WATER QUALITY
Water Quality Annual Report 2017/18
1800 454 500 I [email protected] www.gvwater.vic.gov.au Water Quality Annual Report 2017-18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION...... 6
1.1 water supply systems ...... 9
1.3 Source water protection ...... 12
1.4 Improvements to water supply and treatment ...... 12
1.5 Changes to water sampling localities ...... 13
2 WATER TREATMENT AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ...... 14
2.1 Water treatment ...... 14
2.1.1 Raw Water and Pre-Treatment ...... 14
2.1.2 Chemical addition, coagulation and flocculation ...... 15
2.1.3 Clarification, Sedimentation and Flotation...... 16
2.1.4 Filtration ...... 16
2.1.5 Disinfection...... 16
2.1.6 Fluoridation ...... 17
2.1.7 Clear water storage (storage of treated water) ...... 17
2.1.8 Reticulation (supply to the customers tap) ...... 17
2.2 Changes to water treatment processes and chemicals ...... 20
3 QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER ...... 21
3.1 Escherichia coli ...... 21
3.1.2 Results ...... 22
3.1.3 Actions in relation to non-compliance ...... 24
3.2 Chlorine based disinfection by-product chemicals ...... 24
3.2.1 Results ...... 25
3.2.2 Actions in relation to non-compliance ...... 26
3.2.3 Actions and preventative measures taken in relation to non-compliance ...... 32
3.3 TURBIDITY ...... 34
3.3.1 Results ...... 35
3.3.2 Actions in relation to non-compliance ...... 36
3.4 Aluminium ...... 36
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3.4.1 Results ...... 37
3.4.2 Actions in relation to non-compliance ...... 39
3.5 Fluoride ...... 39
3.5.1 Results ...... 40
3.5.2 Actions in relation to non-compliance ...... 41
3.6 Other Chemicals That May Pose a Risk To Public Health ...... 41
3.6.1 Results ...... 42
3.6.2 Actions in relation to non-compliance ...... 63
3.7 Aesthetics...... 63
3.7.1 Results ...... 64
3.7.2 Actions in relation to Aesthetic Issues...... 72
3.8 Analysis of results ...... 73
3.8.1 Water Quality Standards ...... 73
4 EMERGENCY AND INCIDENT MANAGEMENT ...... 75
4.1 Known or Suspected Contamination ...... 76
4.1.1 Section 22s ...... 76
4.1.2 Blue Green Algae Events ...... 77
5 COMPLAINTS RELATING TO WATER QUALITY ...... 79
5.1.1 Analysis of water quality complaints ...... 81
5.1.2 Customer Engagement around Water Quality ...... 82
6 FINDINGS OF THE MOST RECENT RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN AUDIT ...... 84
7 UNDERTAKINGS AND EXEMPTIONS UNDER SECTION 30 OF SDWA ...... 85
8 REGULATED WATER ...... 86
9 FURTHER INFORMATION ...... 89
List of Tables Table 2.1.1.1: GVW Raw Water Sources and Localities Serviced...... 11 Table 2.1.8.1: GVW Treatment Processes ...... 18 Table 2.1.8.2: Water Treatment Chemicals ...... 19 Table 3.1.2.1 Escherichia coli (Reticulation) ...... 22 Table 3.1.2.2: Escherichia coli (Clear Water Storage) ...... 23
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Table 3.2.1.1: Chlorine based disinfection by-product chemicals – Trihalomethanes ...... 25 Table 3.2.2.1 Chlorine based disinfection by-product chemicals – Chloroacetic Acid ...... 27 Table 3.2.2.2 Chlorine based disinfection by-product chemicals – Dichloroacetic Acid ...... 29 Table 3.2.2.3 - Chlorine based disinfection by-product chemicals – Trichloroacetic Acid ...... 31 Table 3.2.3.1: Health related parameters – Chloral hydrate in Drinking Water ...... 33 Table 3.3.1.1 Turbidity...... 35 Table 3.4.1.1: Acid Soluble Aluminium (Reticulation) ...... 37 Table 2: Acid Soluble Aluminium (Clear Water Storage) ...... 38 Table 3.5.1.1: Fluoride in Drinking Water ...... 40 Table 3.6.1.1: Health related parameters – Arsenic in Drinking Water ...... 