. Liaise with ALS Environmental Group to obtain copies of current NATA certification and include it in the current risk management plan.

Establish firm targets for completion of the Prioritised targets are in place in the Mount Baw Baw actions and addressing the risk – particularly water supply risk management plan, action plan and those that are deemed to be unacceptable improvement program to be completed according (that is, the ‘Very High’ risks).# to allocated time frames. Implementation of actions will be dependent upon provision of adequate resourcing and budgets.#

Prepare a simple diagrammatic Commenced representation of the water supply flow scheme and the sequence of storage, treatment and distribution to assist in its understanding.

Prepare a procedure that will ensure that A standard operating procedure for ordering of the chemical(s) used are suitable for potable chlorine tablets utilised in manual dosing is to be water treatment.# implemented to ensure correct procedure is followed when ordering stock from the supplier.

# At the date of submission of Mount Baw Baw’s Annual Report, the board of management of Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort Management Board had requested senior staff to prepare a briefing paper to consider budgeting implications. The Board cannot commit to resolving these issues if there is insufficient funding. Water quality notifications There was one notification made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For further details of the notification, refer to Appendix 8 and Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints related to water quality No customer complaints relating to water quality were recorded during 2009–10.

2009–10 Highlights

Ongoing compliance with Escherichia coli water quality standard Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resorts Management Board achieved 100 per cent compliance for the Escherichia coli water quality standard in 2009–10 and each of the previous two reporting periods. Increased monitoring As a result of the audit process, Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort Management Board undertook consultation to monitor raw water for pathogens (and a number of other water quality parameters) in the water supply catchment and village supply taps.

36 Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied by Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort during 2009 –10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Locality not complying with water quality standard

Trichloroacetic acid Mount Stirling – Telephone Box Junction

Elevated levels of trichloroacetic acid were detected in the Mount Stirling – Telephone Box Junction locality on two occasions during the reporting period. Mount Buller and Mount Stirling resort management advised that the high results were caused by a faulty dosing pump. The faulty pump was sent for repairs and reinstalled. Resort management purchased a digital chlorine residual meter for the Mount Stirling staff, to enable the chlorine levels to be monitored more closely and accurately.

The high result was not notified to the department under section 22 of the Act due to a data handling error. The high result was submitted to the department as part of the regular monthly data submission process, but was not noted as being an elevated result. As the site has no permanent population and few regular visitors, no further action was taken by the department.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance There were no other water quality issues to report. For detailed water quality data, refer to Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.mtbuller.com.au/uploads/file/Water_Quality_Annual_Report_09-10_FINAL.pdf

The resort provides water at two huts in the Mount Stirling ski field via rainwater. This water is not intended for drinking and signs are placed to advise people of this.

Risk management plan audit The audit of Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board’s risk management plan was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

The audit found that Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Mount Buller and Mount Stirling’s response, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Review the chlorine sampling point used to A new sampling point on the tank has been installed confirm that a significant residual is entering at Mount Stirling. No works have taken place at the storage tank to assist with process Mirimbah. control for the Stirling and Mirrimbah systems.

Continue to review alternative temporary Works continue on this, particularly the prospect supply options in the event of a bushfire- of bringing water from the Goulburn Valley Water related loss of water quality. supply at Carters Road Sawmill Settlement.

37 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

With support from a suitably experienced Continuing liaison with suitably qualified contractors UV system expert, formalise the process who regularly service and calibrate the UV units. used for UV sensor calibration (including the method and frequency).

Work should continue on setting up a Planning is underway for a new 50–70 ML water response to bushfires to prepare for and storage facility that will alleviate this problem. Under deal with the possible severe water quality severe weather conditions pumping is limited to impacts during follow-up storms. prevent dirty water issues.

In response to the E. coli detection at New systems have been put in place, including Mirimbah, make arrangements to prevent operator training, system checking and processes. a recurrence from the same cause. Work should continue on developing Continuing development, implementation and review standard operating procedures and adding of standard operating procedures. planned revision dates to documents.

Water quality notifications There was one notification made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notification, refer to Appendix 8 and Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints related to water quality No customer complaints relating to water quality were recorded during 2009–10.

2009–10 Highlights

Continual improvement for monitoring Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort have implemented a program of continuous refinement of their monitoring processes and procedures. Online telemetry system Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort has introduced an online telemetry system that monitors turbidity, chlorine residuals and UV intensity within the drinking water system. Emergency callout procedure Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort has implemented an emergency callout procedure for the event of interruption of supply, contamination (or suspected contamination) of the drinking water and reports of poor quality water.

38 Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied by Mount Hotham Alpine Resort during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by Mount Hotham Alpine Resort as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

Risk management plan audit Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board’s risk management plan audit was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in Mount Hotham Alpine Resort’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.mthotham.com.au/resort/about/corporate/publications/20101026619912.asp

The audit found that Mount Hotham Alpine Resort complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Mount Hotham’s response, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Implement a backup system for power cuts Install an inline turbidity meter, backup generator for to remove the time window during which UV facility and rising main replacements (initially in un-disinfected water can pass into supply. the lower section). An emergency chlorine dosing facility is being designed.

Implement systematic maintenance and Work continues on standard operating procedures calibration for the UV systems. for quality critical procedures (such as a UV intensity meter and inline turbidity calibration).

Raw water microbial testing is recommended Conduct raw water microbial testing on an ongoing on a routine and ongoing basis to monitor basis to allow for early response to unforseen raw water contamination levels and provide contamination. early warnings if unforeseen contamination sources arise within the catchment.

Develop formal procedures for calibration Work continues on standard operating procedures of the UV sensors and for operating the unit for quality critical procedures (such as a UV intensity in low or high power and in auto or manual. meter and inline turbidity calibration).

Ensure signatures or initials appear on all Ongoing records.

Consider developing one or more Ongoing contingency plans for water quality if required.

Work should continue on developing Ongoing standard operating procedures and adding planned revision dates to the documents.

39 Water quality notifications There were no notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act.

Customer complaints related to water quality No customer complaints relating to water quality were recorded during 2009–10.

2009–10 Highlights

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) A SCADA system upgrade is currently in progress as part of the 2010 works program. Some elements of this upgrade are yet to be fully integrated. Installation of an inline turbidity meter An inline turbidity meter has been installed on the raw water supply line to the Swindlers Creek pump station. This allows continuous monitoring and recording. Data collected from this meter will be accessible via the SCADA processes. Installation of a backup generator to the disinfection unit A diesel generator was installed in the UV2 disinfection facility. The generator is designed to maintain a power supply to the UV disinfection unit in the event of power outage to supply fully treated potable water at all times. Upgrade of water main A staged program was initiated to upgrade the water main between the raw water pumping station on Swindlers Creek and the storage tanks on Mount Higginbotham. The first stage of the upgrade will replace the approximately 80-kilometre-long section of main from the pump station to the point where the main begins to climb up to the Lower Playground ski area. The key outcome from this upgrade is to provide a fail-safe system with a long and reliable service life.

40 Barwon Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards (drinking water supplies only) Drinking water supplied in all localities by Barwon Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Locality not complying with water quality standard

Aluminium Forrest

In October 2009, routine sampling of the Forrest sampling locality reported an elevated result for acid soluble aluminium that exceeded the water quality standard. The elevated result was not consistent with historic data, internal operator daily process control monitoring or other independent samples taken from the clear water storage on the same day. All subsequent results were well below the standard. A cause for the elevated result could not be identified.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by Barwon Water as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program complied with the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

For detailed water quality data, including data about the aesthetic characteristics of the water, refer to Barwon Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/image_get.cfm?id=A2260430

Risk management plan audit The audit of Barwon Water’s risk management plan was completed in October 2009. The audit certificate is included in Barwon Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

41 The audit found that Barwon Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Barwon Water’s response, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

The drinking water quality policy could Review the water quality policy and include a contain a statement demonstrating statement about meeting regulatory obligations. commitment to meeting the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and Regulations. The new ‘Objective’ document control The new electronic document control system has system could be used as evidence that review functionality included. The audit function of a review of procedures related to the risk the new document control system will be utilised management plan has taken place. to demonstrate and record regular reviews of vital documents and procedures. Treatment plant operators could formally Where applicable, operators will complete a checklist complete visual inspection reports to show to capture that this inspection has been conducted. that they have inspected for any potential water quality issues. Flushing times after bursts could be formally A questionnaire has been incorporated into the job documented by Field Service staff. checklist to record flushing times. The calibration tolerance value of ±1 per A review of records and tolerances for a range cent FSD for every instrument externally of instruments was conducted. calibrated annually could be reviewed.

An external calibration report for online This improvement opportunity was assessed during instrumentation showed out-of-tolerance the calibration tolerances review as described above. results of up to 5 per cent with only a recalibration conducted. No potential problem was reported.

As part of the ‘Standardisation’ checks Acceptable tolerances have been developed and between online instruments and their test documented; guidance on corrective action was units, limits could be set for corrective provided to operators. action to be taken when results fall outside acceptable tolerances.

Pest control records showed that the Updating of these records is externally managed by technician’s licence, insurances and some the service provider. This issue has been raised with material safety data sheets for materials the contractor and a review of all sites’ records was used had expired. conducted. No records are completed for the floc Process control point prompt sheets are to be formation control parameter for PCP #1. updated. These sheets will specifically document Supernatant return turbidity and aluminium which process control point parameters require residual are not tested as per PCP # 4 at verification records. the Wurdee Boluc Water Treatment Plant.

42 Water quality notifications There were three notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and Barwon Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by Barwon Water during 2009–10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 138 0.049 Taste/odour 106 0.038 Air in water 36 0.013 Blue water 0 0 Illness 4 0.001 Other 30 0.011

The majority of complaints received in 2009–10 related to discoloured water followed closely by taste and odour issues. There were 27 more complaints relating to discoloured water than received in the previous reporting period. The increase in discoloured water complaints is directly related to a number of dirty water incidents that occurred in the Aireys Inlet water sampling locality. Elevated manganese concentrations in the raw water and extractions from non-designated hydrants in the reticulation system caused sporadic dirty water events.

Targeted and systematic mains-cleaning programs were introduced and treatment processes were optimised to avoid future occurrences at Aireys Inlet.

43 2009–10 Highlights

Closed system Barwon Water is working towards a closed system by covering all basins and tanks downstream of water treatment plants. Significant progress was made in 2009–10 with the completion of lining and covering of the new Queenscliff basins. Designs are being drawn up for covering the three service basins at Lovely Banks. Long-term water quality improvement strategy In 2004, a long-term water quality improvement strategy was developed for Geelong’s main water treatment plant, Wurdee Boluc. The strategy being implemented over a six-year period consists of several individual projects addressing specific potential risk areas. Completed projects include: enhanced direct filtration, separate clear water storage, separate filter backwash and filter-to-waste and enhanced wash water treatment. New pipeline Barwon Water’s Board has approved construction of a pipeline to enable Meredith to receive water directly from the Geelong water supply system, which would improve the water quality and security of supply for Meredith residents. Sustainable management of water catchments As part of a commitment to sustainable management of the region’s water catchments, Barwon Water contributed $70,000 to 13 river health projects under the Barwon Water–Corangamite CMA river health agreement. Covering raw water basin A project to cover the Forrest raw water basin to reduce the potential growth of blue-green algae was initiated. Installation of an aerator A project to install an aeration device in the Marengo raw water basin is currently underway. Aeration will prevent stratification, reduce the likelihood of algal blooms and reduce large seasonal variations in iron and manganese levels in the raw water.

44 Central Highlands Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against drinking water standards (drinking water supplies only) Drinking water supplied in all localities by Central Highlands Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Locality not complying with water quality standard

Trichloroacetic acid Lexton Trihalomethanes Lexton

Central Highlands Water advised that treated water with elevated organics, combined with a period of reversion to chlorination (resulting in the organics reacting with free chlorine) caused the trichloroacetic acid and trihalomethane non-compliances. Chloramination was restored shortly after this period to the Lexton water sampling locality.

The Lexton water supply system is listed on Central Highlands Water’s capital improvement program for works to improve trichloroacetic acid and trihalomethane compliance by sourcing water from an alternate supply.

Central Highlands Water started commissioning new fluoridation plants for Ballarat from November 2009. Commissioning was carried out in a graduated manner; as a result, the mean fluoride concentrations detailed in Appendix 7 for Ballarat are slightly below the optimal level.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance Apart from a detection of elevated manganese in the Lexton clear water storage tank in November 2009, all other parameters satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period. Elevated manganese was not detected at customer taps at the time of the detection.

Drought conditions continued across Central Highland Water’s area of operation during 2009–10. Challenges to maintaining water quality were low reservoir levels, emergency supplies and limited resources for mains cleaning programs.

45 Central Highlands Water manages a number of non-potable (non-drinking) water supplies in its region. Central Highlands Water has continued its customer communications to ensure that such non-drinking supplies are not consumed or confused with a drinking water supply.

For detailed water quality data, including data about other aesthetic characteristics of the drinking water, refer to Central Highlands Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.chw.net.au/CHW/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=204

Risk management plan audit The audit of Central Highlands Water’s risk management plan was completed in September 2009. The audit certificate is included in Central Highlands Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

The auditor found that Central Highlands Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act. The auditor did not find any additional opportunities for improvement beyond those identified in the previous audit.

Water quality notifications There were 15 notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and Central Highland Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by Central Highlands Water during 2009–10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 319 0.53 Taste/odour 48 0.08 Blue water 0 0 Air in water 7 0.01 Suspected illness 6 0.01 Other 54 0.09

Water restrictions for Ballarat were relaxed in November 2009 which provided limited high-demand garden watering periods. Water flows peaked during these periods, which agitated sediments that had accumulated in the water network over recent years. This accumulation had been exacerbated by previous low flows due to no residential garden watering under Stage 4 water restrictions and limited water mains flushing due to water shortages. There were 212 discoloured water complaints for the Ballarat zone between November 2009 and January 2010. Of these complaints, 197 were received specifically from the Ballarat West zone. In December 2009 Central Highlands Water ceased blending groundwater into this supply zone, which is believed to have been a source of much of the sediment and a factor in the taste and odour complaints relating to higher total dissolved solids.

46 2009–10 Highlights

Water treatment plant improvement programs • Fluoride dosing facilities were installed at the White Swan, Lal Lal and Ballarat West water treatment plants. The White Swan plant had a connection installed for the Goldfields Superpipe to enable water to bypass the reservoir and raw water pumping stations and enter the plant directly. • Chlorine leak detection equipment was upgraded and automatic shutdown devices were fitted to the chlorine gas systems at the voca,A Daylesford, Lexton, Maryborough and Waubra water treatment plants. • Modifications to the Avoca water treatment plant commenced in May 2010 to reduce salt levels in the treated water. • SCADA systems were upgraded and networked at many water treatment plants. • Refurbishment of the water filters at the Maryborough water treatment plant was completed. • Raw water monitoring equipment was updated at the Maryborough water treatment plant. • The secondary UV system at the Blackwood water treatment plant was upgraded. • A new wash-water polymer dosing unit was installed and the wash-water transfer system at the Daylesford water treatment plant was upgraded. • Construction of the new Landsborough/Navarre salt-reduction and disinfection plant was well advanced by June 2010. Source water improvements • Central Highlands Water reviewed its catchments to identify areas most at risk. Central Highlands Water also advised that it would seek amendments to the relevant planning schemes within its catchments to ensure that adequate planning controls and planning permit referral powers are in place. • Central Highlands Water implemented actions to reduce risks to water quality within its declared water supply catchments. Actions included assessments of critical assets and water supply catchments, creation of fire breaks, fuel reduction programs, exclusion of stock access to waterways, weed control and catchment fence renewal. • An additional deeper bore was drilled to improve the reliability of the Forest Hill water supply. • A new groundwater supply for the Landsborough-Navarre system was commissioned.

47 City West Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by City West Water during 2009 –10 complied with the water quality standards.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by City West Water as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

For detailed water quality data, including data about other aesthetic characteristics of the water, refer to City West Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009 –10. The report can be found: www.citywestwater.com.au/documents/Water_Quality_Report_2010.pdf

Risk management plan audit The audit of City West Water’s risk management plan was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in City West Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009 –10.

The audit found that City West Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with City West Water’s response, are summarised below.

48 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

City West Water’s generic approach and All of City West Water’s 15 water sampling localities methodology used for hazard identification are hydraulically interlinked and they are commonly and risk assessment could be improved by supplied from Melbourne Water’s bulk supply splitting into individual localities to provide system. They do not have independent source water clear water quality improvement outcomes. supplies and are subject to common hazards and risks as identified in the risk management plan. Since the audit, this commonality has been verified. As a result, City West Water considers that its generic approach has equivalent applicability to each locality and that no significant benefit would be obtained from documenting the methodology for every locality.

Reliance on one staff member is a high risk City West Water has one official staff position to the organisation. that addresses water quality. However, increased emphasis has been placed on interaction with City West Water engineers in operations and maintenance to increase their familiarity with the water quality position’s functions. City West Water has produced a detailed training course on how it manages water quality and delivered it to key operations staff.

Water quality notifications There were seven notifications made to the department during 2009 –10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and City West Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009 –10.

Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by City West Water during 2009 –10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 230 0.064 Taste/odour 69 0.019 Blue water 7 0.002 Air in water 10 0.003 Suspected illness – <0.001 Other 1 <0.001 * Based on number of properties serviced.

49 For further information on customer complaints, refer to City West Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

2009–10 Highlights

Ongoing compliance with water quality standards City West Water has achieved 100 per cent compliance for water quality standards in all water sampling localities 2009–10 and each of the previous two reporting periods. Staff training course As a result of the audit process, City West Water produced a detailed training course on how it manages water quality, which has been delivered to key operations staff.

50 Coliban Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by Coliban Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Locality not complying with water quality standard

Trihalomethanes Bealiba, Inglewood Aluminium Bridgewater, Inglewood, Lockington, Wedderburn

A significant rainfall event in March 2010 caused elevated natural organic levels in the raw water. This sudden increase in organics, combined with the booster chlorination at Bealiba, increased the level of trihalomethanes in the treated water.

The Inglewood basin was cleaned as part of the commissioning of the reverse osmosis facility. The cleaning process included using divers to clean the basin and then disinfecting via super-chlorination with sodium hypochlorite. Both of these actions could have contributed to elevated formation of trihalomethanes.

It is suspected that the elevated aluminium results at Bridgewater and Inglewood were caused by mobilisation of sediment in the reticulation system. A significant upgrade to the Bridgewater water treatment plant (including a reverse osmosis facility and chemical dosing upgrade) has significantly reduced the amount of aluminium entering the reticulation system.

It is thought that the spike in aluminium levels at Lockington was caused by mobilisation of sediment in the reticulation system. Flushing of the reticulation system was undertaken and subsequent aluminium results were significantly lower.

The spike in aluminium levels at Wedderburn was caused by mobilisation of sediment in the reticulation system. Actions undertaken included flushing of the reticulation system and cleaning of the Wedderburn tank. Subsequent monitoring confirmed aluminium compliance.

51 Other water quality issues of potential health significance A blue-green algal bloom occurred in the Murray River system from February 2010 to May 2010. Affected towns supplied with drinking water by Coliban Water included Echuca, Cohuna, Leitchville and Gunbower.

Actions undertaken to alleviate the impact of the bloom on drinking water include:

• incorporating powdered activated carbon dosing at the Echuca, Cohuna and Leitchville water treatment plants • carting water from the Leitchville clear water storage tank to Gunbower for a short period of time (March–April 2010).

Unlike the blue-green algal bloom in the Murray River system in 2008–09, the bloom in 2010 resulted in a slight increase in consumer complaints for taste and odour, especially in Echuca.

Risk management plan audit The audit of Coliban Water’s risk management plan was completed in November 2009. The audit certificate is included in Coliban Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.coliban.com.au/operations/documents/ ColibanWaterSDWAAnnualReport2009-2010.pdf

The audit found that Coliban Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Coliban Water’s response, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Procedure for flushing of mains following The asset management system will be reviewed to shutdown requires a minimum flush time include flushing times. depending on pipe diameter. The records of Operators will be given regular training about work orders do not show these values for providing required data. flush time.

Some deviations between bench Review of procedures to ensure corrective action is instrumentation and online monitoring undertaken when there are discrepancies between equipment cross-calibrations were noted bench and online instrumentation testing results. with no corrective action documented.

Water quality plant log sheets at several Water treatment plant log sheets to be reviewed and water treatment plants imply three tests updated so that records for water treatment plants per week, but an operator mentioned that managed by CAMS and Veolia are consistent. this can vary if issues arise at other water Procedures will be reviewed to ensure minimum treatment plants. required attendance and testing at water treatment Isolated records were noted where the plants is maintained. results of bench and online instrumentation calibration checks is not always recorded.

52 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

There was no evidence of communication Communication protocol with this particular with the landowner of the farm property landowner regarding impact of chemical spray across the road from the Goornong water applications to be established. treatment plant (land is cropped and thus There will be an increased focus on the risks requires chemical spray applications). associated with outside activities (such as agricultural chemical spraying) impacting water quality as part of the next system risk register review.

At a particular water treatment plant, there The procedures and quality assurance systems at was an over-reliance on the supplier to relevant sites to be reviewed to improve documented ensure satisfactory chemical quality. The quality control for receivable materials. certificate of analysis is rarely received or reviewed. The quality assurance programs do not ensure that the supplied chemicals conform to requirements in the product specifications.

A delivery of 12.5 per cent sodium Operators will be given regular training to reinforce hypochlorite had a certificate of analysis the need for checking the certificate analysis against with a result of 14.33 per cent. This was the approved product specification range for all outside the product specification range of supplies. 12.5–13 per cent but had been approved by the supplier and not rejected by the water treatment plant operator; the paperwork was signed off on delivery.

An unapproved can of surface spray was Operators will be given regular training to reinforce observed at a water treatment plant. the need for checking whether materials purchased are included in the list of approved materials.

Water quality notifications There were four notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and Coliban Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

53 Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by Coliban Water during 2009–10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 149 0.26 Taste/odour 92 0.16 Air in water 0 0 Blue water 0 0 Illness 0 0 Other 0 0

There were a relatively high number of complaints in the Echuca system during 2009–10. These complaints related to an increase in taste and/or odour complaints associated with the blue-green algal bloom and an increase in colour complaints due to the heavy rain events in March and April 2010, which caused elevated colour in the Murray River.

2009–10 Highlights

Water quality improvement projects A water quality improvement project commenced in March 2006 to upgrade disinfection, filtration and process monitoring at Axedale, Boort, Bridgewater/Inglewood, Cohuna, Echuca, Elmore, Goornong, Gunbower, Heathcote, Korong Vale, Laanecoorie, Leitchville, Lockington, Pyramid Hill, Raywood, Rochester, Serpentine and Trentham water treatment plants.

Upgrading of the chemical dosing systems at the above water treatment plants commenced in June 2010 and is due for completion December 2011.

A reverse osmosis facility was commissioned in October 2009 at the Bridgewater water treatment plant in order to reduce the salinity levels in Bridgewater and Inglewood’s drinking water system.

54 East Gippsland Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by East Gippsland Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by East Gippsland Water as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

For detailed water quality data, including data about other aesthetic characteristics of the drinking water, refer to East Gippsland Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.egwater.vic.gov.au/NewsandPublications/Publications/tabid/87/Default.aspx

Risk management plan audit The audit of East Gippsland Water’s risk management plan was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in East Gippsland Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

The audit found that East Gippsland Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with East Gippsland Water’s response, are summarised on the following page.

55 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

A water treatment and disinfection plant Revise form used by Water Treatment Plant Operator monitoring form could be developed for use Teams and depot staff to record manual onsite water across all sites at East Gippsland Water. This quality testing results and compare with SCADA form could include a section for recording results to ensure consistent recording of calibration whether a calibration was required when the actions. Form will include a reminder to ensure that online SCADA result is compared with the trends are noted and investigated. A template has operator’s test results.’ (Note: The auditor been drafted and is being customised to each site. also suggested a method to ensure that any Conduct staff training on use of the new form and the trends are noted and/or investigated.) use of consistent trigger points for calibration actions.

Some expired buffers and testing chemicals Identify and dispose of any expired testing chemicals were seen in the laboratory at the Swift’s at all sites. Creek water treatment plant. Conduct training to ensure that staff are recording dates as bottles are opened, routinely checking expiration dates, ensuring maintenance of supply stock, etc.

Security and water quality checks of the Review related forms and processes and combine facilities with corresponding records were inspection activities and forms as appropriate. sighted at Eagle Point disinfection plant. Revise onsite form to include a description of This formal system could be rolled out to all inspections undertaken, including water quality water systems across East Gippsland Water. considerations (vulnerabilities to microbial (Note: The auditor noted that it is not clear contamination, signs of algal growth, etc). from the form what the various inspections Update dam safety inspection forms and operational entail and that water quality objectives are forms to include these considerations. not indicated.) Conduct training to ensure that staff are performing and documenting site security inspections at appropriate intervals at all sites.

As a best practice initiative, East Gippsland Draft an interim works instruction to ensure that the Water could develop a chemical delivery acceptance of any chemical requires receipt of hard checklist to be completed by treatment copies of certificates of compliance and clean-out operators upon each chemical delivery to assurance. the plant to ensure that all water quality, Draft a checklist to be completed by East Gippsland environmental and OH&S requirements are Water receiving personnel (for example, sign off after met by the delivery driver. checking boxes that certificate of compliance was received, batch number was confirmed, etc.). Conduct staff training on new (interim) chemical receiving procedures. A date for staff training has been identified. Develop a drinking water treatment chemical quality assurance program, including the adoption of specifications for all treatment chemicals. Ensure suppliers’ testing and delivery procedures are consistent with the program.

56 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

A more formal system could also be Make any necessary revisions to interim works developed to demonstrate that appropriate instruction and checklist. staff are checking that the certificates of Conduct staff training on finalised procedures. conformance received match the product specifications.

East Gippsland Water advised that all opportunities for improvement are being addressed in a comprehensive work program.

Water quality notifications There were two notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and East Gippsland Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints relating to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by East Gippsland Water during 2009–10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers*

Discoloured water 43 0.20 Taste/odour 16 0.10 Dirty water 24 0.10 Air in water 2 0.01 Suspected illness 0 0 Other 3 0.01 * Based on number of water supply connections.

The number of water quality complaints remained low. There was an increase in discoloured and dirty water compared to the previous reporting period. Instances of discoloured water were in part due to movement of sediment after reinstatement of mains or temporary shutdown of supplies, as well as internal plumbing issues (for example, galvanised iron pipes). The causes of complaints about dirty water ranged from ingress of dirt during mains repairs or works through to internal plumbing problems (for example, rust flakes from galvanised iron services).

The main causes for taste and odour complaints were variability in customer tolerance to levels of chlorine in drinking water and seasonal fluctuations due to higher usage or flows during holiday periods and the presence of algae in the source water for unfiltered supplies. There were also some instances of a chemical reaction between pipe material, internal plumbing and appliances with the disinfectant chemical that caused a ‘medicinal’ taste.

57 2009–10 Highlights

Capital works program East Gippsland Water officially opened the Woodglen Water Treatment Plant and Woodglen Reservoir 2 (713 ML off-stream raw water storage to secure water supply and quality for over 18,000 customers). In conjunction with these two major projects, a 160 ML open-water storage at Sarsfield was replaced with a 6 ML tank. These key projects will further improve the security of water supply and significantly enhance the quality of the water being delivered to 80 per cent of East Gippsland Water’s customers in 11 different water sampling localities. Ongoing compliance with water quality standards East Gippsland Water achieved 100 per cent compliance in all water sampling localities in 2009–10 and each of the previous two reporting periods. Installation of SCADA Installation of SCADA systems has been completed at 29 key sites.

58 Gippsland Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by Gippsland Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Locality not complying with water quality standard

Aluminium Rawson

Gippsland Water investigated the elevated aluminium result but could not identify a cause. However, due to indications in the historical data that occasional exceedance of this parameter occurs, Gippsland Water changed the chemical coagulant used to remove the risk of any future exceedance.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by Gippsland Water, as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program, satisfied the relevant health guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

For detailed water quality data, including data about other aesthetic characteristics of the water, refer to Gippsland Water’s Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.gippswater.com.au/Portals/0/Drinking_Water_Quality_Annual_Report_2010.pdf

Risk management plan audit The audit of Gippsland Water’s risk management plan was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in Gippsland Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

The audit found that Gippsland Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Gippsland Water’s response, are summarised below.