43 Table 3.6.1.2: Health related parameters – Barium in Drinking Water ...... 44 Table 3.6.1.3: Health Related Parameters – Cadmium in Drinking Water ...... 45 Table 3.6.1.4: Health related parameters – Free Chlorine in Drinking Water (Reticulation) ...... 46 Table 3.6.1.5: Health related parameters – Free Chlorine in Drinking Water (Clear Water Storage) ...... 47 Table 3.6.1.6: Health related parameters – Chromium in Drinking Water ...... 48 Table 3.6.1.7: Health related parameters – Copper in Drinking Water ...... 49 Table 3.6.1.8: Health related parameters – Lead in Drinking Water ...... 50 Table 3.6.1.9: Health Related Parameters – Manganese in Drinking Water ...... 51 Table 3.6.1.10: Health related parameters – Mercury in Drinking Water ...... 52 Table 3.6.1.11: Health Related Parameters - Molybdenum in Drinking Water ...... 53 Table 3.6.1.12: Health Related Parameters – Nickel in Drinking Water ...... 54 Table 3.6.1.13: Health Related Parameters – Selenium in Drinking Water ...... 55 Table 3.6.1.14: Health Related Parameters – Cyanide in Drinking Water ...... 56 Table 3.6.1.15: Health related parameters – Nitrate in Drinking Water ...... 57 Table 3.6.1.16: Health related parameters – Organics ...... 58 Table 3.6.1.17: Health related parameters – Pesticides Part 1 ...... 60 Table 3.6.1.18: Health related parameters – Pesticides Part 2 ...... 61 Table 3.7.1.1: Aesthetic Related Parameters – pH in Drinking Water (Reticulation) ...... 64 Table 3.7.1.2: Aesthetic Related Parameters – pH in Drinking Water (Clear Water Storage) ...... 65 Table 3.7.1.3: Aesthetic related parameters – True colour in Drinking Water ...... 66 Table 3.7.1.4: Aesthetic related parameters – Electrical conductivity in Drinking Water ...... 67 Table 3.7.1.5: Aesthetic related parameters – Hardness in Drinking Water ...... 69 Table 3.7.1.6: Aesthetic related parameters – Alkalinity in Drinking Water ...... 70 Table 3.7.1.7: Aesthetic related parameters – Iron in Drinking Water ...... 71
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Table 3.8.1.1: Summary of Compliance with Water Quality Standards - Schedule 2 (SDWR 2015) ...... 73 Table 4.1.2.1: Complaints Relating to Water Quality ...... 80 Table 4.1.2.2: Types of Complaints by Water Sampling Locality ...... 80 Table 5.1.2.1: Regulated Water Supplies ...... 88 List of Figures
Figure 1: GVWs Drinking Water Quality Policy ...... 8 Figure 2: GVWs Operational Areas and Sampling Localities ...... 10 Figure 3: New flocculation chamber for Tongala WTP clarifier ...... 13 Figure 4: Jar Tests Highlighting Larger Particle Formation ...... 15 Figure 5 Diatomix Dosing Unit ...... 20 Figure 6: Diatomix: dosing unit at Numurkah Water Treatment Plant ...... 78
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1 INTRODUCTION
This water quality annual report has been prepared in accordance with Section 26 of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 (SDWA), Regulation 16 of the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2015 (the Regulations) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Guidance – Water Quality Annual Report document. It provides an overview of issues relating to the quality of drinking water and regulated water supplied by Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) during the reporting period.
The report is intended to provide relevant information in the following areas; Characterisation of supply systems; Sources of drinking water; Water treatment, including disinfection and fluoridation; Quality of drinking water; Emergency and incident management; Complaints relating to water quality; Audit outcomes; Undertakings, exemptions or variations under SDWA; and Regulated (non-potable) water supply systems.
In order to provide quality assurance of the drinking water quality delivered to our customers, Goulburn Valley Water has developed a Safe Water Management System (SWMS) to encompass GVWs risk management plan (RMP). The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the legislative requirement to provide safe drinking water and sets out the requirement for water agencies to develop, implement and review their RMP. The SWMS has been established using the principles of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011 - Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality (The Framework). GVW’s SWMS utilises all twelve elements covered within ‘the Framework’ which encompasses all aspects of risk management to apply and strengthen a preventative approach to drinking water quality safety. The structure of the framework is broken up into four sections covering a commitment to drinking water quality, system analysis and management, any supporting requirements and review and continuous improvement. The overarching section demonstrates GVWs commitment to drinking water quality (Figure 1). GVW regularly has liaison meetings with key drinking water quality stakeholders including DHHS and Goulburn Murray Water (G-MW). The SWMS is internally audited by GVW staff and continually improved to ensure robustness, as well as providing an avenue to identify opportunities for continuous improvement of the system and our actual processes.
Goulburn Valley Water takes into consideration precautionary principles in all aspects of drinking water safety utilising the “multiple barrier approach” which takes into consideration multiple water
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treatment processes. The correct operation of these treatment processes to ensure that raw water is treated to the required standard is a highly skilled task, the responsibility for which falls to the water treatment operator on a day-to-day basis. It is also the responsibility of these operators to adequately address any identified risks as well as detect and address any potential issues that may compromise relating to drinking water quality and safety.
Operator training and competency is a key component of GVW’s Drinking Water Management Strategy. GVW’s water treatment operators are trained through water industry training programmes, which include competency based assessment. GVW’s aim is to ensure water treatment operators meet the requirements of the Water Treatment Operator Competency Framework - Best Practice Guidelines. Operator skills are further enhanced with in-house training, refresher training courses and attendance at industry workshops and conferences.
Assessment, optimisation and scheduled maintenance of water treatment facilities are conducted on a regular basis by experienced water treatment specialists. Preventative maintenance and monitoring of critical process equipment assists to ensure the optimum performance of our treatment processes and facilities.
GVWs approach to drinking water safety extends beyond the water treatment plant boundary and into the reticulation system. This catchment to tap approach helps GVW manage water quality ensuring safe water is supplied at all times. GVW operates a Customer Service Centre 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, which is responsible for the real-time monitoring of over 30 water treatment plants across our region; including the continuous monitoring of water quality. This role of continuous water quality monitoring and immediate response is achieved by utilising the real time monitoring of water quality instrumentation and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). The Customer Service Centre remotely monitors and can shut down treatment plant processes using SCADA if required, and regularly provides status and alarm information to water treatment operators located in each operational region.
SCADA is one of several essential components in our assurance system for safe drinking water. SCADA continuously monitors each water treatment facility in real-time and has the ability to immediately shut the water treatment plant down in the event that water quality exceeds strict internal parameters to prevent unsafe water being produced. Our water treatment facility operators are fully trained in the maintenance, calibration and interpretation of data generated by these instruments. Protocols are in place to ensure that operational staff respond to any alarms generated to avoid water being produced outside GVW operational limits. Full details of Goulburn Valley Water’s annual revenue and asset base are available in GVW’s Annual Report uploaded on the GVW website.
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Figure 1: GVWs Drinking Water Quality Policy
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1.1 WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
In Australia, water for the purpose of drinking is principally obtained from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Treatment of water from these sources is necessary to remove colour, fine particulates, chemicals, organic compounds and most importantly, harmful micro- organisms (pathogens) that may be present within GVW catchments. Water may also be obtained from groundwater sources. Groundwater is usually free of fine particulates and organic matter, but needs to be monitored and treated for pathogens, heavy metals and salinity.
GVW’s town water supplies are principally sourced from the Goulburn and Murray Rivers, associated tributaries and irrigation channel systems managed by Goulburn-Murray Water. Other town water supplies source water from unregulated streams such as the Seven Creeks near Euroa, Nine Mile Creek near Longwood; Mollison Creek near Pyalong; Yea River at Yea; Delatite River near Mansfield, Brewery Creek near Woods Point, The Steavenson River at Marysville and Sunday Creek near Kilmore. Groundwater from the Katunga Deep Lead Bore is utilised in Katunga.
Within the GVW region raw water is processed through a water treatment plant to ensure aesthetically pleasing safe drinking water suitable is supplied. Water treatment often involves various treatment processes, including pre-treatment, chemical dosing, coagulation, flocculation, clarification, filtration, disinfection and in some towns fluoridation. There are also a number of declared regulated water (non-drinking water) supplies which are not fit for human consumption. Further details of these supplies can be found in section 8 of this report.