59 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Need to formalise who reviews the updated The template document was changed to include a plans. This action can be simply done by review table; this will be incorporated in the next risk recording the information in the appropriate management review. column with the method of revision (for example, requested via email).

Include quantification of catchment water These items have been included in the drinking water quality risks. catchment five-year management plan 2009–14 and Improve mapping and, based on such will be revised in the next risk management review. mapping, review the risks to groundwater recharge areas. The risk scoring system is currently aligned with the corporate process, but could benefit from being expanded to be aligned with the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines requirements. A clear statement could be included in Table 1 to show that toxins and radiological hazards are clearly identified.

Monthly calibration records were not A process has been implemented with Gippsland available on the day of the audit. In addition, Water’s mechanical and electrical contractor to significant drift between calibrations and complete calibrations in triplicate and centralise the use of single rather than two-point calibration records. calibrations were noted. These issues Preparation of standardised calibration procedures applied to critical-limit turbidity monitoring has commenced. instruments.

For distribution diagrams, make sure that Completed direction of water flow is indicated clearly.

Position titles on the intranet need to be Completed updated to match those in the generic risk management plan.

The store inspection found that inspection The inspection kit in question was for a waste water kits were out of date, Gibault connecters site. The out-of-date inspection kit and the Gibault were rusted and some parts for a water connectors have been disposed of. main repair were unavailable when required.

Continue to resource and support the These items will be incorporated in the Gippsland existing broad program of improving Water corporate plan and labour resource model. the reliability and quality of the telemetry systems.

60 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Review the approach used to operationally A tank condition assessment process has been monitor the integrity of the vermin-proofing developed by Gippsland Water’s planning and and security barriers on tank roofs that are development group. This process will be used difficult to access, particularly for tanks with to assess and prioritise works based on risk. low disinfectant residuals, and develop a systematic approach to reduce water safety risks to acceptable levels.

Review the need for a specific procedure Liaison with other water suppliers has commenced to manage water quality risks arising due to and a review of the new WSA03 standards will take burst main repairs. place over time.

All chemical filling points need appropriate This item has been added to site improvement plans signage. for each water treatment plant.

Remove the filter housing on the turbidity This action will be clarified as part of the annual site line at Moe water treatment plant unless it improvement review. is there for a good reason.

Align the limiting numerical values stated in These items will be incorporated in the next risk the risk management plan, SCADA and the management review. alert limit tables. This particularly applies to critical limits if applying the definition literally, as per the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Consider requesting raw data from These items will be discussed with Melbourne Water. Melbourne Water to allow results to be input They currently provide data to Gippsland Water in into the water quality database and analysed report format on a quarterly basis associated with together with Gippsland Water’s data. Tarago Reservoir. Gippsland Water could request Melbourne Water to provide it with exceedance results or incidents rather than all data. Gippsland Water could provide its water treatment plant intake limits to Southern Rural Water.

Keep ensuring that operators and all staff Gippsland Water is currently undertaking a review of are kept up to date with water quality operator competencies. Training is being entered into training and aware of the importance our performance management system. Emergency of maintaining water quality at all times. management training has been identified and will be Treatment training or field operations implemented on an ongoing basis. matrices could be put on TRIM for ease of access. Ensure that the emergency management training schedule is resumed.

61 Water quality notifications There was one notification made to the department during 2009 –10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and Gippsland Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by Gippsland Water during 2009–10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 125 0.192 Taste/odour 49 0.075 Blue water 6 0.009 Air in water 28 0.043 Suspected illness 1 0.002 Other 0 0 Gippsland Water experienced an increase in discoloured water complaints during the reporting period compared to the 2008–09 reporting period. Gippsland Water advised that this increase was predominantly due to a dirty water event that occurred in Traralgon in October 2009.

2009–10 Highlights

Ongoing compliance with Escherichia coli water quality standards Gippsland Water achieved 100 per cent compliance in all water localities for the Escherichia coli water quality standard in 2009 –10 and in each of the previous two reporting periods. Audit improvement opportunities As a result of the audit process, many of the identified improvement opportunities have been completed or had been progressed by the end of the reporting period.

62 Goulburn-Murray Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Overview Goulburn-Murray Water does not supply treated drinking water to any customers. It supplies water for irrigation and other rural and stock purposes and to other water suppliers for treatment to a drinking water standard.

Risk management plan audit The audit of Goulburn-Murray Water’s risk management plan audit was completed in November 2009. The audit certificate is included in Goulburn-Murray Water’s Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.g-mwater.com.au/downloads/Safe_Drinking_Water_Acts/2970374_v1_SAFE_DRINKING_ WATER_ACT_2009_2010_ANNUAL_WATER_QUALITY_REPORT.pdf

The audit found that Goulburn-Murray Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Goulburn-Murray Water’s response, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

The combined system-specific risk The register is being added to and prioritised within register contains 600–700 hazards. It Goulburn-Murray Water’s Safe Drinking Water Act is recommended that Goulburn-Murray action plans. Water determine how it intends to use this information, because it is currently a large register to maintain and engage stakeholders to review.

63 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

In section 3.3 of the system-specific risk A process of continual review is being added to management plans, state that the risk and prioritised within Goulburn-Murray Water’s Safe register will be reviewed as part of the Drinking Water Act action plans. annual risk management plan review process. However, with a register of this size, this is impractical. It is recommended that a process of continual review be articulated, which might focus on very high and high risks and might occur more often than annually. It is recommended that Goulburn-Murray Water quality data trends and related issues have Water discuss the water suppliers’ annual been added as routine items for discussion at water quality monitoring reports and engagement meetings. exceedances with the water suppliers annually. This will enable discussion about trends in raw water quality and will also serve as a check if Goulburn-Murray Water was appropriately notified of incidents. It is recommended that the Major Storages Major storages operational monitoring program Operational Monitoring Program Annual annual report is completed. Report be compiled closer to the end of the sampling/calendar year. It is currently completed in draft form one year after the completion of the sampling year. This would enable more prompt response to trends and better monitoring to investigate any trends in the following year.

It is recommended that the blue-green algae Procedure has been amended as suggested. incident response plan and blue-green algae response procedure include the notification of water suppliers of an alert level 3 (along with the other agencies to be notified) when it occurs in a system supplying water to water suppliers. It is recommended that when a letter Procedure has been amended as suggested. is generated in the herbicide spraying sensitive user notification system, the date is automatically inserted by the database so that the process can be traced. This would enable the Manager, Aquatic Plants or their delegate to verify these records.

64 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Details for reviews of the HLRMP, system- Procedure amended as suggested. specific risk management plans and related documents should be stated in only one section of the risk management plans to avoid inconsistency. In some cases the review of a particular element (such as the risk register) was mentioned in two places (section 3.3 and section 1.2) with different dates given. Instead, it is recommended that a single table be included that specifies elements or documents to be reviewed and the schedule.

Water quality notifications During 2009–10 Goulburn-Murray Water recorded 194 incidents, of which 73 were regarded as potentially having the ability to affect the quality of water supplied to regional water corporations or potentially posing a risk to human health. Of the 73 incidents, only six were related to Goulburn- Murray Water works or operations during another relatively dry and hot year. The remaining incidents were caused by persons unknown, landholders or regional water suppliers external to Goulburn- Murray Water.

None of these incidents were classed as emergencies. The most commonly reported incidents were dead animals in channels and waterways (both terrestrial and aquatic animals), vehicle or boat accidents and poor water quality.

Goulburn-Murray Water advises the department of any blue-green algal blooms that could potentially affect public health, either via drinking water or recreational water use. The most significant bloom affected extensive reaches of the Murray River from Lake Hume near Albury to Mildura in March and April 2010. The bloom included potentially toxic species of algae and persisted from March until early May 2010.

The overall response to the bloom was coordinated by the Murray Regional Algal Coordinating Committee. There was a high level of cooperation between all agencies involved at the operational level, in both Victoria and New South Wales. The committee issued weekly media releases about the status of the bloom and additional information was made available via websites and telephone information services in both Victoria and New South Wales. Goulburn-Murray Water coordinated the Victorian response. Warning signs were erected at access points to public lands along the river. No reports of adverse health effects due to the bloom were received and no drinking water supplies in Victoria were affected.

A number of other blue-green algal blooms occurred during 2009–10 within Goulburn-Murray Water’s area of responsibility that had the potential to impact drinking water supplies (including blooms on Broken Creek, Tallaroop Reservoir and the Gunbower Creek system). All these blooms were managed well by Goulburn-Murray Water and no drinking water supplies were adversely impacted.

65 Goulburn-Murray Water has also, with the assistance of the department, developed a management strategy to ensure that its customers and members of the public are aware that water supplied or managed by Goulburn-Murray Water is untreated and not suitable for human consumption.

For further information on the management strategy for non-potable supplies, blue-green algal blooms or environmental incidents, refer to Goulburn-Murray Water’s Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

2009–10 Highlights

Information sharing and monitoring programs During ongoing dry conditions Goulburn-Murray Water has liaised with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Catchment Management Authorities and regional water suppliers to share limited water resources while minimising adverse effects on the environment, town water supplies and other rural water users. As a result, additional water quality monitoring programs and coordination groups have been established to ensure that information is shared with relevant parties and, in some areas, the monitoring programs have been expanded to include the effects of bushfires in the catchment. Research projects Several of Goulburn-Murray Water’s research programs continued to look at developing effective monitoring tools for heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides. Some of these programs are being undertaken in conjunction with CSIRO, universities, state government agencies, catchment management authorities and other water businesses. While the field component of these programs was completed during 2009 –10, the data analysis and report are still to be completed. Sugarloaf pipeline Operation of Sugarloaf pipeline commenced in February 2010. Goulburn-Murray Water has actively liaised with Melbourne Water (the water storage manager of Sugarloaf Reservoir), Yarra Valley Water, City West Water and South East Water (as relevant water suppliers) to ensure that risk management plans appropriately reflect the supply and communication of water quality information and incident notification procedures are in place. Waterway incident response agreements Goulburn-Murray Water has entered into waterway incident response agreements with its catchment partners in the Goulburn Broken and North East catchment regions. The agreements define the structures, roles and responsibilities for stakeholder agencies in relation to waterway incident response and provide agreed incident classification frameworks and communication protocols.

66 Goulburn Valley Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by Goulburn Valley Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Locality not complying with water quality standard

Trichloroacetic acid Bonnie Doon, Thornton Trihalomethanes Pyalong, Thornton Aluminium Seymour, Avenel, Mansfield, Nagambie, Bonnie Doon and Katandra West

There was one non-compliant result for trichloroacetic acid and two for acid-soluble aluminium at Bonnie Doon, which were recorded prior to the commissioning of the new Bonnie Doon Dissolved Air Flotation Filtration (DAFF) water treatment plant. There have not been any non-compliance issues at Bonnie Doon since the commissioning of the new plant.

The high trihalomethane result in Pyalong in February 2010 was due to a short-term process control problem, resulting in an elevated level of chlorine leaving the water treatment plant. Follow-up samples complied with the water quality standard.

The elevated levels of trichloroacetic acid and trihalomethanes at Thornton were caused by high levels of organic matter in the raw water, which could not be removed by the existing treatment process. An undertaking is currently in place for Thornton, under which a pipeline to supply Thornton with treated water from Alexandra is being constructed.

During 2009–10, non-compliant aluminium results were recorded for Seymour, Avenel, Mansfield, Nagambie and Katandra West. Goulburn Valley Water advised that all were isolated, single events due to short-term process control issues at the water treatment plants. These results did not pose a risk to public health.

67 Other water quality issues of potential health significance Chlorine dioxide is used as a disinfectant in the water supply system for Marysville and Buxton. The levels of naturally-occurring organic matter and iron in the raw water regularly result in elevated levels of chlorite and chlorate in these localities. During 2009–10 two samples exceeded the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines’ health-based guideline value for chlorite (0.3 mg/L). There is no health-based guideline value established for chlorate.

Goulburn Valley Water has an undertaking in place for the Buxton and Marysville supplies to address these issues. As a result, Goulburn Valley Water advised that they will develop options of alternative disinfection for these supplies and engage the community in the process. A solution to the problem has not yet been determined.

Chloral hydrate is a disinfection by-product arising from chlorination of water containing naturally occurring organic material. It was detected in supplies to Thornton, Bonnie Doon, Nagambie, Longwood, Pyalong, Upper Delatite and Tallarook. Each detection was an isolated event. The health significance of chloral hydrate is currently being reviewed in consultation with the department.

To address the toxic blue green algal bloom present in the Murray River earlier in 2010, Goulburn Valley Water incorporated powered activated carbon dosing into the existing treatment regimen at Cobram water treatment plant, which supplies Cobram, Yarroweyah and Strathmerton, as well as at Barmah water treatment plant. Regular monitoring and testing for blue green algae continued during this event.

All other parameters measured by Goulburn Valley Water as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

Goulburn Valley Water manages a number of non-potable (non-drinking) water supplies in its region. Goulburn Valley Water has continued its customer communications to ensure that such non-drinking supplies are not consumed or confused as drinking water supplies.

For detailed water quality data, including data about other aesthetic characteristics of the drinking water, raw water monitoring and undertakings, refer to Goulburn Valley Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009 –10. The report can be found: www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/communications/publications/images/Annual_Report_Water_ Quality_2009-10.pdf

Risk management plan audit The audit of Goulburn Valley Water’s risk management plan was completed in October 2009. The audit certificate is included in Goulburn Valley Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009 –10.

68 The audit found that Goulburn Valley Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Goulburn Valley Water’s response, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

At Barmah, raw water at the catchment Raw water will continue be tested for colour as offtake is not tested for colour as outlined necessary, however the requirement has been in the HACCP monitoring plan although reviewed and is no longer required as part of the turbidity and pH are measured at this point. HACCP monitoring plan.

At Picola, post-filtration aluminium testing of Filtered water will continue to be tested for aluminium water is not conducted. Aluminium testing as necessary. However, the requirement has been is tested at the post-chemical-dosing and reviewed and is no longer required as part of the clear water storage’ stage. HACCP monitoring plan.

Several HACCP plans require records to be Records for oil sheens on clarifiers shall only be kept for inspections of ‘an oil sheen’ for post recorded if present. The requirement has been sedimentation water in case of a fuel spill. reviewed and is no longer required as part of the However, this is only recorded by exception HACCP monitoring plan. and no records were available for 2009.

It was noted that for several cross-check The requirement to investigate discrepancies in water readings taken by the treatment plant quality results and take appropriate action will be operator at Kyabram water treatment plant emphasised to water treatment operators. in October 2009, the online turbidity meter was reading around 0.09 NTU but the laboratory reading was 0.5–0.6 NTU and no corrective action was documented.

The Kyabram HACCP monitoring plan has The alert and critical limits have been reviewed a raw water colour alert limit of <30 HU and are not longer required as part of the HACCP and a critical limit of <30 HU. A colour monitoring plan. reading of 115 HU was obtained for raw water on 22 October 2009 but no corrective action was taken.

The Numurkah HACCP monitoring plan has The alert limit has been reviewed and is no longer a turbidity alert limit of <30 NTU. Records required as part of the HACCP monitoring plan. show that all turbidity testing of raw water is over 30 NTU but no corrective action was taken.

Water quality notifications There were twenty two notifications made to the department during 2009 –10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and Goulburn Valley Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009 –10.

69 Water quality notifications There were twenty two notifications made to the department during 2009 –10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and Goulburn Valley Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009 –10.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 218 0.412 Taste/odour 41 0.077 Blue water 0 0.000 Air in water 5 0.009 Alleged illness 0 0.000 Other 3 0.006

Goulburn Valley Water advised that 259 of the complaints received related to taste and odour and discoloured water. Of these, 107 complaints were due to a single event in Broadford. In February 2010 Goulburn Valley Water received a high number of customer complaints related to dirty water at Broadford. The treated water leaving the water treatment plant was of a safe quality. However, high levels of iron and manganese were detected in the Broadford reticulation system. Investigation revealed significant levels of iron and manganese in the Sunday Creek Reservoir and the Broadford onsite raw water storage reservoir. The raw water was being sourced from near the bottom of the Broadford Reservoir, which contained the highest concentrations of iron and manganese. The treatment plant was not completely removing the manganese, which was resulting in the high colour and turbidity in the reticulation system. A permanent floating raw water offtake was installed, which has now resolved the issue.

Shepparton, Mansfield, Kilmore and Seymour were the other main sources of the taste, odour and discoloured water complaints listed above. These complaints were isolated in nature and were generally resolved by mains flushing in the local area.

2009–10 Highlights

Capital works and improvements • Completion and commissioning of a new dissolved air flotation filtration water treatment plant at Bonnie Doon. • Construction of a new pipeline to deliver treated water from Alexandra water treatment plant to Thornton and Eildon townships is near completion. • Refurbishment of the filtration process at the Tongala water treatment plant. • Completion of new fluoride dosing plants at Seymour and Kyabram. • Reconstruction and upgrade to the Kilmore water treatment plant commenced, which includes an additional onsite clear water storage and sludge handling facility. • Construction of a new clear water storage at the Tatura water treatment plant commenced.

70 Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (GWM Water) during 2009 –10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Locality not complying with water quality standard

Aluminium Stawell, Underbool and Warracknabeal

Turbidity Lalbert, Manangatang, Nullawil and Ultima

Trihalomethanes Donald, Minyip, Quambatook, Rupanyup and Wycheproof

Trichloroacetic acid Beulah, Great Western, Jung, Minyip, Rupanyup, Woomelang and Wycheproof

Elevated acid-soluble aluminium results were recorded in the localities of Stawell, Underbool and Warracknabeal. There were no apparent reasons for the non-compliant results at Stawell and Warracknabeal.

The elevated acid-soluble aluminium result at Underbool was due to a rise in the filtered water turbidity. To counter this rise, the operator raised the alum dose. This had little effect on the turbidity, but led to the aluminium breaking through the filter. The water treatment operator subsequently identified a blocked static alum mixer. GWM Water undertook flushing of the reticulation system to reduce the concentration of acid-soluble aluminium to below 0.2 mg/L.

GWM Water completed undertakings at Lalbert, Manangatang, Nullawil and Ultima during the reporting period, which required that new tank storages be built at all four towns. Dispersive clay from the existing earthen raw water storages had been entering the water supply systems, which caused the turbidity in the supplies.

While the turbidity levels in the towns reduced after commissioning of the new tanks, turbidity levels were still non-compliant. This was primarily due to reductions in raw water quality in the Murray River, which supplies all four towns.

71 GWM Water is currently in negotiations with the department regarding the best way to resolve the turbidity issues in these towns.

For water supplies without coagulation or filtration facilities, GWM Water has no means of controlling levels of disinfection by-products in these water supplies. Before the completion of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, systematic and ongoing non-compliances with the trihalomethanes standard in both fully treated (that is, with coagulation or filtration facilities) and disinfection-only supplies were common in GMW Water sampling locations.

Donald experienced three non-compliant results for trihalomethanes in July, August and September of 2009, which were all received prior to the town’s connection to the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline. Since Donald has been connected to the pipeline all trihalomethanes results have been compliant.

Sporadic non-compliances in Minyip, Rupanyup and Wycheproof were also recorded during the reporting period. These results occurred during the summer months when the chlorine dose had to be increased to maintain adequate microbiological disinfection. In the case of Quambatook, the non-compliance occurred when excess weed growth in the raw water storage led to an increased concentration of organic compounds in the raw water. Although the weed was removed, the associated increases in organic load led to elevated disinfection by-product concentrations.

Non-complying trichloroacetic acid results have now become an issue in some disinfection-only supplies that receive water from the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline. The problem exists in towns that have new tank storages rather than open lined-earthen storages (Beulah, Great Western, Jung, Minyip, Rupanyup, Woomelang and Wycheproof). GWM Water closely monitored the increases in the trichloroacetic acid results and notified the department before any non-complying results were received.

In response to these non-compliances, GWM Water is currently trialling aeration in Lake Belfield, the major supply reservoir in the Grampians Headworks system, to try and lower the concentration of natural organic matter in the raw water.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by GWM Water as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

For detailed water quality data, including data about other aesthetic characteristics of the water, refer to Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009 –10. The report can be found: www.gwmwater.org.au/information/publications/cat_view/116-reports- and-policies/80-annual-and-sustainability-reports

Risk management plan audit The audit of GWM Water’s risk management plan was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009 –10.

The audit found that GWM Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with GWM Water’s response, are summarised on the following page.

72 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

A Microsoft Access database is used to GWM Water plans to roll out personal digital collate, analyse and trend water quality data. assistants (PDAs) for water quality staff with ad Not all filed data are stored in this database hoc water quality data applications to record field and some systems require upgrade. and other testing. Tools are available to assess the data. There Upon the completion of the above item, this is evidence to suggest the water quality recommendation will be implemented. information is reviewed by the water quality management group on a regular basis. It is recommended that back-end electronic scanning programs be built to automatically scan all data on a daily basis and email relevant staff if there are irregularities. Control measures have been identified in GWM Water plans to review these aspects as part of the risk management plan’s table format. the annual risk management plans review. It should also consider how extended drought, fire or high-intensity rainfall events may impact on the safety of water systems. No alternative or additional preventive GWM Water plans to review these suggestions as measures have been identified in the part of the annual risk management plans review. risk manage plans. The effectiveness of existing controls could be measured and the residuals prioritised and checked for appropriateness. All local site records should to be integrated A project to address this is under development. with SCADA and with GWM Water’s Access database. Action should be taken to manage the A program for routine critical asset inspections servicing and maintenance of critical is being established in GWM Water’s asset equipment via the asset management management system. system. There was no evidence of impurity or A standard operating procedure is being developed contamination checks, and there was a by GWM Water for this protocol. heavy reliance on the suppliers’ certificates of analysis. A strict protocol should be developed for the checking and control of chemicals delivered to site. Electronic communication could be This will be implemented as part of the roll out of established to collate all data, including field PDAs for GWM Water’s staff. operational data, and alert two or more staff within the water group of any non-compliant data. At the time of the audit, appropriate GWM Water has a strong training focus for water structures were in place to manage drinking quality staff with a training program aimed at keeping water quality within GWM Water, but effort a high level of water quality skills. is needed to ensure the skill base is kept up to date.

73 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Increase regular in-house training and GWM Water has run a number of in-house training undertake internal audits. It was noted that courses for water quality staff using very experienced a substantial amount of staff training has and qualified trainers from the water quality field. been undertaken since the last audit. Opportunities exist to improve GWM Water water quality technical staff have been understanding of the impacts on water involved with research activities dealing with the quality that may arise because of the change changes of the new piped raw water supply system. to the new piped raw water system.

Include operational data in the collection GWM Water has purchased and installed new and evaluation of long-term data in order to analysing equipment to assist is assessing system assess performance and identify problems. performance.

Water quality notifications There were 10 notifications made to the department during 2009 –10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and GWM Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009 –10.

Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by GWM Water during 2009 –10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 113 0.431 Taste/odour 35 0.133 Blue water 0 0 Air in water 0 0 Suspected illness 0 0 Other 10 0.038

GWM Water received a higher number of complaints in the 2009–10 reporting period than in previous years. The increase in the number of complaints can be attributed to two main factors. The Horsham drinking water supply experienced an increase in the concentration of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) in the raw water supply, which could not be removed by the available conventional water treatment processes. GWM Water is working on various methods of removing MIB from the Horsham supply.

There was also an increase in the number of colour complaints received from disinfection-only towns connected to the Wimmera Mallee pipeline. These can be attributed to the high colour concentration in the raw water being delivered from Lake Belfield. There is no method for removing colour prior to distribution to customers in disinfection-only locations.

74 2009–10 Highlights

Completion of the Wimmera Mallee pipeline project The completion of this project will result in greatly improved raw water quality for many water supply systems, which should result in improved compliance with the water quality standards and generally improved drinking water quality. Improved performance in risk management plan audit Between its first and second risk management plan audit, GWM water put significant time and resources into improving its risk management processes. The result was that at the second audit, GWM Water was found to be compliant with its risk management obligations under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

75 Lower Murray Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by Lower Murray Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by Lower Murray Water as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

An extensive blue-green algal bloom in the Murray River in March to May 2010 stretched, at its peak, from the Hume Weir to Mildura. During this period, elevated blue-green algae cell counts were detected at the intakes to the Koondrook, Kerang, Swan Hill and Piangil treatment plants. Powdered activated carbon was dosed into the raw water supply of each plant. The bloom also affected the northern area water treatment plants, including Robinvale, Red Cliffs, Mildura and Mildura West. Powdered activated carbon dosing was also utilised at these plants during the bloom to address the presence of taste and odour and, potentially, toxins in the water. Toxin analysis was undertaken at the height of the bloom at the Mildura site. Both the raw and treated water samples were found to be free of toxins. The bloom affected the quality of Mildura’s drinking water supplies with taste and odour issues until the introduction of powdered activated carbon.

Lower Murray Water manages a number of non-potable (non-drinking) water supplies. Lower Murray Water has developed a program of public signage and customer consultation that is designed to ensure that such non-drinking supplies are not consumed or confused as drinking water supplies.

For detailed water quality data about other aesthetic characteristics of the drinking water and information about non-drinking supplies, refer to Lower Murray Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.lmw.vic.gov.au/documents/Finaledit09-10f_000.pdf

76 Risk management plan audit Lower Murray Water’s risk management plan audit was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in Lower Murray Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

The audit found that Lower Murray Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Lower Murray Water’s response, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Tools are available to assess the data. Not This area is currently being investigated under a all operational data is collated into a single SCADA project and is expected to be implemented database for analysis and reporting. within this water plan period.

Drinking water quality management plan Periodic reviews will be undertaken and residual risks incorporates long-term improvement to to be adequately managed. maintain water safety. Develop scenarios based on extreme Ongoing program as per suggestion. events as noted in section 3.1.1 of the risk management plan, evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls and prioritise the residuals and verify them for appropriateness. Even though water treatment processes are capable of dealing with issues during extreme events (for example, floods, black water, high turbidity, etc.), these should be monitored more closely during this period to verify and confirm effectiveness.

A number of software programs exist that Ongoing program as per suggestion. can collate vital operational data. However, there is a lack of evidence to suggest that the data are transformed into useful information and reviewed by water quality management team.

A few minor anomalies with process Ongoing program as per suggestion. performance were identified, which requires further research to indentify the root cause of the problem (for example, provide evidence to confirm this is being investigated) based on routine water quality-based results. However, it is an area where there is potential for improvements based on outliers from operational filed data.

77 Water quality notifications There was one notification made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For further details of the notification, refer to Appendix 8 and Lower Murray Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009 –10.

Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by Lower Murray Water during 2009–10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 15 0.048 Taste/odour 145 0.466 Blue water 0 0.00 Air in water 0 0.00 Suspected illness 0 0.00 Other 1 0.003

The number of complaints for the reporting period increased significantly compared with 2008–09. This was mainly due to the Murray River blue-green algal bloom, which caused taste and odour issues in Mildura’s treated drinking water until dosing of powdered activated carbon commenced at the water treatment plant.

The discoloured water complaints were generally due to instances of burst mains or other works being carried out within the reticulation. These were addressed by flushing mains in the areas concerned. Lower Murray Water advised that this problem was exacerbated by the water restrictions in place at the time.

2009–10 Highlights

New source water A new raw water source for the township of Murrabit has been established. The Murrabit supply is now able to source water from the Murray River for treatment. Prior to this, irrigation channel water was Murrabit’s only water source, which can now be used as an alternate source if required. Ongoing compliance in all water sampling localities In four out of the last five reporting periods, Lower Murray Water has achieved 100 per cent compliance in all water sampling localities for all water quality standards. There have been only two occasions where a water sampling locality exceeded a water quality standard; this was in the 2007– 08 reporting period, where two localities exceeded the aluminium water quality standard.

78 Melbourne Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Overview Melbourne Water is unique among water storage managers in that it not only stores and manages water that will eventually be used for drinking water, but it also treats this water to a drinking standard and then distributes this treated water to City West Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water and Western Water. Melbourne Water, therefore, provides water treatment services to approximately 80 per cent of Victoria’s population. With the exception of water supplied to Healesville, Yarra Glen, Seville, Emerald and Upper Yarra townships, all supplies receive fluoridated water.

Risk management plan audit The audit of Melbourne Water’s risk management plan was completed in August 2009. The audit certificate is included in Melbourne Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.melbournewater.com.au/content/publications/reports/annual_report_ to_department_of_health.asp

The audit found that Melbourne Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Melbourne Water’s response, are summarised below.

79 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

The Tarago HACCP plan (dated 15/7/09) The Tarago HACCP plan and SCADA alarms does not accurately reflect the critical limits will be reviewed and updated as required. entered into SCADA for automatic plant shutdown based on turbidity critical control point 3 (CCP3) and chlorine residual (CCP1) levels. The excursion limit for fluoride in SCADA is >1.1 mg/L for >2 minutes while the HACCP plan has >5 minutes. The process control response table must accurately reflect risk assessment outcomes. Automated process controls must be in line with documented critical control point limits. UV, which is identified as a critical control point in the risk assessment table and the process flowchart has not been given a critical control point number in the control response table.

Control of chemicals receival at Tarago Procedures will be reviewed and updated to reflect water treatment plant is not completed as current practices. defined for deliveries of alum and fluorosilicic acid. Quality control of chemical suppliers’ procedures is not completed as defined in the procedures documents. Procedures documents need to be revised to accurately define alternative control protocols in place at the Tarago water treatment plant.

Documentation of the HACCP team The drinking water quality and risk management membership needs to be revised to reflect plan will be updated as required. recent changes to personnel and positions involved.

Four contingency plans were significantly Contingency plans will be reviewed and updated. overdue for review.

Although all process monitoring and testing All instruments and corresponding calibration and equipment has been calibrated, preventive maintenance activities have now been added to maintenance and calibration checking Hansen. of plant and equipment at the recently commissioned Tarago water treatment plant is yet to be added to the Hansen system.

80 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Although awareness levels – as observed Training to be developed in accordance with during the audit – were good, records of Department of Health’s draft code of practice drinking water legislation awareness training for water treatment plant operator competency. were not currently available. (It is noted that planned revision of the skills matrix manual, approximately scheduled for rollout in November 2009, is to include a MWC- specific training module on drinking water legislation).

Some emergency standard operating Procedures will be checked to determine when last procedures and contingency plans were exercised and a program to review the plans will be enacted over the past two years. However, developed accordingly. other standard operating procedures and plans have been identified (and procedures documented) that have not been trialled. The review of contingency plans and emergency standard operating procedures should identify the last use of the procedure(s) and ‘mock’ scenarios established for planned trials of infrequently used contingency plans and emergency procedures.

Water quality notifications Under the reporting protocol that exists between Melbourne Water and City West Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water and agreed to by the department, Melbourne Water reports to the department failures of, or incidents with, its assets or infrastructure. The water suppliers (City West Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water) report instances of customer complaints or failures of any infrastructure that they manage.

There were three notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and Melbourne Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

81 2009–10 Highlights

Maximisation of the Winneke Water Treatment Plant Melbourne Water supplies Melbourne’s northern, eastern, central and western suburbs via the Winneke water treatment plant. In order to improve reliability and water production rates, Winneke water treatment plant was upgraded during 2009–10. The increased flows from the Winneke water treatment plant necessitated the flushing of the water main from the plant to Preston, in order to remove the build-up of materials such as manganese and sediment in the pipe, which can break loose and enter the water supply, prior to the commencement of the higher flows. A new pumping station was constructed at Preston to maximise the supply of water from Winneke water treatment plant. Operation of the pump station involves reversing the traditional direction of water flow in the mains at Preston. Melbourne Water worked closely with City West Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water and Western Water to manage the changes and the risks to customers. Following the commissioning of the pump station, water quality has remained at a very high standard, with no customer complaints associated with the changed source of water.

82 North East Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by North East Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Localities not complying with water quality standard

Aluminium Beechworth High and Low level, Bright, Glenrowan, Tawonga, Oxley Trichloroacetic acid Springhurst

Trihalomethane Springhurst

The non-compliance result at Springhurst for trichloroacetic acid and trihalomethanes occurred in January 2010 due to an ongoing algae presence and subsequent elevated dissolved organic carbon levels in the raw water source. This situation led to treatment challenges and the water treatment plant was taken offline and treated drinking water was carted from Wangaratta from October 2009.

In the case of Bright, Glenrowan, Oxley and Tawonga, the non-compliance for acid-soluble aluminium resulted from a single result above the standard in each locality.

The non-compliance of the aluminium water quality standard in Beechworth (upper and lower levels) occurred in February 2010. A second non-compliant result for Beechworth lower level was recorded in April 2010.

Individual non-compliances for aluminium indicate a number of contributing factors, including characteristics of the raw water, changes in operations, weather impacts and the type of coagulant used in treatment process. In response to the non-compliances, North East Water optimised their water treatment processes to reduce the amount of acid-soluble aluminium that was being carried over into the treated water. All non-compliances were reported to the department under section 18 of the Act.

None of these results posed a risk to public health.

83 Other water quality issues of potential health significance On five occasions within the Whitfield supply, chlorite levels exceeded the health-related guideline value set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The guideline limit for chlorite is 0.3 mg/L and a maximum value of 0.5 mg/L was recorded.

North East Water has made efforts to improve the effectiveness of the Whitfield water treatment plant, including implementation of a coarse screen filter, dosing of algaecide, investigation into ground water availability and optimisation of chlorine dioxide dosing. Investigations into future treatment options are now underway, including a new raw water source for improved water quality and water supply security.

The localities of Myrtleford, Tawonga and Mount Beauty utilise methods of disinfection that do not provide residual disinfectant in the reticulation system. The Myrtleford water supply system is disinfected with ultraviolet light and the Tawonga and Mount Beauty water supply system is disinfected with ozone.

There were a number of Escherichia coli and Enterococci detections in Myrtleford, Tawonga and Mount Beauty, which were detected through extra monitoring of the system. Interim chlorine disinfection without filtration commenced in February 2010 at the Mount Beauty water treatment plant while the water treatment plant was being upgraded. The Mount Beauty water treatment plant supplies the Tawonga, Tawonga South and Mount Beauty reticulation systems.

Multiple barrier upgrades to the Mount Beauty and Myrtleford water treatment plants are currently underway to improve drinking water quality. The Mount Beauty upgrade is due for completion in September 2010 and the Myrtleford upgrade is due for completion in 2011.

At the direction of the department, a seasonal boil water notice was implemented for the Myrtleford water supply system from 1 November 2009 to 30 April 2010.

In response to the significant blue-green algal bloom along the Murray River, North East Water incorporated powdered activated carbon dosing to the affected water treatment plants, to remove the algae and associated taste and odour.

For detailed water quality data, including data about other aesthetic characteristics of the drinking water, raw water quality monitoring and undertakings, refer to North East Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.nerwa.vic.gov.au/communications/publications/images/NEW_Annual_Water_Quality_ Report_2009-10.pdf

Risk management plan audit North East Water’s risk management plan audit was completed in October 2009. The auditor found that North East Water did not comply with the obligations of the Act. Three minor non-compliance audit findings led to the non-compliant result. The auditor also highlighted opportunities for improvements.

84 Risk management plan audit North East Water’s risk management plan audit was completed in October 2009. The auditor found that North East Water did not comply with the obligations of the Act. Three minor non-compliance audit findings led to the non-compliant result. The auditor also highlighted opportunities for improvements.

The most significant audit findings and the proposed actions are set out in the table below.

An additional audit (voluntary) was undertaken in May 2010, which found North East Water to be compliant with the obligations of the Act and that they had corrected the minor non-compliances identified in the previous audit. The audit certificate showing compliance is included in North East Water’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2009–10.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

In the Benalla HACCP table the critical Records were located for the period February and control point for water harvesting has March 2009 and filed correctly. a requirement for weekly microscopy checks between December and April and the monthly checks between May and November for blue-green algae. Records for these checks in February or March 2009 were not found.

In the Benalla HACCP table the critical The low-level set point was reviewed and the alarms control point for the closed storage tank are set on SCADA based on volume of the clear low-level set point is 2.5 metres but this is water storage. not alarmed in the SCADA system.

In the Wangaratta HACCP table the critical The HACCP table was reviewed and critical control control point for water harvesting has a points were adjusted based on risk assessments. requirement for daily water testing for Log sheets were adjusted. turbidity, colour, temperature, iron and manganese, but records showed that iron and manganese are only tested a few times per month.

Operators are not recording that they have The recording was being done. A software problem tested for and found residual chlorine after was rectified so that the chlorine residual entries are repairing a break or burst water pipe. retrieved on reports.

Section 10.4 of the drinking water quality All monitoring frequencies were adjusted for management system references annual consistency across the drinking water quality calibration and cleaning of monitoring management system reference manual and instruments. It also lists nominal frequencies respective log sheets. of weekly calibration for pH meters and monthly for other instrumentation measuring a critical limit. Not all calibration records sighted in the treatment plants had a weekly requirement for all instruments. This weekly frequency was not being achieved at all water treatment plants.

85 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

All treatment plant operators could formally Task log sheets include inspections of water storages complete visual inspection reports to show for water quality security. that they have inspected for any potential water quality issues, such as security of storage. Two small containers of thistle killer 750 The containers were removed from water treatment and tree and blackberry killer were sighted plant site and a chemical management system was in the shed at Wodonga treatment plant. developed in conjunction with the occupational No evidence was available to demonstrate health and safety management system. that they were approved for use at a water treatment plant.

Some expired pH buffers and chlorine test All expired pH buffers and chlorine test tablets were tablets were sighted at the water treatment removed and replaced. plants.

Laboratory chemicals do not always have Training has been conducted on labelling standards. preparation or use-by dates recorded on the Preparation and use-by dates now exist on all containers. chemical containers.

The Yackandandah HACCP table critical Critical control points were reviewed and the control point for water harvesting requires microscopy check was removed when the HACCP a microscopy check for water microbial chart was updated. hazards and, under the monitoring parameter, for the notification of a spill, animals or people in the catchment, though if it is considered not relevant or practical it is not done at the water treatment plant. pH calibration using buffers 4 and 7 are Calibration records are being reviewed and values will normally only recorded as a tick or pass. be recorded where possible. The actual values obtained could be recorded on the calibration sheets. Calibration tolerances for calibration checks Data collected on calibration is being reviewed between online and handheld or laboratory based on historical data and objectives for respective instrumentation could be developed to treatment plants to determine tolerance levels for ensure that action is taken when deviations equipment. in results are found.

Water quality notifications There were 26 notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and North East Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by North East Water during 2009 –10 is provided in the table on the next page.

86 Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 8 0.018 Taste/odour 55 0.121 Blue water 0 0.000 Air in water 1 0.002 Suspected illness 3 0.007 Other 10 0.022

The most common type of complaint received by North East Water was regarding taste and odour. Significant levels of algae were present in the Murray River system and other towns with large raw water storages in the reporting period. Taste and odour removal can occur at the water treatment plant with the use of powdered activated carbon, but not all sites have this process available.

Approximately a third of the taste and odour complaints received were related to algae. Sixty per cent of the taste and odour complaints were related to chlorine where an interim chlorination plant was installed as part of a water treatment plant upgrade when towns changed their disinfection method. Other taste and odour complaints were related to town supplies where the supply is unfiltered and taste and odour control measures are unavailable.

The second most commonly received complaint type – ‘other’ – included complaints about or objection to the addition of chlorine, household water filter blockages and grit in the water causing clothes washing stains and the staining of basins, tubs and pipe fittings.

Dirty or discoloured water was the third most common type of complaint received by North East Water in 2009–10. North East Water maintenance staff responded to these complaints and service requests by visiting the site and investigating the complaint. Causes of discolouration include biofilm sloughing off the mains resulting in sediment at customer taps, the presence of some types of algae or iron and manganese in water.

2009–10 Highlights

New drinking water supply Eskdale, a small township of approximately 90 residents in the Mitta Mitta Valley in north-east Victoria has relied on a community operated drinking water scheme since the 1950s. In February 2009, the creek ran dry, leaving the residents without water. Despite the lack of a formal obligation to do so, North East Water immediately assisted via coordination of tankers of potable water to the town. In response, a long-term solution for the town was initiated by North East Water. At an estimated cost of $1.1 million, to be shared between key stakeholders, the town received a new water supply that included a river offtake pump station, construction of a new water treatment plant and storage tank and a new reticulation system. This was the first north-east Victorian town to receive a new drinking water supply in three decades. The new safe and reliable drinking water supply for Eskdale was commissioned on 30 November 2009; since this time it has maintained compliance with the Act in the first nine months of full operation with excellent water quality results.

87 Parks Victoria

Overview Parks Victoria provides water to approximately 260 sites within the areas it manages across Victoria. During 2009–10 Parks Victoria provided drinking water to five of these 260 sites, which have been declared water sampling localities under the Safe Drinking Water Regulations. The five localities are Gabo Island Lightstation, Lakeside/Candlebark Campgrounds (Lake Eildon National Park), Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility, Tidal River and Wilsons Promontory Lightstation.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied by Parks Victoria during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Localities not complying with water quality standard

Escherichia coli Gabo Island Lightstation, Lakeside/Candlebark Campgrounds (Lake Eildon National Park) Aluminium Tidal River Campground Trihalomethanes Tidal River Campground

Escherichia coli detections were recorded at both the Gabo Island Lightstation and Lakeside/ Candlebark Campgrounds localities during the reporting period. In both localities, a single detection was recorded. Because of the modified sampling frequencies used at both localities, a single Escherichia coli detection is sufficient to make a locality non-compliant with the standard.

After each Escherichia coli detection, Parks Victoria undertook remedial actions, primarily consisting of dosing the storage tanks with sodium hypochlorite and collecting a resample. All resamples were found to be free of Escherichia coli.

Two non-compliant acid-soluble aluminium results were recorded at Tidal River in August 2009 and March 2010. As in previous years, aluminium non-compliance remains a sporadic, ongoing issue for this locality. Parks Victoria advised that the non-compliant results were a result of residual aluminium being carried over from the chemical treatment process. In response, the monitoring equipment at the Tidal River Water Treatment Plant is being recalibrated every six months to ensure a more accurate chemical dosing regimen and the method used to test for aluminium in the treated water has been reviewed to ensure that it aligns with the practices of the laboratories used to test water samples.

A single non-compliant result for trihalomethanes was recorded in the Tidal River locality. Parks Victoria advised that the non-compliant result was due to residual levels from the chemical treatment regime caused by a large variance in raw water quality following a heavy rainfall event. In response, testing of the raw water was conducted to optimise and adjust the coagulant dose rate in order to reduce the production of disinfection by-products.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance No other water quality issues of potential health significance arose during the reporting period.

88 Risk management plan audit The audit of Parks Victoria’s risk management plan was completed in October 2009. The audit certificate is included in Parks Victoria’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1process.cfm?subj=0&publication=14#

The auditor found that Parks Victoria had not complied with the obligations of the Act. The two minor audit findings that led to the non-compliant audit result were:

• Maintenance schedules had not been completed at the documented frequency for inspections of the water supply storage and distribution tanks and pipes at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility and the Gabo Island Lightstation. • The revised risk management plans and procedures and staff training put in place during 2009 (following the previous audit in 2008) had not been fully implemented at the time of the 2009 audit.

With respect to the first audit finding, Parks Victoria now has a new operating and maintenance contract in place at the Twelve Apostles Centre that will provide an improved focus on maintenance and record keeping. With respect to the second audit finding, it is anticipated that completion of the implementation of the revised risk management plans and procedures and staff training will resolve the issue.

Parks Victoria was scheduled for another audit during the second half of 2010.

Water quality notifications There were two notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications refer to Appendix 8 and Parks Victoria’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints relating to water quality There were no customer complaints relating to drinking water quality lodged with Parks Victoria in 2009–10.

Mineral springs Parks Victoria also manages a number of mineral springs in Central Victoria, chiefly in Hepburn Regional Park and Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. At several of these springs, facilities and infrastructure encourage visitors to drink spring water for the health benefits that it is believed to provide.

During 2009–10, monitoring of mineral water quality, including testing for microbiological contamination, was carried out for Parks Victoria under an informal arrangement with the Victorian Mineral Water Committee. Any failure to comply with required standards was reported to the department by Parks Victoria as if these locations were declared water sampling localities. Contaminated mineral springs were closed until retesting demonstrated that the contamination had been removed.

Under this arrangement, the following Escherichia coli detections were reported to the department during the reporting period.

89 Date Mineral spring where Escherichia coli was detected

November 2009 Sailors Falls Pump December 2009 Sailors Falls Pipe Pit and Tipperary Pipe Pit January 2010 Tipperary Pump February 2010 Tipperary Pump March 2010 Argyle April 2010 Sailors Falls Pump June 2010 Sailors Falls Pipe Pit and Tipperary Pipe Pit

Parks Victoria took appropriate action after each detection, signposting and closing the affected springs and undertaking resampling. The spring was not reopened until the repeat sample was shown to be free of Escherichia coli.

2009–10 Highlights

Improvement in risk management plan While the overall result was non-compliance, the audit found that Parks Victoria has undertaken a major review of their risk management plan and associated operational procedures and has developed a more realistic set of documents to manage the supply of potable water for the sites under their control, which resulted in a substantially improved audit result.

90 South East Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by South East Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by South East Water as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

Risk management plan audit The audit of South East Water’s risk management plan was completed in December 2009.The audit certificate is included in South East Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.sewl.com.au/aboutus/corporateinformation/Pages/Reports_policies_ charges.aspx

The audit found that South East Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with South East Water’s response, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Risk assessment documentation needs to A full review of the risk management tables and be internally consistent, correctly cross- contents was conducted, including altering the referenced in the HACCP plan, based on a structure of the HACCP tables to ensure clarity and cited recognised approach and explicit with precision in a recognised risk management structure. respect to the basis for the risk scoring.

Document the objective evidence to support As part of the internal ‘validation’ of the HACCP the standard procedures used to flush water plan, sampling, as evidence to support the standard mains effectively. procedures used to flush new mains effectively following burst mains, was conducted.

91 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Update the backflow prevention approach A procedures manual was implemented, which to include: references non-compliance and time frames for a) targets for the retrofit program compliance with testing and rectification works. b) targets for tolerable delays between the inspection due date and the arrival of the compliant test certificate.

Consider adding document history tables for A document history table was added to the HACCP tracking document revisions. plan.

The water quality management policy The water quality policy was altered to identify Yarra singles out interface points with Melbourne Valley Water and City West Water as interface points. Water but not those with Yarra Valley Water or City West Water.

The plan could benefit from increasing the The HACCP plan was amended to include a scope of the system description to reference reference to the annual report. the description in the annual report and avoid duplication within the HACCP plan.

Not all control measures are appropriately A full review of the risk management tables and referenced in the HACCP plan. The risk contents was conducted, including altering the assessment plan and the HACCP plan structure of the HACCP tables to ensure clarity and need to be streamlined and standardised precision in a recognised risk management structure. against industry accepted terminology and approaches.

A memorandum of understanding, letter or An agreement has been made between the simple agreement with Yarra Valley Water Melbourne retailers to ensure that HACCP and City West Water could be developed, certification is maintained with each retailer and including elements such as ensuring documented in their HACCP plan. that both keep their HACCP certification current as a quality assurance and ‘best endeavours’ surrogate.

The risk assessment plan and the A full review of the risk management tables was HACCP plan need to be streamlined and conducted. The review ensured that each hazard standardised against industry accepted was specifically referenced and assessed by the terminology and approaches. Terminology working group. needs to be updated to clearly differentiate hazards, hazardous events, risks and control measures (for example, the disinfection by- product hazards are not set out as hazards, but as ‘control issues’).

92 Water quality notifications There were 15 notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and South East Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by South East Water during 2009–10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 547 0.084 Taste/odour 168 0.026 Blue water 21 0.003 Air in water 40 0.006 Suspected illness 8 0.001 Other 49 0.008

South East Water received 833 water quality complaints during the reporting period. This number was slightly higher than last reporting period (809). Even though there was a slight increase, the number of complaints South East Water received is low compared to historical data (for example, 1,112 complaints during 2007–08).

South East Water attributed this to a number of reasons, such as better management of planned shutdowns, closer working relationship with Melbourne Water and their outages or works, closely monitoring South East Water and Melbourne Water SCADA systems and continued use of secondary disinfection plants.

2009–10 Highlights

Ongoing compliance in all water sampling localities South East Water achieved 100 per cent compliance in all water sampling localities for water quality standards in 2009–10 and each of the previous two reporting periods.

93 South Gippsland Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by South Gippsland Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Locality not complying with water quality standard

Aluminium Meeniyan

The elevated aluminium result in Meeniyan during July 2009 related to difficulties with optimising coagulation and flocculation processes at the treatment plant. The investigation and monitoring carried out by South Gippsland Water indicated that sporadic instances of elevated aluminium levels in the water leaving the treatment plant led to post-treatment flocculation and accumulation of sediment in low-flow areas of the distribution system. Implementation of corrective actions and ongoing management of the system have resulted in compliance since the non-compliant result recorded in July 2009.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by South Gippsland Water as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

In December, 2009 an algal bloom in the Lance Creek Reservoir was reported to the department as a precautionary measure, given the relatively high cell numbers that were observed. Lance Creek Reservoir supplies drinking water to the following water sampling localities: Lance Creek, Inverloch, Wonthaggi and Cape Paterson. While problems with the drinking water supplied through the Lance Creek system were not anticipated by South Gippsland Water, the algal bloom’s occurrence just prior to the Christmas holiday period (with associated influx of tourists to the region) increased the potential for complaints in the event that an algae-related taste and odour problem developed.

94 Corrective actions were implemented, including the application of algaecide to the reservoir and the use of powdered activated carbon to remove algae-related taste and odour compounds during treatment. Additional monitoring indicated that these corrective actions were effective.

For detailed water quality data, including data about other aesthetic characteristics of the water and details on South Gippsland Water’s undertakings and raw water monitoring program, refer to South Gippsland Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.sgwater.com.au/About_Water/PDF/Annual%20Water%20Quality%20Report.pdf

Risk management plan audit The audit of South Gippsland Water’s risk management plan was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in South Gippsland Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

The audit found that South Gippsland Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with South Gippsland Water’s response, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

When system integrations are optimal, Added to the drinking water management consider direct data entry by operators into system improvement plan register for review and tough notebook computers. implementation where appropriate. Photographs be taken when water tanks Added to the drinking water management system are being cleaned to allow both a historical improvement plan register for review and record of the condition of the tanks and implementation where appropriate. for minor defects to be readily and rapidly quoted for remedy. The photographs could be incorporated into South Gippsland Water’s asset management system. Further evolve the drinking water Added to drinking water management system management system improvement plan improvement plan register for review and register so that research outcomes are implementation where appropriate. documented. This would facilitate others to continue to contribute ideas towards continuous improvement and enhance clarity and ongoing process. In relation to the installation of standby Added to drinking water management system generators at main treatment plant sites, improvement plan register for review and investigate the use of larger standby fuel implementation where appropriate. tanks so generators can be operated for significant periods of time. This could also be integrated with fire services so facilities could become resources centres if required. Develop an optimal approach to land care Added to drinking water management system involving local farmers, fishing groups and improvement plan register for review and other stakeholders. In addition, optimal fish implementation where appropriate. and zooplankton ecology could be further researched.

95 Water quality notifications There were eight notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and South Gippsland Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by South Gippsland Water during 2009–10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 48 0.26 Taste/odour 19 0.10 Blue water 0 0 Air in water 2 0.01 Suspected illness 1 0.01 Other 8 0.05

The number of discoloured water complaints received was lower than the previous reporting period. The complaints primarily arose from: high manganese levels naturally existing in the soils around South Gippsland that are washed down to surface water reservoirs and rivers; accumulation of sediment; and the scouring of mains following high flows or recharging of the system.

Scheduled air scouring and flushing programs were progressively implemented within all distribution systems to remove manganese and accumulated sediment. Potassium permanganate dosing systems have been introduced at all water treatment plants to oxidise and remove soluble manganese from source waters.

The cause of many of the taste and odour complaints was elevated concentrations of chlorine in the water, algae-related compounds and manganese and/or iron sediment in the water.

Corrective actions taken to address taste and odour issues include routine monitoring for taste and odour compounds, manganese, iron, turbidity, pH and chlorine; specific analysis in response to individual complaints; flushing and air-scouring of the mains; and the use of powdered activated carbon at treatment plants to remove algae-related and other taste and odour compounds from water.

96 20092009–10 –10 HighlightsHighlights

Auditors observations • Considerable continuous quality improvements have taken place over the years. These include well trained and experienced staff, an advanced IT department and advanced dosing systems. These developments will enable more sophisticated systems to be implemented. • The inclusion of a fresh water ecologist on the South Gippsland Water team. Water quality standard compliance improvements • Trihalomethane compliance has improved significantly from the 2007–08 period when compared with the results for the previous two years. This is mainly attributed to the introduction of chloramination disinfection in November 2008 for the extensive Lance Creek Water Supply System. • The installation of volatile organics removal systems, improved treatment regimes and close monitoring for Dumbalk and other localities have also contributed to the overall improvement in trihalomethanes compliance.

97 Southern Rural Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Overview Southern Rural Water is a water storage manager under the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003. It supplies untreated water in bulk for irrigation and rural purposes, to industry (including the power generation industry in the Latrobe Valley) and to Western Water and Gippsland Water (who then treat the water for potable supply).

Other water quality issues of potential health significance Three blue-green algal blooms occurred within Southern Rural Waters’ area of responsibility with the potential to impact drinking water supplies. These blooms occurred in Pykes Creek Reservoir in January 2010 and in Merrimu Reservoir in March 2010 and June–July 2010. Stakeholders, including Western Water, were advised of the algal blooms. Western Water implemented suitable operational procedures to manage the potential risk of algal toxins in the drinking water.

There were five other events that occurred during the reporting period that were not reportable to the department under section 22 of the Act, but which had the potential to affect the quality of water supplied to water corporations. These events occurred mainly in reservoirs and included elevated Escherichia coli, turbidity, manganese and a Red water-milfoil outbreak. These events were communicated between Southern Rural Water and Western Water according to established agreed trigger values and notification protocols. Further details are provided in Southern Rural Water’s Water Quality Annual Report 2009–10. The report can be found: www.srw.com.au/Page/Page. asp?Page_Id=186&h=-1”

Risk management plan audit The audit of Southern Rural Water’s risk management plan was completed in September 2009. The audit certificate is included in Southern Rural Water’s Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

98 Southern Rural Water was found to have complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with the auditor identifying a number of improvement opportunities. These improvement opportunities, along with Southern Rural Water’s response, are set out in the table below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

A comprehensive risk assessment review Southern Rural Water has committed to undertaking should be conducted within the next a major review of the risks to it’s raw water supplies 12 months for all water supply systems in 2010. supplying raw drinking water, including relevant stakeholders, such as water suppliers. The current agreed trigger values should Southern Rural Water has developed a memorandum be evaluated at the water quality liaison of understanding with water suppliers for the meetings and documented in the risk exchange of relevant information and is in the management plans. process of agreeing relevant notification values. Once agreed, these values will be incorporated in the next revision of Southern Rural Water’s safe drinking water risk management plans.

The relevant operational limits for raw water See above. supplies and the process of notification of exceedance and incidents by water suppliers to Southern Rural Water for all relevant parameters including, but not limited to, Cryptosporidium detections should be quantified and documented in the risk management plans or related documents.

A review schedule for the relevant Southern Rural Water will undertake an annual review components should be included in the risk as suggested, including a comprehensive review of management plans. It is recommended that the risk tables (risk assessments) every three years. this include a general review at least annually to incorporate minor changes and to record progress on improvement actions. It should also include a comprehensive review of the risk tables (risk assessments) involving stakeholders every three years.