Details of GVW’s area of operation and sources of raw water are contained in Figure 2 and Table 2.1.1.1.
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Figure 2: GVWs Operational Areas and Sampling Localities
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Table 2.1.1.1: GVW Raw Water Sources and Localities Serviced
Water Treatment Population Water Sampling Source Water Off-Stream Water Storage Plant Serviced Localities (WTP) (to nearest 10) Alexandra Goulburn River Alexandra Raw Water Storage Alexandra WTP 2610 Avenel Goulburn River Heywoods Hill Raw Water Storage Seymour WTP 1000 Barmah Murray River Barmah WTP 260 Bonnie Doon Lake Eildon Bonnie Doon Raw Water Storage Bonnie Doon WTP 510 Broadford Goulburn River & Sunday Creek Reservoir Broadford No. 3 Reservoir Broadford WTP 4590 Buxton Steavenson River Aub Cuzens Reservoir Marysville WTP 510 Cobram Murray River Cobram WTP 5560 Colbinabbin Irrigation Channel (Central Goulburn Area) Colbinabbin Raw Water Storage Colbinabbin WTP 180 Dookie Irrigation Channel (Shepparton Area) Dookie Raw Water Storage Dookie WTP 320 Eildon Goulburn River Alexandra Raw Water Storage Alexandra WTP 1090 Euroa Seven Creeks & Mountain Hut Creek Abbinga Reservoir Euroa WTP 3430 Girgarre Irrigation Channel (Central Goulburn Area) Girgarre Raw Water Storage Girgarre WTP 260 Katamatite Irrigation Channel (Murray Valley Area) Katamatite Raw Water Storage Katamatite WTP 280 Katandra West Irrigation Channel (Shepparton Area) Katandra West Raw Water Storage Katandra West WTP 260 Katunga Groundwater Bores Katunga WTP 240 Kilmore Sunday Creek Reservoir & Hazels Creek Hollowback Reservoir Kilmore WTP 7940 Kyabram Irrigation Channel (Central Goulburn Area) Kyabram Raw Water Storage Kyabram WTP 6730 Longwood Nine Mile Creek Nine Mile Creek Reservoir Longwood WTP 220 Mansfield Delatite River Ritchie Reservoir Mansfield WTP 4310 Marysville Steavenson River Aub Cuzens Reservoir Marysville WTP 690 Merrigum Irrigation Channel (Central Goulburn Area) Kyabram Raw Water Storage Kyabram WTP 490 Mooroopna Goulburn River Shepparton WTP 8020 Murchison Goulburn River Murchison WTP 850 Nagambie Lake Nagambie Nagambie WTP 2020 Nathalia Broken Creek Nathalia WTP 1700 Numurkah Irrigation Channel (Murray Valley Area) Numurkah Raw Water Reservoir Numurkah WTP 4330 Picola Irrigation Channel (Murray Valley Area) Picola Raw Water Storage Picola WTP 120 Pyalong Mollison Creek Pyalong Raw Water Storage Pyalong WTP 410 Rushworth Waranga Basin outlet channel Rushworth WTP 1150 Seymour Low Level 1 Goulburn River Heywoods Hill Raw Water Storage Seymour WTP 5190 Seymour High Level Goulburn River Heywoods Hill Raw Water Storage Seymour WTP 1580 Shepparton 2 Goulburn River Shepparton WTP 43070 Stanhope Irrigation Channel (Central Goulburn Area) Stanhope Raw Water Storage Stanhope WTP 550 Strathmerton Murray River Cobram WTP 610 Tallarook Goulburn River Heywoods Hill Raw Water Storage Seymour WTP 280 Tallygaroopna Goulburn River Shepparton WTP 330 Tatura Irrigation Channel (Central Goulburn Area) Tatura Raw Water Storage Tatura WTP 4390 Thornton Goulburn River Alexandra Raw Water Storage Alexandra WTP 190 Tongala Irrigation Channel (Central Goulburn Area) Tongala Raw Water Storage Tongala WTP 1390 Toolamba Goulburn River Shepparton WTP 350 Trawool Goulburn River Heywoods Hill Raw Water Storage Seymour WTP 50 Upper Delatite Delatite River Upper Delatite WTP 640 Violet Town Seven Creeks & Mountain Hut Creek Abbinga Reservoir Euroa WTP 790 Wandong - Sunday Creek Reservoir & Hazels Creek Hollowback Reservoir Kilmore WTP 1120 Heathcote Junction Waterford Park Goulburn River & Sunday Creek Reservoir Broadford No. 3 Reservoir Broadford WTP 330 Wunghnu Irrigation Channel (Murray Valley Area) Numurkah Raw Water Reservoir Numurkah WTP 270 Yarroweyah Murray River Cobram WTP 140 Yea Yea River Yea WTP 1630