A date for completion of the specific actions Southern Rural Water will include a date for should be included in the risk management completion of the specific actions referred to in plans (in section 13.2 Improvement Plans). section 13.2 Improvement Plans. A sample audit process should be To be implemented. implemented to review completed Weedicide Usage Reports, particularly those completed by contractors.

99 Water quality notifications There were no notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act.

2009–10 Highlights

Reviews • Southern Rural Water began a review of its risk management plans. • Southern Rural Water continued to undertake a comprehensive water quality monitoring program. Good communication • Southern Rural Water met regularly with Western Water and Gippsland Water as part of its commitment to cooperative management of the water resources.

100 Wannon Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards (drinking water supplies only) Drinking water supplied in all localities by Wannon Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Locality not complying with water quality standard

Trihalomethanes Balmoral, Coleraine Aluminium Dunkeld, Glenthompson, Hamilton, Tarrington

There was a significant improvement in trihalomethanes compliance compared to 2008–09. During the reporting period only two samples exceeded the water quality standard. This improvement is attributed to a new water source for the Coleraine locality. In June 2009 Coleraine was connected to the Tullich Bore field via the Casterton Water Treatment Plant after the construction of the Casterton–Coleraine pipeline.

The majority of non-compliant results for aluminium occurred in localities sourced from the Hamilton Water Treatment Plant. Wannon Water has an undertaking with the department for significant capital upgrades to the Hamilton Water Treatment Plant, which are due for completion in the next reporting period.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance Chloral hydrate is a disinfection by-product arising from chlorination of water containing naturally occurring organic material. On one occasion it was detected in the Purnim supply. The health significance of chloral hydrate is currently being reviewed in consultation with the department.

On one occasion within the Koroit supply, Nitrite levels exceeded the health-related guideline value set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. It is believed an incorrect chlorine to ammonia ratio at the treatment plant, with booster dose of ammonia at Koroit and warm weather contributed to the non-compliance. The reticulation was flushed and chlorine to ammonia ratio was adjusted. Training was conducted for all operators on the use of the choramination optimiser program.

101 A blue-green algae bloom occurred in the Plantation Road Storage, Warrnambool Storage No 1 and Brierly Basin Warrnambool during February and March 2010. These storages were taken offline and treated with algaecide; subsequent sampling confirmed that the treatment was successful and were then brought back online.

Wannon Water conducted a new risk assessment for Plantation Road Storage as it has never had blue-green algae in such high numbers.

Risk management plan audit Wannon Water’s risk management plan audit was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in Wannon Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.wannonwater.com.au/images/pdf/corporate/publicationsmedia

The audit found that Wannon Water complied with the obligations imposed by Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Wannon Water’s response, are set out in the table below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Procedures should be implemented to A risk assessment was conducted to see if this is ensure that systems operators who repair warranted. We are considering the existing controls: drinking water and sewer systems do not • Operators maintain good hygiene practises after cause cross-contamination. This includes working on live sewers. separation of fittings on vehicles, suitable • Contaminated personal protective equipment and signage for potable and waste water, tools are cleaned. separate tools and other equipment, • Contact with the inside of water pipes and fittings separate uniforms for sewer repairs and is avoided. use of disinfectant on water pipe repair • Water mains are flushed after repairs equipment as best practice activities. • Chlorine residual is maintained in water supply. The risk ranking using Wannon Water’s corporate risk matrix calculated a consequence of 2 and a likelihood of 1, which is currently a low residual risk.

Records were not sighted to demonstrate Contraction documentation will be updated to that equipment used in contract 425 met reference the procedure. All future Wannon Water water quality or AS 4020 requirements as future contracts will include reference to AS 4020. per Wannon water’s procedures.

The laboratory test certificate accompanying Wannon Water had an agreement with their chemical a delivery of sodium hypochlorite to one supplier for their outsourced quality assurance water treatment plant in November 2009 did testing laboratory they to gain NATA certification by not indicate that the laboratory conducting 1/12/2009. Since this date all deliveries of sodium the analysis was NATA certified. hypochlorite have been supplied with a NATA certificate of analysis.

102 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

All Wannon Water integrated management Wannon Water is aware of numerous documents system documents have an issue date and past their review date. Wannon Water has conducted a review date, but some examples were a review of resources required and an additional sighted at the treatment plants where the full-time staff member has been allocated to assist review date had expired. with documentation.

The Simpson water treatment plant The Simpson HACCP documentation was reviewed monitoring matrix requires three tests per and updated in mid-December to state that when week, but on occasions (for example, when the plant is running, tests are to be conducted three the operator is busy at another plant) the times a week. When the plant is not running, online testing is only done twice a week. instrument readings should be recorded. Wannon Water has online instruments on all critical control points, which have proven to be very reliable in the past. A resources review was completed, taking into consideration water quality record keeping. This review resulted in the approval for three new treatment operator positions.

Some deviations between records were Operators will be reminded of the importance noted where the result of the calibration of critical control point recording requirements. check between the bench instrument and The manager of treatment operations stressed online instrument is not always recorded. the importance of critical control point recording Instrumentation and online monitoring requirements and that, if unable to complete tasks equipment cross-calibrations were noted within the allocated time frame, operators should with no corrective action documented. seek assistance from their coordinator or another district. This will become a regular agenda item at team meetings. An automatic flag will be programmed into Bridgesoft to highlight differences between bench instrumentation and online monitoring equipment. Staff have been reminded to be vigilant.

Water quality notifications There were 15 notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of this notification, refer to Appendix 8 and Wannon Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

103 Customer complaints relating to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by Wannon Water during 2009–10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 137 0.191 Taste/odour 38 0.053 Air in water 6 0.003 Blue water 0 0 Illness 11 0.015 Other 7 0.010

All customer complaints are investigated to determine the cause and significance of the complaint. In response to a complaint, customers are contacted directly and a site or vicinity inspection is conducted and action taken where appropriate. If the number of complaints within the locality exceeds five in any 24-hour period, an incident response team is assembled and the cause investigated. During 2009–10 there were no incidences where more than five water quality complaints were received within any 24-hour period.

2009–10 Highlights

New water source Connection of Coleraine to the Tullich Bore field via the Casterton water treatment plant. Works carried out at Hamilton water treatment plant • Air scouring of the mains was conducted • Clear water storage was cleaned by divers. • New PLC was commissioned in January 2010. • Filter nozzles and filter media replaced. • An additional saturator installed. • New pre- and post-treatment lime dosing system installed. • A fluoride plant was constructed during 2009–10; commissioning expected in 2010–11. • A site-specific optimiser program was developed to more effectively control the water quality parameters. • Construction of the 52-kilometre Hamilton-Grampians Pipeline was completed on time and $4 million under budget. This project augments the water supply to Hamilton, Cavendish, Dunkeld and Tarrington customers by supplying them with a further two billion litres of water annually from Rocklands Reservoir.

104 Western Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by Western Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by Western Water as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

For detailed water quality data, including data about aesthetic characteristics of the water and the raw water monitoring program, refer to Western Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.westernwater.com.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/Reports/ Water%20Quality%20Reports/WQ%20Report%202010.pdf

Risk management plan audit Western Water’s risk management plan audit was completed in December 2009. The audit certificate is included in Western Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

The audit found that Western Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act, with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Western Water’s response, are set out in the table below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

While flow diagrams for overall Western Flow diagrams will be improved as they become due Water systems from catchment to tap are for review. available, flow diagrams could be produced for each system with major components identified.

105 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Back-end electronic scanning programs Western Water has been unable so far to find a should be built to automatically scan suitable system that can integrate with existing all water quality data on a daily basis to systems. improve analysis by identifying trends and potential water quality issues. Automatic alerts should be emailed to relevant staff when irregularities in the scanned data are found.

The risk management plan does not Descriptions will be improved as information on adequately explain controls on major controls is updated. sources of uncertainty of identified hazards and actions to reduce these uncertainties.

Some control measures for hazards or Control measure documentation is now reviewed by hazardous events identified from catchment the HACCP team, which includes operational staff. to tap in the risk management plan should Contingency plans exists for drought, fire and high be simplified to enable operational staff to intensity rainfall events. Regular liaison meetings are interpret and implement them. held with Southern Rural Water and Melbourne Water The impact on the safety of water systems to identify and resolve any emerging issues. during extended extreme conditions of drought, fire and high intensity rainfall should be considered. Western Water should keep abreast of happenings with Melbourne Water and Southern Rural Water as their systems could have significant impact on Western Water’s supplies.

Increase internal audits for compliance with To be addressed by Western Water’s HACCP team. established procedures on identified critical control points.

A few anomalies within documentation To be addressed by Western Water’s HACCP team. of limits from critical control points were identified. Documentation protocols should be developed. Regular analysis of operational data by independent office staff should be undertaken to check for compliance.

Improve the use of operational and end Western Water has been unable so far to find a point data by operational staff for the suitable system that can integrate with existing evaluation and understanding of system systems. performance to prevent potential shortfalls.

Develop strict protocols for the checking Completed. and control of chemical delivery to water treatment facilities to reduce risk of contamination of drinking water supplies.

106 Improvement opportunity Proposed action

Reduce reliance on individuals by Completed. improving the arrangement of electronic communication exceedance alerts of water quality data, including field operational data. Two or more staff members within the water system group should be alerted.

Improve systems understanding to minimise This is an ongoing requirement. water quality issues.

Water quality notifications There was one notification made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of this notification, refer to Appendix 8 and Western Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by Western Water during 2009–10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 82 0.146 Taste/odour 17 0.030 Blue water 0 0 Air in water 6 0.011 Suspected illness 0 0 Other 15 0.027

During 2009–10, complaint numbers reduced significantly compared to previous years. A total of 120 complaints were received (a decrease of 95 complaints from the previous reporting period). Most of the complaints were in relation to discoloured water (82) followed by taste and odour (17). Much of this relate to the impact of the drought, in that mains were flushing was suspended in order to save water.

2009–10 Highlights

Ongoing compliance in all water sampling localities Western Water achieved 100 per cent compliance in all water sampling localities for water quality standards in 2009–10. Compliant audit result Western Water was found to be compliant in its most recent risk management plan audit.

107 Westernport Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by Westernport Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Locality not complying with water quality standard

Trihalomethanes Grantville

A slightly elevated result was recorded in the Grantville water sampling locality during February 2010. It did not pose a risk to public health.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by Westernport Water as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values set out in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

A significant increase in potentially toxic blue green algae occurred in December 2009 at Candowie Reservoir. The reservoir was treated with cupricide; subsequent sampling confirmed that the treatment was successful.

Bromodichloromethane (a component of total trihalomethanes) slightly exceeded the World Health Organisation guideline limit in five localities. A mandated standard does not exist in the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005, nor does a health-related guideline value exist for this parameter in the 2004 “Australian Drinking Water Guidelines”. As the total trihalomethane levels did not exceed the regulated standard, or pose a risk to public health, no action was taken.

For detailed water quality data, including data about aesthetic characteristics of the water and the raw water monitoring program, refer to Westernport Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: http://www.westernportwater.com.au/Services/Waterquality/

108 Risk management plan audit The audit of Westernport Water’s risk management plan was completed in November 2009. The audit certificate is included in Westernport Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

The audit found that Westernport Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act with opportunities for improvement being highlighted. These improvement opportunities, along with Westernport Water’s responses, are summarised below.

Improvement opportunity Proposed action

The annual risk profile review should make To be addressed by the end of 2010. use of historical water quality data so trends in raw and drinking water quality can be identified. A response protocol should be developed To be addressed by the end of 2010. for incidence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

Separate reporting of Cryptosporidium and To be addressed by the end of 2010. Giardia to increase turnaround time. Update some control point targets and limits To be addressed by the end of 2010. in the water quality risk management plan. Update control point summaries to include To be addressed by the end of 2010. corrective actions. Update action plans in the water quality risk To be addressed by the end of 2010. management plan. Update the water quality risk management To be addressed by the end of 2010. plan to reflect the ongoing review program. Develop procedures for the use of alternate To be addressed by the end of 2010. offtakes in the event of a water quality incident. Develop procedures for formal acceptance To be addressed by the end of 2010. and chemicals check of deliveries. Review training requirements for water To be addressed by the end of 2010. treatment plant operators and distribution system operators.

Water quality notifications There was one notification made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of this notification, refer to Appendix 8 and Westernport Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

109 Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by Westernport Water during 2009–10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers

Discoloured water 17 0.12 Taste/odour 19 0.13 Blue water 0 0 Air in water 0 0 Suspected illness 11 0.08 Other 47 0.33

A minor increase in the number of complaints about discoloured water and taste and odour compared to the previous reporting period was related to works undertaken on the transfer main leading from the Ian Bartlett Water Purification Plant. A number of in-line valves were replaced during the year as a precursor to the implementation of a regular cleaning program on the transfer main. It is anticipated that these works will contribute to further improvements in water quality and reductions in the number of complaints.

Overall, most of the complaints related to taste and odour. In general, complaints were resolved by call-backs, site visits and maintenance (mains flushing).

2009–10 Highlights

Improved compliance with water quality standards For 2009–10 and the previous two reporting periods, a high level of compliance was achieved for all regulated parameters except for trihalomethanes (THMs). In response to the lower level of compliance for THMs, Westernport Water has developed a THM reduction strategy and undertaken trials to reduce the levels of natural organic matter in the treated water, which has proven to be successful in contributing to the reduction in THMs. Significant changes and upgrades • Installation and commissioning of a fluoride plant at the Ian Bartlett Water Purification Plant (IBWPP). • Replacement of filter media and structural lining of filter cells at IBWPP. • Chemical dosing pumps (alum and caustic) relocated and new pipe work installed. • Cleaning and painting af flocculator tanks and repairs to damaged boards or paddles (at the flocculation stage of treatment). • Trials to install blowers on each filter at the IBWPP and the installation of power points for the blowers. (This will help with sludge blanket removal and decrease water usage by cutter sprays.) • Four new aerators were installed and hoses were replaced around the offtake tower in the Candowie Reservoir for improved aeration. • Implemented SCADA access to all chlorination sites, the San Remo Basin, tanks and the Bass River site, which allows figures, set points and trends to be monitored and chlorine residuals, tanks levels and pump speeds can be adjusted as required. • Variable-speed drives were installed on the IBWPP high-lift pumps to enable matching of inflow and outflow from the water treatment plant. This, in turn, allows for better management of free chlorine residual levels in the reticulation water.

110 Yarra Valley Water

Source: Map supplied by Victorian Water Industry Association.

Performance against water quality standards Drinking water supplied in all localities by Yarra Valley Water during 2009–10 complied with the water quality standards, except as noted in the table below.

Parameter Locality not complying with water quality standard

Aluminium Bundoora

In September 2009, one sample taken in Thomastown returned a non-compliant acid-soluble aluminium result. In response, upon the request of Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water undertook testing for aluminium at the water treatment plant that supplies drinking water to the Bundoora locality. Levels in treated water at the water treatment plant were compliant. Water from the Thomastown tap and surrounding areas were retested for aluminium and returned compliant results.

This appeared to be a one-off event that did not generate any complaints from customers and the elevated result could not be explained. The supplied water remained safe to drink and there was no risk to public health.

Other water quality issues of potential health significance All other parameters measured by Yarra Valley Water as part of its drinking water quality monitoring program satisfied the relevant health-based guideline values detailed in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines during the reporting period.

Risk management plan audit The audit of Yarra Valley Water’s risk management plan was completed in November 2009. The audit certificate is included in Yarra Valley Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10. The report can be found: www.yvw.com.au/Home/Waterandsewerage/Waterqualityandsupply/ Waterquality/index.htm

The auditor found that Yarra Valley Water complied with the obligations imposed by the Act. The auditor did not find any additional opportunities for improvement beyond those identified in the previous audit.

111 Water quality notifications There were 17 notifications made to the department during 2009–10 under section 22 of the Act. For further details of the notifications, refer to Appendix 8 and Yarra Valley Water’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report for 2009–10.

Customer complaints related to water quality A summary of the customer complaints relating to water quality recorded by Yarra Valley Water during 2009–10 is provided in the table below.

Complaint category Number of water Number of complaints quality complaints per 100 customers*

Discoloured water 2,461 0.36 Taste/odour 549 0.08 Blue water 60 0.01 Air in water 163 0.02 Suspected illness 0 0 Other (including customer pipes) 127 0.02

* Based on number of water supply connections.

The total number of complaints was 3,361 (0.49 complaints per 100 customer connections), a significant increase on the previous year’s result of 2,549 (0.38 complaints per 100 customer connections). Yarra Valley Water notes in its annual report that, even though the number of water quality complaints received during 2009–10 increased, the complaint rate per 100 customer connections was still below the business’s ten-year average.

Yarra Valley Water also notes that during the reporting period there were two dirty water events that generated significant numbers of complaints (30 customer complaints during one event and 90 customer complaints during the other).

2009–10 Highlights

Development of innovative roof inspection methodology During the reporting period, Yarra Valley Water started using an innovative methodology for inspecting water tanks and reservoirs. This involves the use of CCTV cameras to monitor the condition of water tanks and reservoirs in areas that are difficult to access. The camera allows for remote inspection of tank roofs for structural integrity and to locate small gaps where it is possible for ingress of rain water run-off into the tanks and reservoirs (such as during a high-rainfall event). Innovative water mains cleaning In response to the ongoing drought and water restrictions, a project was begun in late 2009 to investigate sustainable mains cleaning technology that would consume minimal potable water. A number of technologies will be trialled in sections of the water distribution network to determine if the technologies are suitable for widespread use as an alternative to mains flushing.

112 Appendices Appendix 1: Water storage managers and water suppliers 2009–10

Water storage managers Goulburn-Murray Water Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water# Melbourne Water Southern Rural Water

Water suppliers Barwon Water Central Highlands Water City West Water Coliban Water East Gippsland Water Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board Gippsland Water Goulburn Valley Water Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water# Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Management Board Lower Murray Water Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort Management Board Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board North East Water Parks Victoria South East Water South Gippsland Water Wannon Water Western Water Westernport Water Yarra Valley Water

# For the purposes of the Act, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water is both a water supplier and a water storage manager.

114 Appendix 2: Overview of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003, Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 and Functions of the Secretary

Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 • requires water suppliers and water storage managers to prepare and implement plans to manage risks in relation to drinking water and some types of non-potable water • provides for the auditing of those plans by approved auditors • requires water suppliers to ensure that the drinking water they supply meets quality standards specified by the Regulations • requires water suppliers to disclose to the public information concerning the quality of drinking water • provides for the variation, after community consultation, of water quality standards that relate only to aesthetic factors • requires the reporting of known or suspected contamination of drinking water to the department • empowers the Secretary to enforce this Act

Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 • set out the further matters to be addressed in risk management plans and the risks to be specified in risk management plans • describe the documents that are to be available for inspection in a risk management plan audit • prescribe the form of audit certificates to be given to the person who has commissioned a risk management plan audit at the completion of the audit • set out the risk management plan auditor approval criteria • set out drinking water quality standards • set out requirements relating to the frequency of collection of samples of water for analysis • Empower the Secretary to: - divide areas supplied by water suppliers into water sampling localities - specify locations within a water sampling locality at which samples of water are to be collected - vary the frequency of collection for samples of water in certain circumstances - approve persons to be approved water analysts • require all water samples to be analysed by an approved water analyst and a summary of the results of the analyses to be given to the department • specify the issues relating to the quality of drinking water and regulated water in an annual report every financial year • set out details to be included in an annual report to the Secretary.

115 Functions of the Secretary • protect public health in relation to the supply of drinking water

• monitor and enforce compliance with this Act and the Regulations • report on the performance of water suppliers and water storage managers in relation to the requirements imposed on them under this Act • investigate and report on any aspect of drinking water quality in Victoria • make recommendations to the Minister for Health on any matter relating to drinking water or regulated water • promote industry and public awareness and understanding of drinking water quality issues.

These functions are prescribed in section 27 of the Act.

Please note that for 2008–09 the Secretary was the Secretary of the Department of Human Services. Since 12 August 2009 the Secretary is the Secretary of the Department of Health.

Matters not covered by the Act The Act does not apply to:

• water not intended for drinking and which cannot be mistaken for drinking water • the supply of water for irrigation purposes • the supply of water by a proprietor of prescribed accommodation within the meaning of Division 2 of Part 6 of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 to such accommodation • the supply of packaged drinking water.

More detailed information about the legislation can be found at: www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/water/drinking.htm

116 Appendix 3: Contact details for water businesses

Business Postal Address Telephone Website

Barwon Water PO Box 659 Geelong VIC 3220 1300 656 007 www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au Central Highlands Water PO Box 152 Ballarat VIC 3353 (03) 5320 3100 www.chw.net.au City West Water Locked Bag 350 Sunshine VIC 3020 131 691 www.citywestwater.com.au Coliban Water Box 2770 Bendigo Delivery Centre VIC 3554 1300 363 200 www.coliban.com.au East Gippsland Water PO Box 52 Bairnsdale VIC 3875 1300 720 700 www.egwater.vic.gov.au Falls Creek ARMB PO Box 50 Falls Creek VIC 3699 (03) 5758 1200 www.fallscreek.com.au Gippsland Water PO Box 348 Traralgon VIC 3844 1800 066 401 www.gippswater.com.au Goulburn Murray Water PO Box 165 Tatura VIC 3616 (03) 5833 5500 www.g-mwater.com.au Goulburn Valley Water PO Box 185 Shepparton VIC 3632 (03) 5832 0400 www.gvwater.vic.gov.au Grampians Wimmera PO Box 481 Mallee Water Horsham VIC 3402 1300 659 961 www.gwmwater.org.au Lake Mountain ARMB PO Box 40 Marysville VIC 3779 (03) 5957 7222 www.lakemountainresort.com.au Lower Murray Water PO Box 1438 Mildura VIC 3502 (03) 5051 3400 www.lmw.vic.gov.au Melbourne Water PO Box 4342 Melbourne VIC 3001 131 722 www.melbournewater.com.au Mount Baw Baw ARMB PO Box 117 Rawson VIC 3825 (03) 5165 1136 www.mountbawbaw.com.au Mount Buller and C/- Post Office Mount Stirling ARMB Mount Buller VIC 3723 (03) 5777 6077 www.mtbuller.com.au Mount Hotham ARMB PO Box 188 Bright VIC 3741 (03) 5759 3550 www.mthotham.com.au North East Water PO Box 863 Wodonga VIC 3689 1300 361 622 www.nerwa.vic.gov.au Parks Victoria Level 10 / 535 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 8627 4699 www.parkweb.vic.gov.au South East Water Locked Bag 1 Heatherton VIC 3202 131 694 www.southeastwater.com.au South Gippsland Water PO Box 102 Foster VIC 3960 (03) 5682 0444 www.sgwater.com.au Southern Rural Water PO Box 153 Maffra VIC 3860 1300 139 510 www.srw.com.au Wannon Water PO Box 1158 Warrnambool VIC 3280 1300 926 666 www.wannonwater.com.au Western Water PO Box 2371 Sunbury DC 3429 1300 650 422 www.westernwater.vic.gov.au Westernport Water 2 Boys Home Road Newhaven VIC 3925 1300 720 711 www.westernportwater.com.au Yarra Valley Water Private Bag 1 Mitcham VIC 3132 131 721 www.yvw.com.au ARMB = Alpine Resort Management Board

117 Appendix 4: Gazettal dates for new water sampling localities 2009–10

Additions or modifications to localities

Water supplier Government gazette Publication date

2009 - 10 Reporting period

Coliban Water Special Gazette s262 31 July 2009 (add Sebastian from 1 August 09) Western Water Special Gazette s251 17 July 2009 (add Eynesbury from 18 July 2009) North East Water Special Gazette s39 29 January 2010 (add Eskdale from 1 March 2010)

118 Appendix 5: Regulated water declarations

Water supplier Water supply area Date declared as Government Publication date regulated water gazette in gazette

2009–10 Reporting period

None declared for 2009–10 reporting period

Current declarations for regulated water supply

Lower Murray Water Mystic Park, Millewa water supply system (including Cullulleraine, Meringur and Werrimull) Goulburn Valley Water Corop, Goulburn Weir, Kirwans Bridge, Molesworth, Strathbogie, Woods Point Grampians Wimmera Antwerp, Apsley, Berriwillock, Buangor, Mallee Water Chillingollah, Chinkapook, Clear Lake, Cowangie, Culgoa, Dooen, Elmhurst, Glenorchy, Goroke, Harrow, Jeparit, Kaniva, Kiata, Lascelles, Lillimur, Marnoo, Miram, Moyston, Murrayville, Nandaly, Natimuk, Nhill, Noradjuha, Patchewollock, Pimpinio, Serviceton, Speed, Streatham, Tarranyurk, Tempy, Waitchie, Watchem, Westmere, Wickliffe and Yaapeet. Non-drinking water from the Northern Mallee pipeline, St Arnaud pipeline, Mount Cole pipeline, Ararat-Lake Fyans pipeline, Stawell supply main, Moyston pipeline, Willaura pipeline, Wickliffe pipeline, Willaura-Lake Bolac pipeline and the Mount Zero pipeline (refer to gazette notice for detailed description). Wannon Water Darlington and Macarthur. Non-drinking water from the North Otway Pipeline System (refer to gazette notice for detailed description). Central Highlands Redbank, Amphitheatre, Raglan, Water Landsborough and Navarre Coliban Water Borung, Dingee, Jarklin, Macorna, Mitiamo, Mysia and Wychitella Lake Mountain Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Alpine Resort Management Board

119

eporting period Status as at 30 June 2010 End date after 30 June 2010 end of r End date after 30 June 2010 Undertaking not completed by end date (closed out in February 2010) in September 2009 Undertaking not completed Undertaking not completed by end date (closed out in Undertaking not completed by end date (closed out in February 2010) February 2010)

End date 30/06/09 Undertaking completed 31/12/09 Undertaking completed by 30/06/2010 (end date extended to 30 June 2011) 30/07/12 30/06/09 30/06/09 30/06/09

1/11/06 Date undertaking accepted by department 26/02/07 26/02/07 4/10/07 20/06/08 26/02/07

date Start 14/08/08 20/10/08 1/11/06 1/04/07 1/01/08 1/07/06 1/07/06 1/07/06 eatment plant. om Alexandra water ective actions equirements. equirements. ectify contravention

oposed actions to be Pr taken to r equirements. Undertake a range of corr risk management finding from to address plan audit. Decommission Gunbower water tr facility is expected An upgraded water treatment to be constructed at Leitchville within the next 3 years and a new pipeline will supply water the Leitchville to the Gunbower township from plant following the upgrade. In shorter term, will undertake minor works at the Coliban Water treated facility to improve Gunbower treatment water quality. Construction of a pipeline fr plant, combined with optimisation of treatment until pipeline is process water treatment current completed. Develop options for alternative disinfection that the risk of elevated chlorite levels. will reduce This will involve community engagement on the solution, and construction of the new preferred disinfection facilities Replace the raw water storages at Lalbert and satisfy community consultation and interim risk management r Replace the raw water storage at Manangatang with new tanks and satisfy community consultation and interim risk management r Replace the raw water storages at Ultima and satisfy community consultation and interim risk management r

ose

oacetic acid

, trihalomethanes, d d d e of Natur contravention water quality standard Non-compliance ar Non-compliance with the trichlor Non-compliance with the turbidity acid and dichloroacetic acid water trichloroacetic quality standards Non-compliance with the turbidity water quality standar the turbidity water quality standar Non-compliance with 10 (b) of Safe regulation Regulations Drinking Water 2005 - chlorite levels exceeding health related guideline value in the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines from findings of 2008 risk from management plan audit Non-compliance with the turbidity water quality standar

nton ater W supply Audit finding Thor Marysville Lalbert Manangatang Non-compliance with and Buxton Ultima

ater Gunbower

ater GWM Water GWM Water W business Goulburn Water Valley Goulburn Water Valley Central Highlands Water Coliban W GWM Water Appendix 6: Undertakings for 2009–10

120

Status as at 30 June 2010 by end date (closed out in January 2010) end date (closed out in January 2010) by end date (closed out in September 2009) End date after 30 June 2010 Undertaking not completed by end date (closed out in September 2009) Undertaking not completed Undertaking not completed by end date (closed out in September 2010) End date after 30 June 2010

End date 31/03/09 31/10/09 31/10/09 31/10/09 Undertaking not completed by 30/06/09 Undertaking not completed 30/06/2010 (end date extended to 31 December 2010) 30/06/2010 (end date extended to 30 September 2010)

2/01/08 11/06/08 11/06/08 11/06/08 18/12/08 25/10/08 6/01/09 Date undertaking accepted by department

1/05/08 31/10/08 1/11/07 1/05/08 1/05/08 31/10/08 31/10/08 date Start ective actions to ective actions to eatment plant and immera Mallee Pipeline, ectify contravention oposed actions to be Pr taken to r construct new raw water storages for and satisfy community Wycheproof consultation and interim risk management requirements. chlorine disinfection to the residual introduce distribution system Connect to the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, construct new raw water storages for Rupanyup and satisfy community consultation and interim risk management requirements. Connect to the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, construct new raw water storages for Donald and satisfy community consultation interim risk management requirements. Connect to the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, construct new raw water storages for and satisfy community Woomelang consultation and interim risk management requirements. Connect to the W Undertake a range of corr risk management plan finding from address audit. Undertake a range of corr risk management plan finding from address audit. Construct a new water tr

ose

ds ds e of Natur contravention the trihalomethanes and turbidity water quality standards Non-compliance with the trihalomethanes and turbidity water quality standar Non-compliance with the trihalomethanes and turbidity water quality standar trihalomethanes water quality standards findings of 2008 risk from management plan audit findings of 2008 risk from management plan audit Escherichia coli water quality standard

oof Non-compliance with the

ater oomelang Non-compliance with W supply W Wychepr Audit finding Non-compliance ar Audit findingarose Non-compliance Mount Beauty Non-compliance with the

ater Donald ater ater

ater ater ater GWM Water GWM W North East W North East W GWM Water Rupanyup GWM W GWM W W business

121

Status as at 30 June 2010 End date after 30 June 2010

End date 30/06/11 End date after 30 June 2010 30/12/2009 (end date extended to 30 August 2010)

30/06/11 9/05/08 Date undertaking accepted by department

1/07/09 1/01/08 date Start

eatment plant and ectify contravention nal review of the design and operation nal review oposed actions to be Pr taken to r introduce residual chlorine disinfection to the residual introduce distribution system Construct a new water tr An exter plant will be of the Hamilton water treatment of undertaken. Based on the recommendations design capital works and process the review, the alterations will be undertaken to rectify aluminium and turbidity issues.

water

e of Natur contravention Non-compliance with the Escherichia coli quality standard Non-compliance with aluminium water quality standard

d

ater arrington W supply Myrtlefor Hamilton, Dunkeld, T

ater annon Water W North East Water business

W Undertaking completed by end date that the contravention was remedied on time, or earlier, and the works were completed on time (or were not required). completed on time (or were and the works were on time, or earlier, Undertaking completed by end date that the contravention was remedied not completed on time. but the works were on time, or earlier, Undertaking not completed by end date means that the contravention was remedied

122 -- -- 0.66 0.60 0.72 0.71 0.74 0.69 0.24 0.18 0.73 0.73 0.72 0.25 0.73 0.72 0.74 0.15 0.75 0.71 0.73 0.74 0.70 0.46 0.54 0.65 0.73 0.79 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

-- -- 0.9 0.6 0.94 0.86 0.93 0.94 0.87 0.58 0.52 0.88 0.90 0.86 0.98 0.88 0.93 0.23 0.94 0.87 0.98 0.94 0.90 0.80 0.84 0.88 0.89 1.10 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------<0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------<0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.009 0.013 0.011 0.012 0.015 TCA <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 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.005 0.007 0.005 0.011 0.011 0.009 0.016 0.007 0.007 0.012 0.009 0.007 0.007 DCA <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 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

MCA <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 <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 Maximum [mg/L]

0.101 0.039 0.076 0.061 0.034 0.091 0.086 0.085 0.101 0.077 0.111 0.058 0.086 0.088 0.094 0.092 0.161 0.094 0.060 0.059 0.051 0.131 0.097 0.059 0.068 0.081 0.101 0.030 0.121 0.061 0.101 0.080 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

0.11 0.09 0.11 0.13 0.10 0.15 0.10 0.09 0.11 0.09 0.10 0.27 0.10 0.08 0.08 0.10 0.18 0.16 0.09 0.11 0.12 0.20 0.10 0.10 0.11 0.10 0.10 0.11 0.13 0.12 0.12 0.10 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 0.70 0.40 0.10 0.10 0.20 0.20 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.20 0.40 0.20 0.10 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.10 0.40 0.70 0.20 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.20 0.10 0.90 0.60 0.20 0.10 0.10 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98.2 99.5 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL Clam ype of T disinfection

770 770 220 680 500 240 300 840 380 120 580 800 150 1,330 2,540 2,460 4,250 2,330 1,790 6,950 4,510 2,770 2,070 12,700 14,330 37,270 12,120 55,160 58,230 17,360 22,180 14,440 281,140 Estimated population

est

n

es

f

ove

d

est edith egurra ne ater sampling eys Inlet essy inchelsea eesdale orquay W locality Air Anakie Anglesea Apollo Bay Bannockbur Batesfor Bellarine Birr Clifton Springs Colac Cr Forr Gellibrand Highton Highton High Level Leopold Lethbridge Little River W Lor Lovely Banks Lovely Banks - Carrs Rd Mer Montpellier Moriac Ocean Acr Ocean Gr Pettavel Portarlington Queensclif T T W 32

ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater

Water supplier Barwon Water Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Barwon W Localities and population Appendix 7: Water quality and treatment data for 2009–10 Appendix 7: Water

123

------0.78 0.84 0.84 0.77 0.82 0.81 0.88 0.70 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.10 1.20 1.10 1.00 1.20 1.10 1.10 1.00 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------<0.1 Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------0.02 Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

-- 0.049 0.032 0.025 0.006 TCA <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 Maximum [mg/L]

-- 0.009 0.006 0.042 0.011 0.007 0.007 0.006 0.027 0.024 0.011 DCA <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

-- MCA <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 Maximum [mg/L]

-- 0.034 0.170 0.004 0.027 0.002 0.150 0.038 0.076 0.004 0.037 0.038 0.150 0.003 0.039 0.099 0.081 0.042 0.100 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

-- -- 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.16 0.04 0.09 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.05 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.8 0.3 0.2 0.9 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.8 0.3 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 99.2 98.1 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed B B Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL UV Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam ype of T disinfection Oz / CL UV / CL

50 340 260 880 210 270 520 410 1,550 2,580 3,100 1,240 1,240 2,060 3,100 2,060 3,100 29,800 14,500 Estimated population

n

d d Low

ee/

ook

digan Village ater sampling eswick allace voca W locality Alma A Ballan Ballarat Central Ballarat North/ Nerrina Beaufort Bet Blackwood/ Barrys Reef Bungar W Buninyong/ Mount Helen Car Carisbr Clunes Cr Daisy Hill Daylesfor High Level Daylesfor Level/ Hepbur Dean Enfield

supplier Water Central Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central

124 ------0.79 0.84 0.82 0.82 0.74 0.79 0.81 0.79 0.80 0.82 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.10 1.10 1.00 1.10 1.00 1.10 1.10 1.00 1.00 1.10 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

-- 0.230 TCA <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 Maximum [mg/L]

0.008 0.009 0.007 0.007 0.028 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.008 0.007 DCA <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

MCA <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 Maximum [mg/L]

0.003 0.003 0.035 0.003 0.007 0.790 0.035 0.036 0.041 0.004 0.004 0.080 0.030 0.037 0.038 0.006 0.029 THMs <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

------0.04 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.17 0.02 0.03 0.09 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.019

Maximum [mg/L] -- Aluminium 0.4 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 2.6 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed B B B Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam ype of T disinfection

210 520 100 380 260 460 210 360 670 830 720 230 260 1,200 2,700 7,330 8,250 27,550 119,510

Estimated population

e

ough

ca don/Mount Egerton est Hill ater sampling

endouree aubra imor albot W locality Fiskville/Glenmor For Gor Haddon Lal Learmonth Lexton Linton Major Marybor Napoleons Sebastopol Skipton Smythesdale T T W W 37

supplier Water Central Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water Highlands Water population Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Central Localities and

125 ------0.81 0.94 0.89 0.86 0.86 0.78 0.79 0.81 0.91 0.81 0.99 0.89 0.86 0.84 0.81 0.87 0.90 0.89 0.91 0.89 0.96 0.97 0.90 0.93 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.00 1.10 1.10 1.00 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.00 1.00 1.10 1.20 1.10 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.20 1.20 1.00 1.10 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------<0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------<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 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

-- 0.017 0.014 0.015 0.011 0.021 0.020 0.023 0.036 0.031 0.030 0.024 0.017 0.021 0.022 0.025 0.017 0.100 0.067 0.008 0.010 TCA <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

-- 0.006 0.007 0.007 0.006 0.019 0.009 0.011 0.010 0.092 0.062 0.012 0.012 DCA <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 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

-- 0.007 MCA <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 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

-- 0.058 0.048 0.053 0.052 0.097 0.064 0.069 0.089 0.090 0.071 0.077 0.048 0.079 0.076 0.078 0.069 0.270 0.009 0.005 0.006 0.006 0.074 0.230 0.006 0.120 0.160 0.064 0.041 0.009 0.005 0.140 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

-- 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.05 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.06 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.11 0.28 0.03 0.05 0.11 0.07 0.07 0.02 0.02 0.06 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 0.6 1.2 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.9 0.6 1.2 1.0 0.7 0.7 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 1.8 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed B ------Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL UV

Clam Clam Clam Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz ype of T disinfection

50 870 230 120 720 420 700 640 340 170 240 7,560 9,470 1,650 3,370 9,780 1,960 56,950 87,920 37,510 36,330 97,420 61,870 99,420 19,490 47,170 91,960 39,630 27,410 33,690 11,620 13,130 695,220 Estimated population

n)

n)

e

nong

e

nong oline Springs ater sampling

illiamstown erribee erribee South ullamarine aylors Lakes W locality Altona Car Deer Park East Keilor Little River Maribyr Moonee Ponds Parkville Richmond Strathmor T T W W W 15 Axedale Bealiba Bendigo (Norther Bendigo (Souther Bendigo (Spring Gully) Big Hill Boort Bridgewater Castlemaine Cohuna (Urban) Cohuna (Rural) Dunolly Echuca Elmor Epsom - Huntly Fryerstown Goor

ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater

est Water est Water est Water est Water est Water est Water est Water est Water est Water est Water est Water est Water est Water est Water Water supplier City West Water City West City W City W City W City W City W City W City W City W City W City W City W City W City W City W Localities Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W and population Coliban W

126 ------0.92 0.91 0.88 0.94 0.92 0.89 0.94 0.99 0.89 0.88 0.91 0.92 0.96 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.00 1.10 1.00 1.10 1.20 1.00 1.20 1.20 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.00 1.20 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------<0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------<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 Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.100 0.019 0.013 0.013 0.011 0.008 0.012 0.025 TCA <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 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.057 0.023 0.006 0.009 0.014 0.016 0.013 0.008 0.012 0.011 0.015 0.010 0.044 0.007 0.008 DCA <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 Maximum [mg/L]

MCA <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 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.007 0.100 0.008 0.090 0.300 0.009 0.028 0.008 0.100 0.044 0.041 0.056 0.001 0.006 0.008 0.005 0.070 0.060 0.047 0.062 0.065 0.007 0.007 0.055 0.120 0.007 0.006 0.012 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

-- -- 0.02 0.03 0.06 0.39 0.03 0.12 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.02 0.77 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.08 0.04 0.08 0.03 0.05 0.02 0.03 0.05 0.02 0.03 0.26 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.5 0.7 0.5 1.2 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.4 0.8 0.4 0.6 1.3 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.7 1.2 0.4 0.5 0.6 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98.1 98.1 98.1 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL

Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz Clam / Oz ype of T disinfection

60 10 60 220 360 730 710 190 190 250 600 630 450 110 120 120 540 150 670 330 650 1,850 1,480 4,950 2,920 1,750 2,690 2,900 130,280 Estimated population

d

ong court ong Vale ater sampling

edderburn rentham aradale arnagulla ooborac ylden W locality Guildfor Gunbower Har Heathcote Inglewood Junortoun Kor Kyneton Laanecoorie Leitchville (Urban) Leitchville (Rural) Lockington Maiden Gully - Mar Maldon Malmsbury Newstead Pyramid Hill Raywood Rochester Sebastian Serpentine Strathfieldsaye T - Elphinstone T T T T W 45

ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater

Water supplier Coliban Water Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Coliban W Localities and population

127 ------Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

-- 0.045 0.005 0.016 0.007 0.050 0.057 0.024 0.030 0.005 0.050 0.007 0.020 0.055 0.023 0.019 0.032 0.055 0.005 TCA Maximum [mg/L]

-- 0.031 0.005 0.014 0.005 0.013 0.042 0.018 0.021 0.005 0.016 0.005 0.013 0.017 0.016 0.012 0.017 0.037 0.005 DCA Maximum [mg/L]

-- 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 MCA Maximum [mg/L]

-- 0.140 0.028 0.094 0.054 0.130 0.130 0.063 0.069 0.110 0.110 0.068 0.054 0.150 0.054 0.081 0.080 0.140 0.027 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

------0.03 0.11 0.17 0.02 0.16 0.05 0.12

Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium

0.9 0.4 1.1 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.3 0.3 0.8 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.6 0.7 0.6 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98.1 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed B Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL UV CL ype of T disinfection

290 520 130 100 110 220 530 660 210 150 780 540 100 2,030 2,990 6,180 2,440 1,020 1,000 20,000 Estimated population

oorloo

eek

nsdale ater sampling

W locality Nowa Omeo Orbost Sarsfield - Bruthen Sunlakes - T Swifts Cr 19 Bair Bemm River Buchan Cann River Dinner Plain Eagle Point - Paynesville Kalimna Lindenow Lindenow South Mallacoota Merrangbaur Metung Nicholson - Swan Reach

Water supplier East Gippsland East Gippsland East Gippsland East Gippsland Localities East Gippsland Water East Gippsland Water Water Water Water Water and population East Gippsland Water East Gippsland East Gippsland East Gippsland East Gippsland East Gippsland Water East Gippsland East Gippsland East Gippsland East Gippsland East Gippsland East Gippsland East Gippsland Water Water Water Water Water Water Water Water Water Water Water

128 ------0.94 0.93 0.87 0.92 0.91 0.82 0.90 0.86 0.86 0.88 0.91 0.86 0.86 0.94 0.86 0.86 0.87 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.20 1.10 1.20 1.10 1.20 0.98 1.30 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.40 1.10 1.20 1.10 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.026 0.007 0.023 0.032 0.020 0.023 0.020 0.027 0.022 0.020 0.021 0.022 0.025 0.032 TCA <0.020 <0.020 <0.005 <0.005 <0.020 <0.005 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.005 <0.005 <0.020 <0.005 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.005 <0.020 Maximum [mg/L]

0.023 0.020 0.024 0.023 0.008 DCA <0.020 <0.020 <0.005 <0.020 <0.005 <0.020 <0.020 <0.005 <0.005 <0.020 <0.005 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.005 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 <0.020 Maximum [mg/L]

<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 <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 MCA Maximum [mg/L]

0.060 0.130 0.020 0.094 0.033 0.062 0.083 0.090 0.032 0.093 0.052 0.068 0.071 0.059 0.050 0.051 0.031 0.076 0.083 0.100 0.038 0.220 0.060 0.087 0.064 0.071 0.044 0.059 0.073 0.082 0.100 0.012 0.063 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

0.04 0.02 0.01 0.03 0.05 0.03 0.16 0.23 0.01 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.02 0.06 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.61 0.05 0.06 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.08 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.05 0.07 0.01 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.7 0.2 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.4 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt B Filt B Filt Filter supply

C C C CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL Clam Clam ype of T disinfection

90 700 930 310 370 230 380 350 350 490 240 240 960 820 360 5,420 2,130 5,390 1,980 1,460 7,250 1,850 2,130 3,700 2,370 2,290 1,590 11,000 11,510 16,540 17,080 29,490 16,210 Estimated population

urruk

ough

d

chill

fra ater sampling ouin illow Grove arragul arragul South allourn North rafalgar raralgon raralgon South/ oongabbie yers / Glengarry W locality Boisdale Boolarra Briagolong Chur Coongulla / Glenmaggie Cowwarr Dr Erica Heyfield Jumbuk Maf Mirboo North Moe Morwell Neerim South Newbor Noojee Rawson Rokeby / Buln Rosedale Sale / W Seaspray Stratfor Thorpdale T T T T Hazelwood North T W W W Y

ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater

Water supplier Gippsland Water Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W Gippsland W

129 ------0.87 0.92 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.20 1.10 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.013 0.026 0.014 0.170 0.023 0.055 0.012 0.048 0.028 0.070 0.057 0.046 0.064 0.010 0.030 0.012 0.026 TCA <0.005 <0.020 Maximum [mg/L]

0.013 0.032 0.020 0.110 0.026 0.040 0.019 0.039 0.030 0.061 0.037 0.050 0.032 0.020 0.026 0.019 DCA <0.005 <0.020 <0.020 Maximum [mg/L]

<0.01 <0.01 MCA <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 Maximum [mg/L]

0.036 0.053 0.081 0.150 0.054 0.130 0.035 0.079 0.043 0.082 0.099 0.081 0.065 0.047 0.007 0.089 0.051 0.087 0.097 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

------0.02 1.40 0.04 3.00 0.08 0.04 0.16 0.12 0.08 0.10 0.14 0.26 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.03 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 0.3 0.3 0.5 2.9 0.3 0.7 0.2 2.1 1.5 2.7 0.2 1.0 3.0 1.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed B -- -- Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL

ype of CLO2 / CL T disinfection

950 300 510 560 160 380 320 280 280 230 2,910 4,270 5,780 1,520 3,600 6,880 6,980 1,450 1,100 148,760 Estimated population

est

e

e

oa ater sampling

oadford venel innar arragon W locality Alexandra A Barmah Bonnie Doon Br Buxton Cobram Colbinabbin Dookie Eildon Eur Girgarr Katamatite Katandra W Katunga Kilmor Kyabram Y Y 35

ater

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

supplier Water Goulburn Water Valley Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Gippsland Water and population Gippsland W Localities

130 ------0.88 0.87 0.71 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.0 1.10 1.10 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.074 0.013 0.030 0.015 0.040 0.031 0.140 0.028 0.059 0.029 0.035 0.012 0.025 0.023 0.026 0.018 0.021 0.025 0.006 0.013 TCA Maximum [mg/L]

0.058 0.016 0.039 0.015 0.045 0.022 0.100 0.028 0.036 0.032 0.058 0.019 0.019 0.025 0.031 0.030 0.017 0.030 0.007 0.020 DCA Maximum [mg/L]

MCA <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 Maximum [mg/L]

0.150 0.027 0.059 0.055 0.110 0.071 0.170 0.062 0.120 0.063 0.310 0.047 0.045 0.048 0.096 0.072 0.038 0.048 0.110 0.047 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

-- -- 0.06 0.44 0.04 0.12 0.17 4.80 0.01 0.13 0.05 0.05 0.21 0.93 0.10 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.10 0.07 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 0.3 0.2 1.0 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.1 0.4 0.3 0.3 1.7 0.3 0.4 0.4 1.0 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed -- SF Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL ype of T disinfection CLO2 / CL

260 380 590 160 390 620 560 290 320 4,180 8,770 1,090 1,780 1,710 4,730 1,350 1,780 5,820 4,520 42,370 Estimated population

oopna chison ater sampling allarook allygaroopna atura W locality Longwood Mansfield Marysville Merrigum Moor Mur Nagambie Nathalia Numurkah Picola Pyalong Rushworth Seymour High Level Seymour Low Level Shepparton Stanhope Strathmerton T T T

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Water supplier Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulburn Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Valley Water Valley Water Valley

131 ------0.78 0.79 0.70 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.10 1.10 1.00 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.240 0.015 0.033 0.023 0.086 0.041 0.029 0.022 0.038 0.018 0.041 0.028 0.180 0.018 0.006 0.023 0.019 0.062 0.005 0.130 0.033 0.046 TCA Maximum [mg/L]

0.120 0.017 0.012 0.014 0.065 0.023 0.023 0.024 0.020 0.017 0.036 0.027 0.088 0.018 0.019 0.022 0.021 0.038 0.005 0.057 0.028 0.054 DCA Maximum [mg/L]

0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 MCA <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 Maximum [mg/L]

0.280 0.051 0.084 0.065 0.069 0.100 0.075 0.075 0.092 0.037 0.067 0.110 0.230 0.130 0.025 0.170 0.083 0.350 0.014 0.220 0.100 0.200 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

------0.14 0.11 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.20 0.10 0.13 0.15 0.03 0.13 0.04 0.07 0.04 0.05 0.07 0.10 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 1.0 0.6 0.3 1.7 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.8 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.2 2.1 0.2 2.3 0.4 0.5 1.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98.1 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed ------Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt B Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL Clam ype of T disinfection

260 320 140 910 320 360 140 230 800 100 780 150 260 290 1,480 1,110 1,980 1,530 7,200 1,100 1,560 1,380 126,130 Estimated population

nton

ater sampling chip

eat Western unghnu andong Park aterford iolet Town arroweyah ea rawool ongala oolamba W locality Thor T T T Upper Delatite V W - Heathcote Junction W W Y Y 48 Ararat Beulah Bir Brim Charlton Dimboola Donald Edenhope Gr Halls Gap Haven

ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater n n n n n n n n n n

Water supplier Goulburn Water Valley Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley Water Valley and population Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Goulbur Localities GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W

132 ------0.67 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.10 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.015 0.045 0.150 0.005 0.048 0.036 0.120 0.022 0.044 0.032 0.034 0.072 0.011 0.130 0.040 0.061 0.016 0.041 0.006 0.026 0.025 0.005 0.170 0.130 0.009 0.007 0.011 0.013 0.014 TCA Maximum [mg/L]

0.018 0.058 0.081 0.018 0.051 0.033 0.072 0.022 0.040 0.029 0.025 0.066 0.013 0.079 0.036 0.038 0.016 0.031 0.010 0.025 0.029 0.016 0.085 0.065 0.007 0.009 0.012 0.012 0.009 DCA Maximum [mg/L]

0.005 0.005 0.005 0.006 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.006 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.007 0.005 MCA <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.083 0.200 0.200 0.004 0.120 0.088 0.270 0.098 0.110 0.100 0.120 0.330 0.072 0.310 0.110 0.170 0.056 0.072 0.200 0.120 0.150 0.005 0.240 0.390 0.040 0.026 0.033 0.038 0.059 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

------0.10 0.10 0.11 0.05 0.01 0.06 0.05 0.06 0.24 0.38 0.32 0.06 0.05 0.18 0.05 0.06 0.04 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 0.3 0.3 3.1 0.3 2.6 0.6 7.3 0.2 0.4 3.4 0.9 2.5 3.2 0.4 0.3 3.4 2.6 0.5 0.4 2.2 2.7 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 13.2 16.4 29.6 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

98 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98.1 98.1 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed ------Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL

CL CL CL CL CL CLO2/CL CLO2/CL ype of T disinfection

90 670 240 100 310 480 840 100 150 280 560 410 690 190 230 150 300 220 730 850 600 1,250 2,640 6,270 2,490 1,100 4,000 1,800 13,290 46,530 Estimated population

oof

ook

naud

ater sampling

illaura oomelang alpeup arracknabeal W locality Hopetoun Horsham Jung Lake Bolac Lalbert Manangatang Minyip Murtoa Nullawil Ouyen Pomonal Quambatook Rainbow Rupanyup Sea Lake St Ar Stawell Ultima Underbool W W W W Wychepr 35 Irymple Kerang Koondr Lake Boga Merbein

ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater

Water supplier GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W GWM W Localities Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Murray Water Murray Water Murray Water Murray Water Murray Water and population GWM W GWM W GWM W

133

------0.82 0.66 0.63 0.72 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------0.97 0.88 0.90 0.88 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.010 0.019 0.016 0.016 0.016 0.009 0.009 0.008 0.011 0.027 0.041 0.018 0.010 0.034 0.026 0.064 0.048 0.077 0.110 0.034 0.023 0.017 0.008 0.013 TCA <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.006 0.018 0.010 0.012 0.018 0.015 0.013 0.009 0.009 0.021 0.007 0.007 0.023 0.016 0.012 0.031 0.025 0.043 0.031 0.049 0.095 0.037 0.023 0.017 0.010 0.009 DCA Maximum [mg/L]

0.006 0.006 0.009 MCA <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 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.054 0.063 0.050 0.045 0.039 0.049 0.044 0.022 0.039 0.084 0.011 0.009 0.074 0.042 0.024 0.076 0.076 0.091 0.079 0.091 0.200 0.077 0.140 0.040 0.046 0.033 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

------0.05 0.11 0.01 0.01 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.01 0.03 0.11 0.50 0.29 0.03 0.06 0.36 0.09 0.13 0.12 0.04 0.10 0.09 0.28 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 3.6 3.8 2.5 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.6 0.3 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed B B ------Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL

Clam Clam Clam Clam UV / CL UV / CL UV / CL Clam / CL ype of T disinfection

90 350 550 190 350 590 430 140 170 150 210 120 180 360 150 2,800 2,250 2,330 1,180 3,200 1,330 1,380 1,210 29,000 10,500 54,430 11,280 Estimated population

est

fs

n owan

nawartha ater sampling

oorinen South orryong High Level Level High orryong orryong Low Level Level Low orryong W locality Mildura Murrabit Nyah Nyah W Piangil Red Clif Robinvale Swan Hill W 14 Bar Beechworth High Level Beechworth Low Level Bellbridge Benalla Bright Bundalong Chilter C C Cudgewa Dartmouth Devenish Ebden / Baranduda Low Level Eskdale Glenr Goorambat

ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater

Water supplier Lower Murray Water Murray Water Murray Water Murray Water Murray Water Murray Water Murray Water Murray Water Murray Water and population Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Localities North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W

134 ------0.63 0.67 0.78 0.68 0.70 0.67 0.69 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------0.89 0.87 1.00 0.87 0.88 0.89 0.92 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------<0.1 <0.1 Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------<0.01 <0.01 Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

-- -- 0.033 0.027 0.032 0.021 0.018 0.015 0.018 0.230 0.029 0.023 0.030 0.019 0.033 0.013 0.040 0.008 0.016 0.030 0.022 0.026 0.018 0.009 0.019 TCA Maximum [mg/L]

-- -- 0.035 0.024 0.028 0.021 0.021 0.014 0.027 0.094 0.039 0.028 0.024 0.018 0.057 0.015 0.028 0.009 0.013 0.031 0.016 0.023 0.016 0.006 0.025 DCA Maximum [mg/L]

-- -- 0.007 0.006 MCA <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 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

-- -- 0.080 0.058 0.052 0.049 0.039 0.028 0.097 0.260 0.092 0.048 0.052 0.049 0.071 0.053 0.049 0.021 0.035 0.064 0.058 0.083 0.035 0.025 0.064 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

------0.11 0.04 0.33 0.02 0.14 0.07 0.03 0.04 0.11 0.04 0.13 0.15 0.06 0.03 0.14 0.09 0.08 0.08 0.12 0.12 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 0.9 0.3 0.5 0.4 1.1 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.6 0.5 0.2 0.7 0.5 0.2 1.9 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.6 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98.1 98.1 98.1 98.1 98.1 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed ------Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL UV

Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Oz/CL Oz/CL Clam / CL ype of CLO2 / UV T disinfection

10 470 350 270 330 800 190 100 460 450 130 460 130 420 880 1,620 3,600 2,580 1,160 1,520 1,000 8,430 19,760 10,700 22,450 102,500 Estimated population

e

d

epunkah ater sampling

odonga / odonga odonga odonga ahgunyah alwa andiligong angaratta ackandandah arrawonga ungamah allangatta angambalanga awonga W locality Harrietville Kiewa Moyhu Mount Beauty Myrtlefor Oxley Por Rutherglen Springhurst St James T T T T W W W W Whitfield W Baranduda High Level W High Level W Logic Centr W Low Level Y Y 42

ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater

supplier Water North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W North East W Localities and population North East Water

135 ------0.86 0.95 0.87 0.95 0.86 0.90 0.89 0.90 0.88 0.92 0.88 0.89 0.85 0.88 0.89 0.88 0.88 0.92 0.88 0.88 0.92 0.83 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------0.93 1.10 0.93 1.10 0.92 1.10 1.00 1.10 0.98 1.00 0.97 1.00 0.95 0.92 0.95 1.00 0.98 1.00 0.98 0.97 1.30 1.00 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

------0.080 0.023 0.051 0.021 0.049 0.018 0.017 0.024 0.013 0.020 0.041 0.021 0.008 0.018 0.022 0.034 0.019 0.023 0.049 0.025 0.017 0.016 0.015 TCA Maximum [mg/L]

------0.070 0.005 0.017 0.012 0.014 0.008 0.010 0.007 0.006 0.007 0.007 0.009 0.010 0.011 0.013 0.010 0.010 0.008 0.011 0.011 DCA <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

------0.050 MCA <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 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

------0.300 0.095 0.120 0.056 0.130 0.048 0.091 0.077 0.075 0.070 0.091 0.060 0.057 0.066 0.052 0.099 0.063 0.120 0.095 0.078 0.240 0.078 0.044 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

------0.43 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.03 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 0.9 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.9 1.0 1.5 1.0 1.4 1.0 1.6 0.6 1.6 1.3 1.5 0.4 1.2 1.4 1.2 0.7 0.5 1.1 1.4 1.3 0.6 1.4 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 91.7 97.2 99.6 99.3 99.1 99.5 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed ------Filt PV PV PV PV Filter supply

PV PV PV CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL UV ype of T disinfection

--- 5,980 6,040 3,240 1,240 5,760 1,150 60,860 25,610 15,560 62,900 24,950 46,510 44,580 24,000 22,030 20,610 85,860 14,820 90,720 190,000 159,260 109,500 Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Estimated population population population population population population

ne

ynn

n ntree Gully ntree ater sampling omana ilsons omontory isitor Facility idal River

welve Apostles W locality Gabo Island Lightstation Reserve Lake Eildon National Park: Lakeside/ Candlebark T T V W Pr Lightstation 5 Balnarring Bayswater Beaumaris Belgrave Berwick Bitter Brighton / Heatherton Bunyip Carrum Downs Caulfield Chelsea Cora L Cranbour Dandenong Dandenong North Devon Meadows Dr Fer Frankston Frankston South Garfield Hallam

ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater

ictoria ictoria ictoria ictoria ictoria

supplier Water Parks V Parks V Parks V Parks V Parks V Localities South East Water South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W and population

136 ------0.87 0.87 0.89 0.88 0.87 0.87 0.81 0.90 0.90 0.89 0.88 0.84 0.88 0.91 0.92 0.87 0.90 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------0.94 0.96 1.10 0.98 0.94 0.94 0.92 1.10 1.10 0.98 0.98 0.92 0.93 1.00 1.00 0.95 1.00 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.021 0.024 0.007 0.008 0.022 0.010 0.023 0.026 0.025 0.040 0.024 0.019 0.017 0.036 0.013 0.021 0.073 0.027 0.013 0.020 0.008 0.020 TCA < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.012 0.006 0.007 0.005 0.014 0.015 0.014 0.011 0.013 0.015 0.006 0.010 0.018 0.009 0.006 0.011 0.007 0.011 0.037 DCA <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

MCA <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 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.110 0.063 0.068 0.100 0.100 0.048 0.130 0.100 0.070 0.098 0.130 0.082 0.052 0.095 0.073 0.068 0.150 0.003 0.014 0.180 0.250 0.130 0.016 0.110 0.180 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

------0.02 0.15 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.05 0.03 0.09 0.06 0.09 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.03 Maximum [mg/L]

Aluminium 0.5 1.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 1.3 0.6 0.5 1.4 1.0 0.4 0.9 1.4 1.4 0.5 1.2 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.4 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 99.5 99.1 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed ------Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL Clam Clam Clam ype of T disinfection

500 610 170 720 170 180 150 2,300 1,420 8,160 2,930 2,890 1,080 4,440 3,720 10,670 10,420 29,890 42,100 33,780 29,620 76,410 15,200 21,590 174,550 Estimated population 1,484,220

ne

eek ee Rup

ooduc eham nington dialloc

ater sampling

antirna ye ynong W locality Hastings Karingal Koo W Lang Moor Mor Mor Mount Martha Pakenham Rowville R Shor Somerville South Melbour T Upper Beaconsfield W 39 Alberton Cape Paterson Dumbalk Fish Cr Foster Inverloch Koonwarra Korumburra

ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater ater

Water supplier South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W South East W Localities South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland and population Water Water Water Water Water Water Water Water South East Water

137 ------0.75 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.10 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.013 0.023 0.042 0.040 0.034 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.006 0.140 0.032 0.008 0.005 0.019 TCA < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.009 0.017 0.017 0.030 0.021 0.015 0.019 0.032 0.028 0.016 0.009 0.025 0.011 0.007 0.005 0.013 0.130 0.025 0.013 0.005 0.027 DCA < 0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.015 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 MCA < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 < 0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.017 0.160 0.015 0.130 0.027 0.020 0.120 0.100 0.099 0.013 0.016 0.260 0.016 0.011 0.031 0.150 0.190 0.120 0.260 0.014 0.160 THMs <0.001 Maximum [mg/L]

------0.08 0.17 0.05 0.83 0.05 0.05 0.07 0.04 0.05 0.07 0.03 0.13 0.21 0.12 0.13 0.24 0.19 0.14 Maximum [mg/L] Aluminium

0.5 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.9 0.4 0.8 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.2 1.0 1.4 0.4 1.4 0.1 0.2 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

99 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98.1 99.5 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed B B -- Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt B Filt B Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam ype of T disinfection Clam/CL Clam/CL

50 190 440 560 300 120 150 700 530 200 400 100 120 980 250 265 4,650 7,000 1,780 3,130 1,640 1,420 26,570 Estimated population

eek

d

down down

elshpool

ater sampling

onthaggi arram oora W locality Lance Cr Leongatha Loch Meeniyan Nyora Poowong Port Franklin Port W T W Y 19 Allansfor Balmoral Camper (Rural) Camper (Urban) Caramut Casterton Cavendish Cobden Coleraine Dartmoor Derrinallum

annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water supplier Water Water Water Water Water Water Water Water Water Water Water and population South Gippsland Water South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland South Gippsland Localities W W W W W W W W W W W

138 ------0.9 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.75 0.78 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 1.10 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.022 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.007 0.007 0.035 0.049 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.057 0.007 0.015 0.005 0.049 0.005 0.005 0.029 0.054 0.029 0.016 0.021 0.016 0.063 0.025 0.042 0.051 TCA Maximum [mg/L]

0.040 0.040 0.021 0.005 0.010 0.017 0.012 0.030 0.031 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.042 0.013 0.016 0.016 0.032 0.005 0.009 0.019 0.022 0.018 0.016 0.010 0.019 0.034 0.019 0.014 0.029 DCA Maximum [mg/L]

0.005 0.007 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 0.005 0.005 MCA <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.140 0.060 0.036 0.012 0.025 0.100 0.160 0.100 0.130 0.080 0.017 0.015 0.021 0.001 0.049 0.110 0.150 0.071 0.033 0.140 0.053 0.013 0.041 0.089 0.052 0.050 0.051 0.149 0.097 0.081 0.085 0.057 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

------1.6 0.31 0.94 0.16 0.14 0.11 0.10 0.05 0.07 0.28 0.09 0.07 0.19 0.14 0.17 0.15 0.15 0.19 0.04 0.17 0.17 0.18 0.15 Maximum [mg/L] Aluminium

0.6 1.1 0.4 0.7 0.2 0.3 0.9 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.1 1.5 1.2 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.4 0.2 0.9 0.6 1.0 0.5 0.8 0.2 0.6 0.9 0.6 1.0 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E. coli 98.28 % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed B B B B ------Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt B Filt B Filt B Filt B Filt B Filt B Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL

Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam Clam/CL Clam/CL CL / Clam CL / Clam CL / Clam CL / Clam ype of T disinfection

30 70 90 400 130 265 200 940 350 500 150 460 130 110 780 770 200 9,370 1,280 1,380 2,710 1,860 3,510 2,590 9,620 2,030 2,540 4,390 10,130 31,020 71,390 11,540 42,460 Estimated population

ough

d

e ne

oit nim derderg ater sampling

arrnambool imboon arrington erang W locality Dunkeld Glenthompson Hamilton Heywood Kor Lismor Merino Mortlake Noorat / Glenormiston Paaratte Penshurst Peterbor Port Campbell Port Fairy Portland Pur Sandfor Simpson T T T W 33 Bulla Darley Diggers Rest Eynesbury Gisbor Lancefield Ler Macedon Maddingley Melton South

estern Water estern Water estern Water estern Water estern Water estern Water estern Water estern Water estern Water estern Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water annon Water

supplier Water and population Wannon Water Wannon W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W Localities W W W W W W W W W W

139 ------0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.17 0.12 0.17 0.17 0.16 0.50 0.77 0.94 0.90 0.71 0.75 0.93 0.99 0.91 0.94 0.93 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.1 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.54 0.34 0.42 0.30 0.20 0.50 0.30 0.34 0.23 1.10 1.10 0.98 1.10 1.10 1.00 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.00 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.049 0.023 0.006 0.022 0.068 0.005 0.028 0.061 0.012 0.010 0.007 0.010 0.045 0.007 0.012 0.008 0.008 0.003 0.014 0.024 0.023 0.006 0.003 0.030 0.049 0.009 0.060 0.020 0.026 0.021 TCA <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.013 0.032 0.028 0.036 0.019 0.027 0.008 0.007 0.010 0.007 0.063 0.010 0.011 0.006 0.007 0.003 0.003 0.008 0.003 0.003 0.009 0.003 0.012 0.007 0.013 0.003 0.008 0.003 DCA <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.005 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 MCA <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 Maximum [mg/L]

0.091 0.108 0.162 0.132 0.084 0.042 0.170 0.038 0.110 0.180 0.200 0.210 0.260 0.150 0.210 0.180 0.230 0.009 0.069 0.089 0.085 0.048 0.003 0.076 0.120 0.042 0.088 0.084 0.110 0.096 THMs <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

-- -- 0.19 0.17 0.07 0.17 0.18 0.09 0.14 0.17 0.12 0.15 0.03 0.05 0.03 0.07 0.05 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.33 0.04 0.04 0.02 0.05 0.04 0.09 0.05 0.06 0.05 0.04 Maximum [mg/L] Aluminium

0.7 0.8 0.2 0.9 1.0 0.2 1.0 0.8 0.2 0.6 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 1.8 0.6 1.0 1.0 0.3 1.2 0.4 1.3 1.2 0.5 0.9 0.9 1.1 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98.1 99.4 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed ------Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL

Clam Clam Clam UV / CL UV / CL CL / Clam CL / Clam CL / Clam ype of T disinfection

900 370 600 830 540 500 660 140 8,850 3,540 2,220 4,630 5,380 1,260 3,100 1,400 3,870 1,020 9,760 38,810 13,180 87,340 22,000 16,180 59,700 94,100 22,010 39,940 144,950 118,210 129,630 126,120 149,110 Estimated population

eek

oolamai

averley

oy

niong ater sampling

oydon oodend

entnor oolern Vale W locality Merrimu Mount Macedon Myr Riddells Cr Rockbank Romsey Sunbury T W 19 Bass Cape W Corinella Cowes Grantville Kilcunda Rhyll San Remo V 9 Brahams Road Bundoora Cr Doncaster Eltham Emerald Epping Glen W Glenr Healesville Ivanhoe Kew Lilydale

estern Water estern Water estern Water estern Water estern Water estern Water estern Water estern Water esternport Water esternport esternport Water esternport Water esternport Water esternport Water esternport Water esternport Water esternport Water esternport Water esternport

arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water supplier W Western Water and population and population W W W W W W W W Localities W W W W W W W W Localities Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

140 ------0.92 0.93 0.74 0.94 0.93 0.89 0.58 0.92 0.89 0.73 0.94 0.92 0.94 0.76 Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------1.00 1.00 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.98 1.00 0.98 1.10 1.00 Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

-- -- <0.4 0.033 0.003 0.031 0.003 0.033 0.040 0.015 0.005 0.009 0.014 0.059 0.027 0.036 0.019 0.034 0.010 0.018 0.046 0.012 TCA Maximum [mg/L]

-- -- <0.2 0.016 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.013 0.017 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.008 0.034 0.009 0.006 0.011 0.008 0.003 0.017 0.011 0.009 DCA Maximum [mg/L]

-- -- 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 <0.05 MCA Maximum [mg/L]

-- -- 0.083 0.010 0.086 0.048 0.110 0.120 0.064 0.043 0.084 0.060 0.120 0.094 0.110 0.070 0.097 0.069 0.046 0.100 0.039 0.170 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

------0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.05 0.07 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.08 0.03 Maximum [mg/L] Aluminium

0.9 3.2 1.2 0.4 0.9 1.1 0.6 0.4 0.6 1.2 1.0 0.8 1.0 2.0 1.0 0.5 2.1 0.4 1.9 1.3 0.5 0.5 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

99 99 99 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 99.6 98.1 99.7 98.1 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed ------Filt Filt Filt Filt Filter supply

CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL CL UV UV UV Clam Clam ype of T disinfection UV / CL UV / CL UV / CL UV / CL

------830 5,490 6,470 3,790 5,240 6,840 2,710 3,580 16,790 83,410 19,830 15,700 98,300 34,060 14,670 77,990 50,180 112,090 126,510 Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Estimated population 1,558,720 population population population

eek n

ose nda / ater sampling

eston oori Yallock allan arburton arranwood

arra Glen arra Junction yrebird Avenue yrebird W locality Lower Plenty L Malver Mer Hurstbridge Mitcham Montr Northcote Plenty Pr Ridge / Monbulk Seville Somerton W W W Whittlesea W Y Y 32 Falls Cr 1 Mount Baw 1 Mount Hotham 1

arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water arra Valley Water supplier Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Localities Localities Mount Baw ARMB Localities ARMB Localities and population and population and population and population Yarra Valley Water Valley Yarra ARMB Falls Creek Mount Hotham

141 ------Mean [mg/L] Fluoride

------Fluoride Maximum [mg/L]

------Maximum [mg/L] Formaldehyde

------Bromate Maximum [mg/L]

0.057 0.012 0.022 0.160 TCA Maximum [mg/L]

0.039 0.029 0.027 0.087 DCA Maximum [mg/L]

MCA <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 Maximum [mg/L]

0.063 0.098 0.074 0.120 THMs Maximum [mg/L]

------

Maximum [mg/L] Aluminium

2.2 0.5 0.9 0.6 95% UCL of the mean (NTU) Turbidity

100 100 100 98.1 E. coli % of samples with zero E. coli / 100 mL

ed ------Filter supply

CL CL ype of T disinfection UV / CL UV / CL

--- Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Estimated population 5,023,530 population population population population

ater sampling illage - Low Level

elephone Box W locality Mirimbah Mt Buller High Level Reticulation Mt Buller Alpine V Reticulation Mt Stirling - T Junction 4 485

otals supplier Water and population Mount Buller and T Mount Stirling ARMB Mount Buller and Mount Stirling ARMB Mount Buller and Mount Stirling ARMB Mount Buller and Mount Stirling ARMB Localities

142 Notes MCA Monochloroacetic acid FL Fluoridated supply for 2009–10 TCA Trichloroacetic acid NF Naturally occurring fluoride in ground water at levels comparable to a fluoridated supply (Barnawatha fluoridated supply since June 2009). THMs Trihalomethanes Filt Filtered supply (involving coagulation, clarification, flocculation, membrane filtration, nanofiltration or similar applied processes). For the purposes of this table “filtered” does not refer to natural settling, aeration, sand filtration or treatment for algae, weed, pH, iron or manganese control only. E. coli/ 100 mL Escherichia coli per 100 millilitres ARMB Alpine Resort Management Board SF Slow sand filtered (with no further filtration processes) [mg/L] concentration in milligrams per litre B Ground water bore source (without blending with surface raw water sources or surface raw water storage) 95% UCL 95 per cent upper confidence limit UV Ultra-violet light irradiation NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit Oz Ozonation -- Locality not sampled during 2008–09 CL Chlorination (gaseous chlorine or hypochlorite) GWM Trading name for Grampians Wimmera Clam Chloramination Water Mallee Water PV Refer Parks Victoria for details of local arrangements CLO2 Chlorine dioxide both listed types of disinfection were used during 2009–10 (either simultaneously or periodically)

143 The benchmark standards were:

• At least 98 per cent of samples with zero E. coli/ 100 mL. • 95 per cent UCL of the mean should not exceed 5.0 NTU. • Aluminium: 0.2 mg/L. • THMs: 0.25 mg/L. • MCA: 0.15 mg/L. • DCA: 0.1 mg/L. • TCA: 0.1 mg/L. • Bromate: 0.02 mg/L. • Formaldehyde: 0.5 mg/L. • Fluoride: 1.5 mg/L (all supplies). • Fluoride: mean not to exceed 1.0 mg/L (fluoridated supplies).

Highlighting indicates where drinking water did not satisfy the benchmark standard for 2009–10.

Population data is based on estimated permanent population.

The water quality data in the above table is derived from data submitted to the Department by the relevant water businesses for 2009–10.

Data is based on sampling of drinking water that represents supplies to consumers for the localities shown.

Some data that notionally and slightly exceeds the listed standard for aluminium, DCA and TCA is deemed to be compliant, in accordance with data rounding conventions.

For details of water treatment or added chemicals please refer to annual reports for individual water businesses.

Water supplies that are non-potable (that is, not intended for drinking) are excluded from the table.

144 Appendix 8: Notifications for 2009–10

Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

March 2010 Dogs Rocks Detection of The storage tank may have been Barwon Water Escherichia coli contaminated as a result of a heavy rainfall in storage tank event. The storage tank was isolated from supply. The supply main from the storage tank was flushed to remove any water that may have entered the reticulation during and after the rainfall event. Inspection of the storage tank identified minor damage to the overflow works. The storage tank remained offline until repair works were completed and the tank was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

March 2010 Cressey Detection of The storage tank was isolated and disinfected. Barwon Water Escherichia The reticulation system was flushed and coli in drinking disinfected using a mobile disinfection unit. water and Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. storage tank The tank was inspected and no cause was identified. December 2009 Montpellier Detection of The system was checked and no failures or Barwon Water Escherichia faults with the chlorine booster dosing system coli in drinking were observed. The water main was flushed. water Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. November 2009 Buninyong/ Detection of An inspection of the tank was conducted. Central Mount Helen Escherichia coli Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. Highlands in storage tank Water

November 2009 Lexton Detection of Chlorine residual levels were raised at the Central Escherichia water treatment plant and sections of the main Highlands coli in drinking were flushed. Resample results were clear Water water (non- of Escherichia coli. It is suspected that the regulatory initial samples taken were from a private water sample) supply and not from the reticulation system. November 2009 Lexton Elevated The frequency of manganese monitoring was Central manganese in increased. The raw water offtake level from the Highlands storage tank reservoir was raised. Water December 2009 Creswick Detection of An inspection of the basin was conducted. Central Escherichia coli Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. Highlands in basin Water February 2010 Creswick Detection of An inspection of the basin was conducted. Central Escherichia coli Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. Highlands in basin Water February 2010 Blackwood Detection of The site was inspected, the main was flushed Central Escherichia and the meter was replaced. Resample results Highlands coli in drinking were clear of Escherichia coli. Water water (non- regulatory sample

145 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

February 2010 Linton Elevated Samples were taken. The main and meter Central turbidity in were flushed on several occasions. A review Highlands drinking water of flow characteristics was carried out and a Water previously shut valve was opened to remove a dead end in the main. March 2010 Enfield Detection of An inspection of the basin was conducted. Central Escherichia Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. Highlands coli in storage Water basin March 2010 Cardigan Village Detection of A site investigation was carried out. Resample Central Escherichia results were clear of Escherichia coli. Highlands coli in drinking Water water April 2010 Bungaree/ Detection of The storage tanks were isolated and inspected. Central Wallace Escherichia Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. Highlands coli in storage Water tanks April 2010 Lexton Elevated The chloramination disinfection processes were Central trihalomethanes restored. It is suspected that elevated levels of Highlands and organic material had been reacting with free Water trichloroacetic chlorine prior to reversion to chloramination. acid in drinking Operational and system monitoring were water intensified for the duration of the event.

May 2010 Lexton Elevated This is a continuation of the previous Central trihalomethanes notification (April 10) with the same suspected Highlands in drinking cause and responses. Water water

June 2010 Linton Detection of The basin was dosed with chlorine and Central Escherichia coli inspected. Resample results were clear of Highlands in basin Escherichia coli. Water

June 2010 Ballarat Detection of A site investigation was carried out. Resample Central Escherichia results were clear of Escherichia coli. Highlands coli in drinking Water water

June 2010 Enfield Detection of An inspection of the basin was conducted. Central Escherichia coli Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. Highlands in basin Water

November 2009 Werribee Detection of The storage tank was dosed with additional City West Escherichia coli chlorine. It is suspected that rainwater may Water in high-level have entered the tank via the unsealed (though storage tank covered) roof’s ridge. The ridge has since been thoroughly sealed with silicone. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

146 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

December 2009 Werribee South Detection of The storage tank had not been supplying City West Escherichia coli water to customers for at least two weeks Water in ground-level prior to the detection. The tank was dosed storage tank with additional chlorine. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

December 2009 Werribee South Detection of The tank had not been supplying water to City West Escherichia coli customers for at least two weeks prior to the Water in ground-level detection. The tank was dosed with additional storage tank chlorine. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

February 2009 Werribee South Detection of The storage tank was dosed with additional City West Escherichia chlorine. Resample results clear were of Water coli in elevated Escherichia coli. storage tank March 2010 Werribee Detection of The storage tank was dosed with additional City West Escherichia coli chlorine. It is suspected that rainwater may Water in high-level have entered the tank via the unsealed (though storage tank covered) roof’s ridge. The detection was preceded by fierce and exceptional thunder showers and winds. The roof ridge has since been thoroughly sealed with silicone. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

April 2010 Werribee South Detection of The storage tank had not been supplying water City West Escherichia coli to customers throughout April. The storage Water in ground-level tank was isolated and an inspection of the roof storage tank was carried out. The inspection revealed sites of possible ingress of rainwater at the overlap of roof sections where silicon sealant had ‘weathered away’. The section were resealed with silicon prior to reinstatement of the storage tank to supply in late 2010. May 2010 Werribee South Detection of The storage tank was dosed with additional City West Escherichia chlorine. Resample results were clear of Water coli in elevated Escherichia coli. storage tank November 2009 Inglewood Detection of Flushing was carried out. Resample results Coliban Water Escherichia were clear of Escherichia coli. coli in drinking water

February 2010 Tooborac Detection of Chlorine dosing was increased and flushing Coliban Water Escherichia was carried out. Resample results were clear coli in drinking of Escherichia coli. water

147 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

March 2010 Inglewood Detection of Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. Coliban Water Escherichia coli at tank outlet April 2010 Harcourt Detection of A boil water notice was in place from Coliban Water Escherichia coli 17/04/10 to 23/04/10. Water in the storage in drinking water basin was disinfected. Contaminated water was flushed from the system. The storage basin was removed from service and an alternative storage tank was used. A temporary booster chlorination system was installed. It is planned to replace the basin with a sealed tank. Following two successive days of zero Escherichia coli from extensive testing, the boil water notice was lifted.

February 2010 Mallacoota Detection of Mains were flushed, trends were reviewed in East Gippsland Escherichia coli the water information management system and Water in drinking water the sample location and sampling procedures were examined. The exact cause of the detection could not be conclusively established, though the detection coincided with a large rainfall event. A bird roosting branch was also identified as a possible source of contamination. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

February 2010 Bairnsdale Detection of Flushing was carried out and the storage tank East Gippsland Escherichia was inspected. The integrity of the seal was Water coli in drinking found to be poor, which may have been a water source of contamination during a large rainfall event that coincided with the sampling date. The seal has been repaired and the future of this storage tank is under review. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. December 2009 Falls Creek Detection of The Escherichia coli detection was confirmed Falls Creek Escherichia coli as an isolated incident and/or possible Alpine Resort in drinking water sampling error. This was corroborated by testing of secondary samples, which returned a zero result. The operational response initiated as a precautionary measure involved immediate mains flushing, cleaning and replacement of the UV globe and thimble.

October 2009 Traralgon Widespread Extensive flushing was carried out throughout Gippsland customer the reticulation network and additional Water complaints – monitoring of water quality parameters dirty water/ was undertaken during and after the event. treatment plant All subsequent reticulation monitoring results outage were compliant.

Incidents associated with a boil water notice are highlighted in white type.

148 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

July 2009 Marysville Elevated The chlorine dioxide system was serviced. Goulburn Chlorite in Ongoing monitoring to be continued. Valley Water drinking water

August 2009 Thornton Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn Valley hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Water drinking water

August 2009 Seymour Loss of The clear water storage was isolated and the Goulburn Valley disinfection reticulation system and water treatment plant Water were inspected for possible contamination. The clear water storage was then drained and refilled with fully treated water. September 2009 Bonnie Doon Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn Valley hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Water drinking water

October 2009 Nagambie Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn Valley hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Water drinking water

October 2009 Marysville Elevated chlorite The chlorine dioxide system was serviced. Goulburn Valley in drinking Ongoing monitoring to be continued. Water water

November 2009 Upper Delatite Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn Valley hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Water drinking water

November 2009 Longwood Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn Valley hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Water drinking water

December 2009 Pyalong Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn Valley hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Water drinking water

December 2009 Bonnie Doon Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn Valley hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Water drinking water

December 2009 Thornton Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn Valley hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Water drinking water

January 2010 Longwood Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn Valley hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Water drinking water

January 2010 Bonnie Doon Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn Valley hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Water drinking water

149 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

February 2010 Nagambie Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Valley Water drinking water February 2010 Upper Delatite Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Valley Water drinking water

February 2010 Pyalong Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Valley Water drinking water

February 2010 Broadford Widespread A temporary floating arm offtake was installed, Goulburn customer which significantly reduced the levels of Valley Water complaint – manganese being drawn into the system. dirty water The clear water storage tank was cleaned and flushing of the reticulation was carried out. A permanent floating arm offtake was then installed and the reticulation was cleaned and scoured.

February 2010 Nagambie Possible It is suspected that the hatch on the clear Goulburn contamination water storage tower opened as a result of Valley Water – hatch open storm damage. The tower was isolated so on clear water no water from this location could enter the storage tower reticulation system. The water in the tower was slug-dosed with hypochlorite and left offline for eight hours. The hatch was closed.

March 2010 Thornton Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Valley Water drinking water

April 2010 Thornton Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Valley Water drinking water

May 2010 Longwood Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Valley Water drinking water

May 2010 Tallarook Elevated chloral GVW is reviewing the health significance of Goulburn hydrate in this result in consultation with the department. Valley Water drinking water

July 2009 Haven Loss of Chlorine was returned to the system six Grampians chlorination hours after the incident occurred. Thorough Wimmera testing of the system revealed that there were Mallee Water strong chlorine residuals and no microbial contamination.

150 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

October 209 Underbool Elevated There was a problem with the mixer, which Grampians aluminium in was rectified. The reticulation system was Wimmera drinking water flushed. Mallee Water

December 2009 Jung Detection of A complete check of all water treatment plant Grampians Escherichia logs and a check of the testing laboratory’s Wimmera coli in drinking procedures failed to isolate the cause. Multiple Mallee Water water retest results were clear of Escherichia coli.

December 2009 Murtoa Detection of A complete check of all water treatment plant Grampians Escherichia logs and a check of the testing laboratory’s Wimmera coli in drinking procedures failed to isolate the cause. Multiple Mallee Water water retest results were clear of Escherichia coli.

December 2009 Jung Elevated Monitoring of the supply continued and Grampians trichloroacetic several more non-compliant results were Wimmera acid in drinking obtained. With no filtration process used in the Mallee Water water water treatment process for the town, there is limited capacity to reduce the concentration of trichloroacetic acid in the drinking water. December 2009 Minyip Elevated Monitoring of the supply continued. All Grampians trihalomethane resample results complied with the water Wimmera in drinking quality standards. Mallee Water water

December 2009 Rupanyup Elevated Monitoring of the supply continued. All Grampians trihalomethane resample results complied with the water Wimmera in drinking quality standards. Mallee Water water January 2010 Ultima Elevated The turbidity was caused by pipeline works. Grampians turbidity in Flushing of the water supply system was Wimmera drinking water carried out and all raw water delivery pipelines Mallee Water were cleaned out. March 2010 Willaura Detection of A complete check of all water treatment plant Grampians Escherichia logs and a check of the testing laboratory’s Wimmera coli in drinking procedures were undertaken, which failed Mallee Water water to identify the cause. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

April 2010 Rupanyup Elevated The entire reticulation system was flushed until Grampians chlorine in all water that contained elevated chlorine was Wimmera drinking water purged from the system. Mallee Water April 2010 Mildura Widespread The raw water was dosed with powdered Lower Murray customer activated carbon to remove elevated levels of Water complaint – geosmin, MIB and algal metabolites. taste and odour

151 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

November 2009 Harris Gulley Detection of The system was checked and no potential Melbourne Main Escherichia coli contamination was identified. Resample Water in drinking results were clear of Escherichia coli. water December 2009 Greenvale/ Detection of The chlorinator failed to dose for Melbourne Yuroke Escherichia coli approximately one hour and 20 minutes. Water in drinking Samples were taken along the main, with water the location of undisinfected water being monitored and the water being scoured to waste. Resample results from the original and other sites were clear of Escherichia coli.

June 2010 Cardinia Excess fluoride Calibration of the flow meter at the Cardinia Melbourne dosing at water treatment plant resulted in excess Water Cardinia Water fluoride being dosed into the supply system. Treatment Plant The cause of the excess dosage was a failure to switch to the standby flow meter during calibration, which meant that chemicals (fluoride, lime and chlorine) were added to the water at four times the normal concentration for a short period of time. The treatment plant automatically shut down as designed and sent an alarm when the fluoride concentration reached 1.2 mg/L. None of the water samples collected from the downstream water supply system after the incident had elevated fluoride concentrations.

June 2010 Mount Baw Baw Detection of The water sampler was interviewed and it was Mount Baw and Mount Escherichia ascertained that the detection of Escherichia Baw Alpine Stirling Alpine coli in drinking coli was as a result of contamination during Resort Resort water sampling. Analysis of other samples taken on the day showed no presence of Escherichia coli and a resample taken 24 hours later was compliant. The affected water sampling point has been relocated to a more suitable location in the building to avoid a recurrence of this problem.

September 2009 Mirimbah Detection of The chlorine dosing system ran out of Mount Buller Escherichia chlorine. Chlorine was returned to the system and Mount coli in drinking and the system was flushed. Resample results Stirling Alpine water were clear of Escherichia coli. The standard Resort operating procedures have been reviewed and amended, requiring the chlorine storage drum to maintain a higher volume.

152 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

May 20010 Springhurst Detection of Treated drinking water was carted from North East Escherichia Wangaratta by an approved water carrier Water coli in drinking and then boosted with hypochlorite at the water Springhurst water treatment plant prior to distribution into the reticulation system. Resamples results from the Springhurst water treatment plant and the holding tank for the water carrier were clear of Escherichia coli. July 2009 Tawonga Detection of The storage tank was hypochlorinated. North East Escherichia Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. Water coli in drinking water August 2009 Myrtleford Detection of UV lamps were checked and were working. North East Escherichia Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. Water coli at entry into reticulation system

September 2009 Myrtleford Detection of There is no filtration in the water treatment North East Escherichia process and no residual disinfection within the Water coli in drinking reticulation system. Resample results were water clear of Escherichia coli. September 2009 Kiewa Detection of Chlorine residuals were checked at the North East Escherichia Tangambalanga clear water storage tank and Water coli in drinking within the reticulation area. Resample results water were clear of Escherichia coli. September 2009 Bright Loss of a Due to a pump failure, an alternate raw water North East treatment source was required. Raw water went directly Water barrier to into the storage tank. No contamination was suspected and increased water quality monitoring verified that there were no health risks. Chlorine dosing was maintained throughout the incident. October 2009 Corryong/ Loss of The UV lamp used in the water treatment North East Cudgewa disinfection process failed for 12 hours at an unfiltered site. Water The chlorine disinfection remained in operation, providing satisfactory chlorine disinfection in the reticulation system. November 2009 Corryong Detection of Due to a reduction in water usage and North East Escherichia coli consequent extended storage times in the Water in storage tank Playles Hill tank, chlorine residual levels had decreased. The chlorine dose was increased and water was flushed through the reticulation to increase the chlorine residuals. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

153 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

November 2009 Myrtleford Detection of A boil water notice was effective from 1/11/09 North East Escherichia to 30/4/10. Escherichia coli was detected by Water coli in drinking an additional monitoring program. Resample water results were clear of Escherichia coli.

November 2009 Springhurst Elevated Treated drinking water was being carted from North East manganese in Wangaratta to Springhurst. In response to Water drinking water high temperatures, the town had increased its water usage. The higher-than-usual water demand most likely caused manganese to be stripped from the reticulation pipes. A reminder of stage 3 restrictions was issued to residents to decrease water flow and further scouring of the reticulation system.

December 2009 Mount Beauty/ Detection of The ozone plant was checked to ensure North East Tawonga South Escherichia it was operating correctly. The clear water Water coli in drinking storage basin was chlorinated as part of water risk management due to the proximity of the holiday period, hot weather and an expected influx of visitors. Reticulation sites and storage basin resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. December 2009 Myrtleford Detection of A seasonal boil water notice was effective North East Escherichia from 1/11/09 to 30/4/10. The UV lamps were Water coli in drinking checked and had been replaced in November water 2009. A media release to remind customers to boil water was prepared for local newspapers and media prior to the holiday season.

December 2009 Whitfield Detection of A chlorine dioxide residual was present. North East Escherichia Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. Water coli in drinking water December 2009 Mount Beauty Loss of The loss of disinfection was caused by North East disinfection overheating of the ozone generators and Water subsequent plant shutdown. Untreated water had already gone through the system. Power and disinfection was re-established within seven minutes. Corrective work has been carried out to increase the flow of cooling water to the ozone generators.

January 2010 Myrtleford Detection of A seasonal boil water notice was effective North East Escherichia from 1/11/09 to 30/4/10. A multiple barrier Water coli in drinking upgrade for the water treatment plant is due water for completion by mid-2011. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

Incidents associated with a boil water notice are highlighted in white type.

154 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

January 2010 Tawonga Detection of It was confirmed that the ozone plant North East Enterococci in was operating satisfactorily and ongoing Water drinking water monitoring was in place. No cause for sporadic contamination could be identified. Chlorine dosing is due for implementation by mid-February 2010.

January 2010 Corryong Detection of Following high coliform counts from the North East Enterococci initial sample, further tests for Enterococci Water in basin were undertaken and chlorine residuals were checked. Resample results were clear of Enterococci.

February 2010 Corryong Detection of Due to a reduction in water usage and North East Escherichia coli extended storage times in the Playles Hill tank, Water in storage tank chlorine residual levels had decreased. The chlorine dose was increased and water was flushed through the reticulation to increase the chlorine residuals. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

February 2010 Mount Beauty Detection of It was confirmed that the ozone plant was North East Escherichia coli operating satisfactorily and ongoing monitoring Water in treated water was in place. The surrounding area of the storage basin treated water basin was inspected and a possible cause for the contamination was not identified. Chlorine dosing is due for implementation by the end of February 2010. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

February 2010 Tawonga Detection of It was confirmed that the ozone plant was North East Enterococci in operating satisfactorily and ongoing monitoring Water drinking water was in place. No cause for sporadic contamination could be identified. Chlorine dosing is due for implementation by mid- February 2010.

February 2010 Mount Beauty Detection of It was confirmed that the ozone plant was North East Enterococci in operating satisfactorily and ongoing monitoring Water drinking water was in place. No cause for sporadic contamination could be identified. Chlorine dosing is due for implementation by mid- February 2010. February 2010 Tawonga Detection of It was confirmed that the ozone plant was North East Escherichia operating satisfactorily and ongoing monitoring Water coli in drinking was in place. water

155 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

March 2010 Tawonga Detection of Chlorine disinfection was initiated at the Mount North East Enterococci in Beauty water treatment plant just prior to Water drinking water the detection. The mains were flushed one week after chlorine disinfection commenced to remove biofilm and chlorine residuals were increased. Resample results were clear of Enterococci.

March 2010 Myrtleford Detection of A seasonal boil water notice was effective North East Enterococci in from 1/11/09 to 30/4/10. A multiple barrier Water drinking water upgrade for the water treatment plant is due for completion by mid-2011. Resample results were clear of Enterococci.

April 2010 Oxley Loss of While treated water was going direct into North East disinfection the reticulation from the water treatment Water plant due to work on a bypass at the storage tank, a broken chlorine injector was identified and water supply was halted for 15 minutes while the injector was replaced. Some non-disinfected water entered the reticulation system. Chlorine residual levels were closely monitored and remained at a satisfactory level during the incident. Once the injector was fixed and the water supply resumed, the chlorine dosing was adjusted and the disinfection unit monitored.

May 2010 Corryong/ Boil water A boil water notice was issued as precaution North East Cudgewa notice on 21/5/10 and was in place until 9/08/10. Water Elevated turbidity of raw water due to increased sediment and the presence of algae could compromise the UV and chlorine disinfection at the unfiltered site. The short-term action taken was to communicate the boil water notice to the affected towns, media and critical customers. The medium-term action was to use an alternate water supply to reduce the total turbidity. The longer-term action is a treatment plant upgrade due for completion by 2013.

December 2009 Gabo Island Detection of The storage tanks were treated with sodium Parks Victoria Lightstation Escherichia coli hypochlorite and lines to the tap were flushed. in storage tank Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

Incidents associated with a boil water notice are highlighted in white type.

156 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

March 2010 Lake Eildon Detection of The tank was closed, treated with sodium Parks Victoria Camping Ground Escherichia coli hypochlorite and the lines were flushed to in storage tank clear them of contaminated water. All taps on the tank were closed off and ‘Do Not Drink’ signs were installed until the resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

September 2009 Toorak Detection of The system was inspected and no obvious South East Escherichia source of contamination was identified. Water coli in drinking Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. water September 2009 Toorak Detection of The system was inspected and no obvious South East Escherichia source of contamination was identified. Water coli in drinking Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. water

September 2009 Port Melbourne Detection of The system was inspected and no obvious South East Escherichia source of contamination was identified. Water coli in drinking Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. water

September 2009 East Brighton Detection of The system was inspected and no obvious South East Escherichia source of contamination was identified. Water coli in drinking Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. water October 2009 Dandenong Widespread Dirty water was caused by a burst water main. South East North customer The location of the burst was in the centre Water complaint – of a hydraulic zone, which stirred up water dirty water throughout the area. The entire area was flushed to remove the dirty water, targeting specific areas such as dead-end mains where it was anticipated that the dirty water would not be flushed through.

October 2009 Cranbourne Detection of The local reticulation system was checked and South East North Escherichia no problems were identified. Resample results Water coli in drinking from the hydrant and a nearby tap were clear water of Escherichia coli.

November 2009 McCrae Detection of The tank where the detection occurred was South East Escherichia immediately inspected, dosed with sodium Water coli in drinking hypochlorite for disinfection and damage to the water bird proofing was repaired. Resample results from the tank and two customer sample taps fed by the tank in the downstream reticulation system were clear of Escherichia coli.

157 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

December 2009 Ferntree Gully Detection of The tank where the detection occurred was South East Escherichia immediately isolated, inspected and dosed to Water coli in drinking a free chlorine residual of 0.5 mg/L. All system water checks were clear. Resamples results from the reservoir and two taps within the reticulation system were clear of Escherichia coli. The tank was then brought back into supply.

December 2009 Carnegie Detection of The system was inspected and no obvious South East Escherichia source of contamination was identified. Water coli in drinking Resample results were free of Escherichia coli. water December 2009 Oakleigh Detection of The system was inspected and no obvious South East Escherichia source of contamination was identified. Water coli in drinking Resample results were free of Escherichia coli. water February 2010 Harkaway Detection of The tank where the detection occurred was South East Escherichia immediately isolated, inspected and dosed to Water coli in drinking a free chlorine residual of 0.5 mg/L. All system water checks were clear. The tank was thoroughly inspected and it was determined that it should be drained and cleaned, with adjustments made to the roofing to prevent any further rain from entering the tank. Resamples results from the reservoir and two taps within the reticulation system were clear of Escherichia coli. The tank was then brought back into supply.

February 2010 Oakleigh Detection of The system was flushed and inspected but South East Escherichia no obvious source of contamination was Water coli in drinking identified. Resample results were free of water Escherichia coli. February 2010 Hallam Detection of The system was inspected and no obvious South East Escherichia source of contamination was identified. Water coli in drinking Resample results were free of Escherichia coli. water May 2010 Mt Eliza Detection of The upstream Armagh Road basin was South East Escherichia immediately isolated and the water supply to Water coli in drinking the area was changed. Resample results from water the sample tap where the detection occurred and a number of nearby taps were all clear of Escherichia coli. June 2010 Harkaway Detection of The tank where the detection occurred was South East Escherichia immediately isolated, inspected and dosed to Water coli in drinking a free chlorine residual of 0.5 mg/L. All system water checks were clear. Resample results from the reservoir and a tap within the reticulation system were clear of Escherichia coli.

158 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

November 2009 Inverloch Detection of A boil water notice was implemented South Escherichia from 4/11/2009 to 9/11/2009. Corrective Gippsland coli in drinking actions included flushing, review of Water water works undertaken and leaks reported in the distribution system, confirmation of correct valve operation and investigation of possible back-flow or cross-connections, and extensive resampling of the entire town. On the third and fourth days following the initial high Escherichia coli result, all resample results were clear. The source was not determined, but the results indicated that this was an isolated incident.

December 2009 Toora Detection of The source could be attributed to the use South Escherichia of an uncovered clear water storage basin. Gippsland coli in drinking At the time of detection, two secondary Water water chlorination units were operating to disinfect water leaving the basin. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. The uncovered basin was taken offline.

December 2009 Lance Creek Blue-green Corrective actions implemented included South algae the application of algaecide to the reservoir Gippsland and the use of powdered activated carbon Water to remove algae-related compounds during treatment. Additional monitoring indicated that these corrective actions were effective. February 2010 Korumburra Detection of Investigation revealed treatment and South Escherichia coli disinfection processes at the water treatment Gippsland in storage tank plant were functioning normally. Two samples Water collected from Korumburra customer tap sites and eight follow-up samples collected throughout the distribution system were clear of Escherichia coli.

February 2010 Lance Creek Detection of There was no evidence of treatment South Escherichia plant malfunctions or disinfection failures. Gippsland coli in drinking Actions included onsite investigations and Water water dismantling, inspecting and reassembling the sampling tap as a precautionary measure. Escherichia coli was not detected in eight other samples collected from the distribution system. Resample results were also clear of Escherichia coli. Incidents associated with a boil water notice are highlighted in white type.

159 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

March 2010 Cape Detection of Inspection of the water tower was carried South Patterson Escherichia coli out and hypochlorite was added to enhance Gippsland in storage tank disinfection. Escherichia coli was not detected Water in samples taken from a customer tap or eight follow-up samples. Storage levels in the water tower managed to optimise residual chlorine.

April 2010 Wonthaggi Detection of Investigation revealed that there were no South Escherichia plant malfunctions or disinfection failures. Gippsland coli in drinking Flushing was carried out. Seven other Water water samples collected from the Wonthaggi and Lance Creek systems all tested negative for Escherichia coli, as did a further nine samples taken subsequent to flushing. April 2010 Poowong Detection of An inspection of the water tower was South Escherichia coli undertaken, and partial emptying and Gippsland in storage tank refilling of the tower was carried out Water to improve residual chlorine levels. No Escherichia coli was detected in a routine customer tap sample taken on the same day of the detection. All five resamples were also clear of Escherichia coli.

August 2009 Balmoral Elevated An increase in the chlorine dose rates Wannon Water monochloramine was identified as the source of elevated in storage monochloramine levels. The chlorine and tank outlet ammonia dose rates were reduced to specification. Training was conducted for all operators on the use of the chloramination optimiser program.

June 2010 Balmoral Elevated The chlorine to ammonia ratio was not Wannon Water trihalomethane working at optimal levels so this was amended in drinking and the reticulation was flushed. water

January 2010 Cavendish Detection of Action was taken to decrease the turbidity in Wannon Water Escherichia coli the raw water basin. The reticulation system in storage tank was flushed and resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. October 2009 Warrnambool Detection of It is thought that the incidence of Escherichia Wannon Water Escherichia coli was the result of incorrect plant operation coli at outlet of due to human error, which resulted in storage tank disruption to the disinfection process. Due to low chlorine levels and high plant-flow rates, the required residence time may not have been available to achieve an effective log removal of pathogens. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

160 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

November 2009 Cavendish Elevated The elevated turbidity was due to poor quality Wannon Water turbidity in raw water. As there is no filtration at this drinking water treatment plant, water was brought in as a precautionary measure until the raw water quality improved. The reticulation was flushed to dispel any turbid water.

August 2009 Coleraine Elevated The reticulation was air-scoured and this Wannon Water trihalomethane removed residual organic material from the in drinking reticulation system and therefore reduced water trihalomethane formation within the system. New clear water storage was commissioned in September 2009, eliminating the need to use the original storage basin that had contributed to the formation of trihalomethanes.

December 2009 Koroit Elevated nitrite Incorrect chlorine to ammonia ratios were Wannon Water in drinking the cause of the elevated nitrite levels. The water reticulation was flushed to remove the high nitrite and the chlorine to ammonia ratio was adjusted. Training was conducted for all operators on the use of chloramination optimiser program.

February 2010 Warrnambool Blue-green Three raw water storages were affected and Wannon Water algae were taken offline during the blue-green algal bloom. The affected storages were dosed with algaecides. Samples taken from each of the affected storages were analysed for algal toxins; results were negative and storages were brought back online.

February 2010 Heywood Detection of The water in this tower was not being used Wannon Water Escherichia coli to service the community; it is usually only in storage tank used in the event of a power failure. The tower was taken offline and drained. It is now a redundant asset.

February 2010 Tarrington Detection of Resamples results were clear of Escherichia Wannon Water Escherichia coli coli. at entry point

April 2010 Portland Detection of The clear water storage tank was isolated Wannon Water Escherichia coli and drained. It was found that birds had been in storage tank able to access the tank. The access point was repaired to prevent bird access and the tank was refilled. During refilling there were issues with the chlorinator, sediment was stirred up in the tank during draining and another Escherichia coli result was detected. The tank was drained again and refilled. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

161 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

May 2010 Noorat/ Detection of Resample results were clear of Escherichia Wannon Water Glenormiston Escherichia coli. coli in drinking water

May 2010 Heywood Elevated free The storage tank was diluted with source Wannon Water chlorine in water to reduce chlorine concentrations. storage tank The reticulation scour valve was opened to draw the highly chlorinated water from the system. The chlorine analyser probe has been replaced with an appropriate measuring range to prevent recurrence.

June 2010 Heywood Chemical While works were being carried out on the Wannon Water contamination mixer located near the clear water storage, of storage tank approximately 300 ml of gearbox oil spilt into the clear water storage. As a precaution the clear water storage was isolated and divers removed the contaminant from the water storage. Upon removal of all visible traces of oil, the clear water storage was returned to operation. No contaminated water was supplied to customers. Samples for hydrocarbon, VOC and oil and grease parameters were analysed with all results being within Australian Drinking Water Guideline health-related guideline values.

August 2010 Purnim Elevated chloral Wannon Water is reviewing the health Wannon Water hydrate levels in significance of this result in consultation drinking water with the department.

March 2010 Rhyll Detection of The pipe network in the vicinity of the Western Port Escherichia Escherichia coli detection was flushed Water coli in drinking with water with a free chlorine residual of water 0.26 mg/L. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

March 2010 Lancefield Detection of Additional sampling and monitoring was Western Water Enterococci in undertaken to determine the source of the drinking water Enterococci contamination. All existing above- and below-ground water meters in Lancefield were inspected to identify any possibility of backflow. No contamination source was identified.

162 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

September 2009 Woori Yallock & Widespread Works had been undertaken on the Yarra Valley Launching Place customer Melbourne Water main that supplies this Water complaints – area. The affected mains were flushed and dirty water customer taps in the area were sampled for microbiological parameters, chlorine and turbidity. Parameters returned results within normal ranges and no further complaints were recorded.

September 2009 Toorak Detection of The sampling tap was visually inspected and Yarra Valley Escherichia the area was flushed. Resample results were Water coli in drinking clear of Escherichia coli. water

November 2009 Balwyn North Detection of The sampling tap was visually inspected and Yarra Valley Escherichia the area was flushed. Resample results were Water coli in drinking clear of Escherichia coli. water

December 2009 Kalorama Detection of The sampling tap was visually inspected and Yarra Valley Escherichia the area was flushed. The Tremont Reservoir Water coli in drinking was bypassed while the event was being water investigated. The area around the storage tank was flushed and a visual inspection was undertaken. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

December 2009 Bayswater Detection of The sampling tap was visually inspected and Yarra Valley Escherichia the area was flushed. Resample results were Water coli in drinking clear of Escherichia coli. water January 2010 Preston Detection of The sampling tap was visually inspected and Yarra Valley Escherichia the area was flushed. Resample results were Water coli in drinking clear of Escherichia coli. water January 2010 Gembrook Detection of This incidence was caused by rainwater Yarra Valley Escherichia coli seeping into the tank following a heavy rainfall Water in storage tank event. A bypass supply was put in place while the roof of the tank was sealed and repaired. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli.

January 2010 Warburton Detection of Contamination possibly occurred following a Yarra Valley Escherichia coli heavy rainfall event. The tank was taken offline Water in storage tank and the tank was flushed, cleaned and visually inspected before being refilled. The inspection identified gaps in the roof and walls, which were repaired and the water mains in the area was also flushed. Resample results from the tank and customer tanks were clear of Escherichia coli.

163 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

January 2010 Warburton Detection of The tank was spot-dosed with chlorine and Yarra Valley Escherichia inspected. Gaps were found in the roof and Water coli in drinking walls, which were repaired and the roof and water walls were flushed. Resample results from the tank and customer tanks were clear of Escherichia coli.

February 2010 Kilsyth Detection of The area was flushed and resample results Yarra Valley Escherichia were clear of Escherichia coli. Water coli in drinking water

March 2010 Hurstbridge Detection of Possibly caused by rainwater seeping into Yarra Valley Escherichia coli the tank after a heavy rainfall event. The tank Water in storage tank was inspected and necessary repairs were carried out. The tank was spot-dosed with chlorine and the levels checked. Flushing of the mains in the area was carried out until chlorine residuals reached acceptable levels. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. Additional tank inspection and maintenance was initiated in response to high rate of water quality events occurring in tanks and reservoirs.

March 2010 Coburg/Preston/ Widespread Higher than normal flows in Melbourne Water’s Yarra Valley Pascoe Vale/ customer water mains caused discoloured water. The Water Balwyn complaints – mains were flushed and no further complaints dirty water were recorded.

March 2010 Wallan Detection of The sampling tap was visually inspected and Yarra Valley Escherichia the area was flushed. Resample results were Water coli in drinking clear of Escherichia coli. water

April 2010 Mernda/ Detection of The incident was caused by rainwater seeping Yarra Valley Hurstbridge Escherichia coli into the tank after a high rainfall event. A Water in storage tank simulation deluge was undertaken on the tank. The simulation identified that water was backing up and seeping into the tank from spots that were not previously identified; these were repaired. The tank was spot dosed with chlorine. Resample results were free of Escherichia coli. April 2010 Doncaster East Detection of The area was flushed and resample results Yarra Valley Escherichia were clear of Escherichia coli. Water coli in drinking water

164 Water sampling locality Water Date or suburb Type Action supplier

May 2010 Croydon Detection of It is believed that samples were contaminated Yarra Valley Escherichia while being collected. The area was flushed Water coli in drinking and samples results from official customer water sampling taps in the area were clear of Escherichia coli. The process for testing and sampling for water quality at water mains associated with construction activities was modified to ensure that sample collection is undertaken only by samplers from an accredited laboratory or by Yarra Valley approved personnel.

June 2010 Wattle Glen Detection of The sample tap was exposed to soil from a Yarra Valley Escherichia surrounding garden bed, which is likely to Water coli in drinking have affected the sample result. The chlorine water level was checked at the reservoir and in the reticulation system and the area was flushed. Resample results were clear of Escherichia coli. Sampling processes have been reviewed with the testing laboratory to ensure that set sampling protocols are strictly adhered to by all samplers.

Notes ARMB = Alpine Resort Management Board

WTP = water treatment plant

Notifications for aluminium and turbidity made under section 18 are not shown in this table.

# Melbourne Water is a water storage manager.

165 Appendix 9: Localities and towns

Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Aireys Inlet Barwon Water Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven Anakie Barwon Water Anakie, Staughtonvale Anglesea Barwon Water Anglesea Apollo Bay Barwon Water Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek, Marengo Bannockburn Barwon Water Bannockburn, Gheringhap Batesford Barwon Water Batesford Bellarine Barwon Water Bellarine, Mannerim Birregurra Barwon Water Birregurra Clifton Springs Barwon Water Clifton Springs, Drysdale, Wallington, Swan Bay Colac Barwon Water Colac, Coragulac, Beeac, Cororooke, Alvie, Elliminyt Cressy Barwon Water Cressy Forrest Barwon Water Forrest Gellibrand Barwon Water Gellibrand Highton Barwon Water Highton, Geelong West, Newtown, Geelong, South Geelong, East Geelong, Breakwater, Thomson, Newcomb, Whittington, Moolap, Rippleside Highton High Level Barwon Water Ceres, Wandana Heights Leopold Barwon Water Leopold, Curlewis Lethbridge Barwon Water Lethbridge, She Oaks Little River West Barwon Water Little River West Lorne Barwon Water Lorne Lovely Banks Barwon Water Geelong North, Hamlyn Heights, Bell Park, Norlane, North Shore, Corio, Lara Lovely Banks - Carrs Rd Barwon Water Lovely Banks, Moorabool Meredith Barwon Water Meredith Montpellier Barwon Water Montpellier, Bell Post Hill, Hamlyn Heights, Hern Hill, Highton, Newtown, Belmont, Geelong West, Fyansford Moriac Barwon Water Moriac Ocean Acres Barwon Water Ocean Acres (near Torquay) Ocean Grove Barwon Water Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Marcus Hill Pettavel Barwon Water Pettavel, Mount Duneed, Fresh Water Creek, Connewarre, Breamlea, Grovedale, Waurn Ponds, Marshall Portarlington Barwon Water Portarlington, St Leonards, Indented Heads Queenscliff Barwon Water Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale Teesdale Barwon Water Teesdale, Shelford, Inverleigh Torquay Barwon Water Torquay, Jan Juc Winchelsea Barwon Water Winchelsea

166 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Alma Central Highlands Water Alma, Adelaide Lead, Moonlight Avoca Central Highlands Water Avoca Ballan Central Highlands Water Ballan Ballarat Central Central Highlands Water Alfredton pt, Ballarat, Ballarat East pt, Canadian, Delacombe pt, Golden Point, Mount Pleasant, Redan, Woodmans Hill Ballarat North / Nerrina Central Highlands Water Ballarat North pt, Nerrina Beaufort Central Highlands Water Beaufort Bet Bet Central Highlands Water Bet Bet, Havelock, Betley, Simson Blackwood / Barrys Reef Central Highlands Water Blackwood, Barrys Reef Bungaree / Wallace Central Highlands Water Bungaree, Wallace Buninyong / Mount Helen Central Highlands Water Buninyong, Mount Helen, Mount Clear, Mount Pleasant Cardigan Village Central Highlands Water Cardigan, Cardigan Village, Alfredton pt Carisbrook Central Highlands Water Carisbrook, Flagstaff Clunes Central Highlands Water Clunes Creswick Central Highlands Water Creswick Daisy Hill Central Highlands Water Daisy Hill Daylesford High Level Central Highlands Water Daylesford (high level area) Daylesford Low Level / Hepburn Central Highlands Water Daylesford (low level area), Hepburn Springs Dean Central Highlands Water Dean Enfield Central Highlands Water Rokewood, Enfield pt, Corindhap, Dereel Fiskville / Glenmore Central Highlands Water Fiskville, Glenmore, Rowsley Forest Hill Central Highlands Water Broomfield, Newlyn, Springmount, Allendale, Kingston, Smeaton Gordon / Mount Egerton Central Highlands Water Gordon, Mount Egerton Haddon Central Highlands Water Haddon, Snake Valley, Carngham, Smythes Creek, Delacombe pt Lal Lal Central Highlands Water Lal Lal, Bungal, Yendon, Navigators Learmonth Central Highlands Water Learmonth Lexton Central Highlands Water Lexton Linton Central Highlands Water Linton, Pittong Majorca Central Highlands Water Majorca, Golden Point, Craigie Maryborough Central Highlands Water Maryborough Napoleons Central Highlands Water Napoleons, Enfield pt, oodlandsW Sebastopol Central Highlands Water Sebastopol, Magpie, Delacombe pt Skipton Central Highlands Water Skipton, Pittong Smythesdale Central Highlands Water Smythesdale, Newtown, Scarsdale Talbot Central Highlands Water Talbot Timor Central Highlands Water Timor, Bowenvale Waubra Central Highlands Water Waubra

167 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Wendouree Central Highlands Water Wendouree, Brown Hill, Invermay, Black Hill, Miners Rest, Mitchell Park, Mount Rowan, Lake Gardens, Ballarat North Pt, Ballarat East Pt, Warrenheip Altona City West Water Altona, Altona North pt, Laverton, Point Cook, Truganina Caroline Springs City West Water Caroline Springs, Kealba, Keilor, Kings Park, St Albans pt Deer Park City West Water Cairnlea, Deer Park, Derrimut, St Albans pt, Sunshine North East Keilor City West Water Avondale Heights, Essendon pt, Keilor Park, Keilor East, Niddrie Little River City West Water Little River Maribyrnong City West Water Braybrook, Brooklyn, Footscray, Maidstone, Maribyrnong, Sunshine, Tottenham, Yarraville Moonee Ponds City West Water Ascot Vale, Essendon pt, Flemington, Kensington, Moonee Ponds Parkville City West Water Abbotsford, Carlton, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, East Melbourne, Fitzroy, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Parkville, Docklands Richmond City West Water Burnley, Richmond Strathmore City West Water Strathmore Taylors Lakes City West Water Hillside, Sydenham, Taylors Lakes Tullamarine City West Water Airport West, Melbourne Airport, Strathmore Heights, Tullamarine pt Werribee City West Water Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Werribee, Wyndham Vale Werribee South City West Water Werribee South Williamstown City West Water Altona North pt, Newport, Spotswood, Williamstown Axedale Coliban Water Axedale Bealiba Coliban Water Bealiba Bendigo (Northern) Coliban Water Bendigo, California Gully pt, Eaglehawk, Bendigo East, Jackass Flat, pt Long Gully, Myers Flat, Bendigo North, Sailors Gully, White Hills Bendigo (Southern) Coliban Water California Gully pt, Flora Hill pt, Golden Square, Kangaroo Flat, Kennington pt, Long Gully pt, Quarry Hill, Bendigo West Bendigo (Spring Gully) Coliban Water Flora Hill pt, Kennington pt, Spring Gully, Strathdale Big Hill Coliban Water Big Hill, Belvoir Park Boort Coliban Water Boort Bridgewater Coliban Water Bridgewater Castlemaine Coliban Water Castlemaine, Campbells Creek, Chewton, Golden Point

168 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Cohuna (Rural) Coliban Water Cohuna (rural area) Cohuna (Urban) Coliban Water Cohuna (urban area) Dunolly Coliban Water Dunolly Echuca Coliban Water Echuca Elmore Coliban Water Elmore Epsom - Huntly Coliban Water Epsom, Huntly Fryerstown Coliban Water Fryerstown Goornong Coliban Water Goornong Guildford Coliban Water Guildford Gunbower Coliban Water Gunbower (urban and rural areas) Harcourt Coliban Water Harcourt, Castlemaine North pt Heathcote Coliban Water Heathcote Inglewood Coliban Water Inglewood Junortoun Coliban Water Junortoun Korong Vale Coliban Water Korong Vale Kyneton Coliban Water Kyneton Laanecoorie Coliban Water Laanecoorie Leitchville (Rural) Coliban Water Leitchville (Rural area) Leitchville (Urban) Coliban Water Leitchville (Urban area) Lockington Coliban Water Lockington Maiden Gully - Marong Coliban Water Maiden Gully, Marong Maldon Coliban Water Maldon Malmsbury Coliban Water Malmsbury Newstead Coliban Water Newstead Pyramid Hill Coliban Water Pyramid Hill Raywood Coliban Water Raywood Rochester Coliban Water Rochester Sebastian Coliban Water Sebastian Serpentine Coliban Water Serpentine Strathfieldsaye Coliban Water Strathfieldsaye Taradale - Elphinstone Coliban Water Taradale, Elphinstone Tarnagulla Coliban Water Tarnagulla Tooborac Coliban Water Tooborac Trentham Coliban Water Trentham Tylden Coliban Water Tylden Wedderburn Coliban Water Wedderburn Bairnsdale East Gippsland Water Bairnsdale, Wy Yung, Lucknow, Bairnsdale East, Eastwood, Granite Rock Bemm River East Gippsland Water Bemm River Buchan East Gippsland Water Buchan Cann River East Gippsland Water Cann River Dinner Plain East Gippsland Water Dinner Plain

169 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Eagle Point - Paynesville East Gippsland Water Paynesville, Eagle Point, Raymond Island, Newlands Arm, Banksia Peninsula Kalimna East Gippsland Water Kalimna Lindenow East Gippsland Water Lindenow Lindenow South East Gippsland Water Lindenow South Mallacoota East Gippsland Water Mallacoota, Karbethong, Mirrabooka Merrangbaur East Gippsland Water Merrangbaur, Lake Tyers, Lake Bunga Metung East Gippsland Water Metung pt Nicholson - Swan Reach East Gippsland Water Nicholson, Johnsonville, Swan Reach, Metung pt, Tambo Upper Nowa Nowa East Gippsland Water Nowa Nowa Omeo East Gippsland Water Omeo Orbost East Gippsland Water Orbost, Newmerella, Marlo Sarsfield - Bruthen East Gippsland Water Sarsfield, Bruthen, Wiseleigh, Mossiface Sunlakes - Toorloo East Gippsland Water Lakes Entrance, Lake Tyers, Lake Bunga Swifts Creek East Gippsland Water Swifts Creek Boisdale Gippsland Water Boisdale Boolarra Gippsland Water Boolarra Briagolong Gippsland Water Briagolong Churchill Gippsland Water Churchill Coongulla / Glenmaggie Gippsland Water Coongulla, Glenmaggie Cowwarr Gippsland Water Cowwarr Drouin Gippsland Water Drouin, Robin Hood Erica Gippsland Water Erica Heyfield Gippsland Water Heyfield Jumbuk Gippsland Water Jumbuk, Jeeralang Junction Maffra Gippsland Water Maffra Mirboo North Gippsland Water Mirboo North Moe Gippsland Water Moe, Newborough pt Morwell Gippsland Water Morwell Neerim South Gippsland Water Neerim South Newborough Gippsland Water Newborough pt Noojee Gippsland Water Noojee Rawson Gippsland Water Rawson Rokeby / Buln Buln Gippsland Water Rokeby, Buln Buln Rosedale Gippsland Water Rosedale Sale / Wurruk Gippsland Water Sale, Wurruk Seaspray Gippsland Water Seaspray Stratford Gippsland Water Stratford Thorpdale Gippsland Water Thorpdale Toongabbie Gippsland Water Toongabbie Trafalgar Gippsland Water Trafalgar Traralgon Gippsland Water Traralgon

170 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Traralgon South / Hazelwood North Gippsland Water Traralgon South, Hazelwood North Tyers / Glengarry Gippsland Water Tyers, Glengarry Warragul Gippsland Water Warragul, Nilma, Darnum Warragul South Gippsland Water Warragul South Willow Grove Gippsland Water Willow Grove Yallourn North Gippsland Water Yallourn North Yarragon Gippsland Water Yarragon Yinnar Gippsland Water Yinnar Alexandra Goulburn Valley Water Alexandra Avenel Goulburn Valley Water Avenel Barmah Goulburn Valley Water Barmah Bonnie Doon Goulburn Valley Water Bonnie Doon Broadford Goulburn Valley Water Broadford Buxton Goulburn Valley Water Buxton Cobram Goulburn Valley Water Cobram Colbinabbin Goulburn Valley Water Colbinabbin Dookie Goulburn Valley Water Dookie Eildon Goulburn Valley Water Eildon Euroa Goulburn Valley Water Euroa Girgarre Goulburn Valley Water Girgarre Katamatite Goulburn Valley Water Katamatite Katandra West Goulburn Valley Water Katandra West Katunga Goulburn Valley Water Katunga Kilmore Goulburn Valley Water Kilmore Kyabram Goulburn Valley Water Kyabram Longwood Goulburn Valley Water Longwood Mansfield Goulburn Valley Water Mansfield Marysville Goulburn Valley Water Marysville Merrigum Goulburn Valley Water Merrigum Mooroopna Goulburn Valley Water Mooroopna Murchison Goulburn Valley Water Murchison Nagambie Goulburn Valley Water Nagambie Nathalia Goulburn Valley Water Nathalia Numurkah Goulburn Valley Water Numurkah Picola Goulburn Valley Water Picola Pyalong Goulburn Valley Water Pyalong Rushworth Goulburn Valley Water Rushworth Seymour High Level Goulburn Valley Water Seymour (high level area) Seymour Low Level Goulburn Valley Water Seymour (low level area), Mangalore Shepparton Goulburn Valley Water Shepparton, Congupna Stanhope Goulburn Valley Water Stanhope Strathmerton Goulburn Valley Water Strathmerton

171 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Tallarook Goulburn Valley Water Tallarook Tallygaroopna Goulburn Valley Water Tallygaroopna Tatura Goulburn Valley Water Tatura Thornton Goulburn Valley Water Thornton Tongala Goulburn Valley Water Tongala Toolamba Goulburn Valley Water Toolamba Trawool Goulburn Valley Water Trawool Upper Delatite Goulburn Valley Water Merrijig, Sawmill Settlement Violet Town Goulburn Valley Water Violet Town Wandong / Heathcote Junction Goulburn Valley Water Wandong, Heathcote Junction Waterford Park Goulburn Valley Water Waterford Park Wunghnu Goulburn Valley Water Wunghnu Yarroweyah Goulburn Valley Water Yarroweyah Yea Goulburn Valley Water Yea Ararat Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Ararat Beulah Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Beulah Birchip Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Birchip Brim Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Brim Charlton Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Charlton Dimboola Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Dimboola Donald Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Donald Edenhope Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Edenhope Great Western Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Great Western Halls Gap Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Halls Gap, Bellfield Haven Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Haven Hopetoun Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Hopetoun Horsham Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Horsham Jung Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Jung Lake Bolac Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Lake Bolac Lalbert Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Lalbert Manangatang Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Manangatang Minyip Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Minyip Murtoa Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Murtoa Nullawil Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Nullawil Ouyen Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Ouyen Pomonal Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Pomonal Quambatook Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Quambatook Rainbow Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Rainbow Rupanyup Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Rupanyup Sea Lake Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Sea Lake St Arnaud Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water St Arnaud Stawell Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Stawell

172 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Underbool ## Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Underbool Walpeup Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Walpeup Warracknabeal Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Warracknabeal Willaura Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Willaura Woomelang Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Woomelang Wycheproof Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Wycheproof Irymple Lower Murray Water Irymple, Cardross Kerang Lower Murray Water Kerang Koondrook Lower Murray Water Koondrook Lake Boga Lower Murray Water Lake Boga Merbein Lower Murray Water Merbein Mildura Lower Murray Water Mildura, Nichols Point, Birdwoodton, Cabarita, Kings Billabong Murrabit Lower Murray Water Murrabit Nyah Lower Murray Water Nyah Nyah West Lower Murray Water Nyah West Piangil Lower Murray Water Piangil Red Cliffs Lower Murray Water Red Cliffs Robinvale Lower Murray Water Robinvale Swan Hill Lower Murray Water Swan Hill Woorinen South Lower Murray Water Woorinen South Barnawartha North East Water Barnawartha Beechworth High Level North East Water Beechworth (high level area) Beechworth Low Level North East Water Beechworth (low level area) Bellbridge North East Water Bellbridge Benalla North East Water Benalla Bright North East Water Bright Bundalong North East Water Bundalong Chiltern North East Water Chiltern Corryong High Level North East Water Corryong (high level area) Corryong Low Level North East Water Corryong (low level area) Cudgewa North East Water Cudgewa Dartmouth North East Water Dartmouth Devenish North East Water Devenish Ebden / Baranduda Low Level North East Water Ebden, Baranduda pt Eskdale North East Water Eskdale Glenrowan North East Water Glenrowan Goorambat North East Water Goorambat Harrietville North East Water Harrietville Kiewa North East Water Kiewa Moyhu North East Water Moyhu ## Underbool drinking water supply since September 2008.

173 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Mt. Beauty North East Water Mount Beauty Myrtleford North East Water Myrtleford Oxley North East Water Oxley Porepunkah North East Water Porepunkah Rutherglen North East Water Rutherglen Springhurst North East Water Springhurst St James North East Water St James Tallangatta North East Water Tallangatta Tangambalanga North East Water Tangambalanga Tawonga North East Water Tawonga, Tawonga South Tungamah North East Water Tungamah Wahgunyah North East Water Wahgunyah Walwa North East Water Walwa Wandiligong North East Water Wandiligong Wangaratta North East Water Wangaratta Whitfield North East Water Whitfield Wodonga / Baranduda High Level North East Water Baranduda pt, Killara Wodonga High Level North East Water Wodonga pt Wodonga Logic Centre North East Water Wodonga Logic Centre Wodonga Low Level North East Water Wodonga pt Yackandandah North East Water Yackandandah Yarrawonga North East Water Yarrrawonga Gabo Island Light Station Reserve Parks Victoria Gabo Island Light Station Reserve Lake Eildon National Park: Lakeside / Candlebark Parks Victoria Lake Eildon National Park: Lakeside / Candlebark Tidal River Parks Victoria Tidal River (Wilsons Promontory National Park) Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility Parks Victoria Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility (Port Campbell National Park) Wilsons Promontory Lightstation Parks Victoria Wilsons Promontory Lightstation (Wilsons Promontory National Park) Balnarring South East Water Balnarring, Merricks, Somers Bayswater South East Water Bayswater, Boronia, Knoxfield, The Basin, Wantirna pt Beaumaris South East Water Beaumaris, Black Rock, Cheltenham Belgrave South East Water Belgrave, Selby, Tecoma, Upwey Berwick South East Water Berwick, Beaconsfield, Narre Warren South, Narre Warren North, Officer Bittern South East Water Bittern, Crib Point, HMAS Cerberus

174 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Brighton / Heatherton South East Water Bentleigh, Bentleigh East, Brighton, Brighton East, Cheltenham, Clarinda, Clayton South, Hampton, Heatherton, Highett, McKinnon, Mentone, Moorabbin, Oakleigh South, Ormond, Sandringham, Springvale, Westall Bunyip South East Water Bunyip, Longwarry Carrum Downs South East Water Carrum Downs, Skye Caulfield South East Water Armadale pt, Balaclava, Carnegie, Caulfield, Clayton, Elsternwick, Elwood, Glen Huntly, Hughesdale, Huntingdale, Murrumbeena, Oakleigh, Prahran, Ripponlea, St Kilda East, Toorak pt Chelsea South East Water Aspendale Gardens, Bonbeach, Carrum, Chelsea, Edithvale, Patterson Lakes Cora Lynn South East Water Cora Lynn Cranbourne South East Water Cranbourne Dandenong South East Water Dandenong, Dandenong South, Dingley, Keysborough, Noble Park, Springvale South, Bangholme Dandenong North South East Water Dandenong North, Noble Park North, Clayton, Springvale North Devon Meadows South East Water Blind Bight, Cannons Creek, Clyde, Devon Meadows, Five Ways, Tooradin, Warneet Dromana South East Water Dromana, McCrae, Safety Beach, Mount Martha pt Ferntree Gully South East Water Boronia, Ferntree Gully/Upper, The Basin Frankston South East Water Frankston, Frankston North, Langwarrin, Baxter, Seaford Frankston South South East Water Frankston South, Mount Eliza pt Garfield South East Water Garfield Hallam South East Water Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Eumemmerring, Hallam, Hampton Park, Lynbrook Hastings South East Water Hastings Karingal South East Water Karingal, Frankston East Koo Wee Rup South East Water Koo Wee Rup Lang Lang South East Water Lang Lang Moorooduc South East Water Moorooduc, Tuerong Mordialloc South East Water Braeside, Dingley, Mentone, Mordialloc, Parkdale, Waterways Mornington South East Water Mornington, Mount Martha pt, Mount Eliza pt Mount Martha South East Water Balcombe, Mount Martha pt Pakenham South East Water Pakenham Rowville South East Water Rowville, Lysterfield Rye South East Water Blairgowrie, Boneo, Cape Schanck, Portsea, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento, Tootgarook, Fingal Shoreham South East Water Shoreham, Flinders, Point Leo

175 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Somerville South East Water Somerville, Tyabb, Pearcedale South Melbourne South East Water Albert Park, Garden City, Middle Park, Port Melbourne, South Melbourne, South Yarra, Southbank, St Kilda West, St Kilda Road, Windsor Tynong South East Water Tynong, Nar Nar Goon Upper Beaconsfield South East Water Upper Beaconsfield Wantirna South East Water Knoxfield, Scoresby, Wantirna pt Alberton South Gippsland Water Alberton, Port Albert Cape Paterson South Gippsland Water Cape Paterson Dumbalk South Gippsland Water Dumbalk Fish Creek South Gippsland Water Fish Creek Foster South Gippsland Water Foster Inverloch South Gippsland Water Inverloch Koonwarra South Gippsland Water Koonwarra Korumburra South Gippsland Water Korumburra Lance Creek South Gippsland Water Lance Creek, Wattlebank Leongatha South Gippsland Water Leongatha Loch South Gippsland Water Loch Meeniyan South Gippsland Water Meeniyan Nyora South Gippsland Water Nyora Poowong South Gippsland Water Poowong Port Franklin South Gippsland Water Port Franklin, Bennison Port Welshpool South Gippsland Water Welshpool, Port Welshpool, Hedley Toora South Gippsland Water Toora, Agnes, Barry Beach Wonthaggi South Gippsland Water Wonthaggi Yarram South Gippsland Water Yarram, Devon North Allansford Wannon Water Allansford Balmoral Wannon Water Balmoral Camperdown (Rural) Wannon Water Camperdown (rural area) Camperdown (Urban) Wannon Water Camperdown (urban area) Caramut Wannon Water Caramut Casterton Wannon Water Casterton Cavendish Wannon Water Cavendish Cobden Wannon Water Cobden Coleraine Wannon Water Coleraine Dartmoor Wannon Water Dartmoor Derrinallum Wannon Water Derrinallum Dunkeld Wannon Water Dunkeld Glenthompson Wannon Water Glenthompson Hamilton Wannon Water Hamilton

176 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Sheywood Wannon Water Heywood Koroit Wannon Water Koroit Lismore Wannon Water Lismore Merino Wannon Water Merino Mortlake Wannon Water Mortlake Noorat / Glenormiston Wannon Water Glenormiston, Noorat Paaratte Wannon Water Paaratte Penshurst Wannon Water Penshurst Peterborough Wannon Water Peterborough Port Campbell Wannon Water Port Campbell Port Fairy Wannon Water Port Fairy Portland Wannon Water Portland Purnim Wannon Water Purnim Sandford Wannon Water Sandford Simpson Wannon Water Simpson Tarrington Wannon Water Tarrington Terang Wannon Water Terang Timboon Wannon Water Timboon Warrnambool Wannon Water Warrnambool Bulla Western Water Bulla Darley Western Water Bacchus Marsh pt, Darley Diggers Rest Western Water Diggers Rest Eynesbury Western Water Eynesbury Gisborne Western Water Gisborne, New Gisborne, Gisborne South Lancefield Western Water Lancefield Lerderderg Western Water Bacchus Marsh pt, Coimadai Macedon Western Water Macedon Maddingley Western Water Bacchus Marsh pt, Maddingley, Parwan Melton South Western Water Melton pt, Melton South, Melton West pt, Kurunjang pt, Hopetoun Park Merrimu Western Water Long Forest, Merrimu, Melton pt, Melton West pt, Kurunjang pt Mount Macedon Western Water Mount Macedon Myrniong Western Water Myrniong Riddells Creek Western Water Riddells Creek Rockbank Western Water Rockbank, Plumpton Romsey Western Water Romsey Sunbury Western Water Sunbury, Goonawarra, Jacksons Hill Toolern Vale Western Water Toolern Vale Woodend Western Water Woodend

177 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Bass Westernport Water Bass, Woolamai Cape Woolamai Westernport Water Cape Woolamai, Smiths Beach, Sunderland Bay, Sunset Strip, Wimbledon Heights Corinella Westernport Water Corinella, Coronet Bay, Tenby Point Cowes Westernport Water Cowes, Silverleaves Grantville Westernport Water Grantville, Pioneer Bay Kilcunda Westernport Water Kilcunda, Dalyston, Archies Creek Rhyll Westernport Water Rhyll San Remo Westernport Water San Remo, Newhaven Ventnor Westernport Water Ventnor, Summerlands Brahams Road Yarra Valley Water Warburton East pt Bundoora Yarra Valley Water Bundoora, Kingsbury, Watsonia, Greensborough, Keon Park, Reservoir, Thomastown, Lalor, Mill Park Croydon Yarra Valley Water Croydon, Wonga Park, Blackburn, Forest Hill, Nunawading, Heatherdale, Mitcham, Vermont, Ringwood, Heathmont, Ringwood East, Kilsyth, Mooroolbark, Bayswater North Doncaster Yarra Valley Water Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Donvale, Warrandyte, Blackburn North pt Eltham Yarra Valley Water Eltham, Diamond Creek, Research, Wattle Glen Emerald Yarra Valley Water Emerald, Menzies Creek, Cockatoo, Avonsleigh, Clematis, Macclesfield, Gembrook, Kallista Epping Yarra Valley Water Epping, Lalor, Mill Park, Morang South Glen Waverley Yarra Valley Water Glen Waverley, Syndal, Mount Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Burwood East, Clayton North, Notting Hill, Oakleigh East, Mulgrave pt Glenroy Yarra Valley Water Glenroy, Gladstone Park, Tullamarine pt, Oak Park, Broadmeadows, Dallas, Coolaroo, Meadow Heights, Westmeadows, Pascoe Vale, Fawkner Healesville Yarra Valley Water Healesville, Badger Creek, Chum Creek Ivanhoe Yarra Valley Water Ivanhoe, Banyule, Eaglemont, Heidelberg Kew Yarra Valley Water Kew, Kew East, Balwyn, Balwyn North pt, Hawthorn, Hawthorn East, Camberwell, Burwood, Canterbury, Surrey Hills, Bulleen, Doncaster pt Lilydale Yarra Valley Water Lilydale, Chirnside Park, Mooroolbark, Coldstream, Olinda, Mount Evelyn

178 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Lower Plenty Yarra Valley Water Lower Plenty, View Bank, Macleod, Yallambie, Watsonia, Greensborough, Montmorency Lyrebird Avenue Yarra Valley Water Warburton East pt Malvern Yarra Valley Water Burwood, Toorak pt, Armadale pt, Kooyong, Malvern, Malvern East, Glen Iris, Ashburton, Ashwood, Chadstone, Holmesglen Mernda / Hurstbridge Yarra Valley Water Mernda, Diamond Creek, Yarrambat, Research, Wattle Glen, Kangaroo Ground, Arthurs Creek, Hurstbridge, Nutfield, Doreen, Mernda, Panton Hill, Smiths Gully Mitcham Yarra Valley Water Burwood, Surrey Hills, Box Hill, Balwyn North pt, Box Hill North, Blackburn, Blackburn North pt, Forest Hill, Vermont, Mount Waverley, Burwood East, Mont Albert Montrose Yarra Valley Water Montrose, Kilsyth Northcote Yarra Valley Water Brunswick West, Brunswick, Brunswick East, Coburg, Northcote, Thornbury, Alphington, Fairfield Plenty Yarra Valley Water Briar Hill, Greensborough, Diamond Creek, Plenty, Montmorency Preston Yarra Valley Water Coburg, Preston, Reservoir, pt Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg West, Rosanna, View Bank, Macleod, Pascoe Vale Ridge/Monbulk Yarra Valley Water Menzies Creek, Kalorama, Mount Dandenong, Tremont, Ferny Creek, Sassafras, Olinda, Sherbrooke, Kallista, The Patch, Monbulk, Burleigh pt, Silvan Seville Yarra Valley Water Seville, Seville East, Wandin Somerton Yarra Valley Water Broadmeadows, Dallas, Coolaroo, Meadow Heights, Attwood, Westmeadows, Greenvale, Campbellfield, Somerton, Oaklands Junction, Craigieburn, Mickleham, Roxburgh Park Wallan Yarra Valley Water Wallan Warburton Yarra Valley Water Warburton, Wesburn, Millgrove Warranwood Yarra Valley Water Warranwood, Research, Kangaroo Ground, Donvale, Warrandyte, Park Orchards, Wonga Park, Ringwood, Ringwood North, Croydon North Whittlesea Yarra Valley Water Whittlesea, Doreen, Mernda, Yan Yean Woori Yallock Yarra Valley Water Woori Yallock, Yellingbo pt, Don Valley, Launching Place Yarra Glen Yarra Valley Water Yarra Glen Yarra Junction Yarra Valley Water Yarra Junction, Wesburn

179 Water sampling locality Water supplier Suburb/Town supplied

Falls Creek Falls Creek ARMB Falls Creek

Mount Baw Baw Mount Baw Baw ARMB Mount Baw Baw

Mount Hotham Mount Hotham ARMB Mount Hotham Mirimbah Mount Buller and Mount Stirling ARMB Mirimbah Mt Buller Alpine Village Mount Buller and - Low Level Reticulation Mount Stirling ARMB Mount Buller (low level area) Mt Buller High Mount Buller and Level Reticulation Mount Stirling ARMB Mount Buller (high level area) Mt Stirling - Telephone Box Junction Mount Stirling ARMB Mount Stirling - Telephone Box Junction

Notes ARMB means Alpine Resort Management Board pt means part This appendix lists drinking water supplies for 2009-10. In July 2009 Sebastian (Coliban Water), Eynesbury (Western Water) and in January 2010 Eskdale (North East Water) water sampling localities were gazetted to supply of drinking water. For queries relating to water supplied to any specific property or local area please enquire with the relevant water supplier.

180