1 Seymour Low Level water sampling locality includes Mangalore. 2 Shepparton water sampling locality includes Congupna.
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1.3 SOURCE WATER PROTECTION
Raw (source) water represents the beginning of the catchment to tap cycle and is located upstream to any treatment. Majority of the raw water monitoring occurs at the inlet into the treatment plant. There are also a number of raw water monitoring sites at reservoirs and off-stream raw water storages. A comprehensive raw water monitoring program is implemented and reviewed on a regular basis. This monitoring program is described in Section 3.6 of the report.
GVW has undertaken comprehensive source water risk assessments within the source water catchments to identify microbial, physical and chemical risks that could pose a risk to human health in drinking water without appropriate treatment. GVW works actively with the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water as part of the Goulburn Broken Regional Water Quality Coordination Group. This group works collaboratively to implement the Goulburn Broken Regional Water Quality Strategy to improve overall catchment health, as well as have a coordinated approach to planning for changing catchment water quality arising from adverse events. The group proactively works together to identify potential risks in the catchment such as black water releases and enables a collaborative response by making informed decisions relating to catchment risks.
1.4 IMPROVEMENTS TO WATER SUPPLY AND TREATMENT
GVW undertook a significant capital works program investing $18.5 Million in 2017/18 across GVW, this includes $1.3 Million dedicated to the optimisation of the existing WTP assets. Some of the investments made in the financial year to improve drinking water quality and supply include;
Fluoride dosing commenced at Cobram WTP; Commenced construction of a new WTP at Tatura; The fit out of two additional filters to the existing Dissolved Air Flotation Filtration process at the Cobram WTP; Augmentation of the Clear Water Storage at Nathalia; Improved plant operational control philosophy and optimisation of treatment processes at Murchison WTP and Picola WTP;
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Major refurbishment of the clarifier (Figure 3) at Tongala as the internal mechanical structures were showing signs of age (70 years), this replacement has improved operational performance;
Figure 3: New flocculation chamber for Tongala WTP clarifier
Completion of two portable container based powdered activated carbon dosing units to help address blue green algal blooms.
1.5 CHANGES TO WATER SAMPLING LOCALITIES
No changes to water sampling localities were made in the 2017/18 reporting period.
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2 WATER TREATMENT AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
2.1 WATER TREATMENT
Raw water from rivers, streams, reservoirs and aquifers need to be processed through a water treatment plant to produce water that is aesthetically pleasing and safe to drink. Water treatment may involve several different treatment processes, including pre-treatment, chemical addition, coagulation, flocculation, clarification, sedimentation, floatation, filtration, disinfection and fluoridation.
GVW has implemented the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Health Based Targets to quantify the microbial risk in the source water and the extent that the treatment process removes or reduces pathogenic microorganisms from the water. GVW have been using a computer based program which reports on the real time performance of water treatment plants.
2.1.1 Raw Water and Pre-Treatment
Raw water may be pre-treated prior to the main processes within the water treatment plant. Examples of pre-treatment are raw water detention in reservoirs, algae control, and treatment to remove metals such as manganese and iron.
Raw water is stored in reservoirs primarily to provide for periods when other water sources are in short supply. However, this can also greatly improve the quality of the water prior to entering the treatment plant. In addition to allowing much sediment to settle out, many pathogens will naturally die-off in water storages over a period of time. Conversely, raw water detention also provides an opportunity for recontamination by birds, wave action, or algal blooms however, overall, the detention of raw water is considered to be beneficial.
Raw water reservoirs are sometimes prone to blooms of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) or other types of algae, particularly during the warmer months of the year. Algal blooms can cause unpleasant tastes and odours in the water. Some species of blue-green algae can also produce toxins that may be harmful if consumed. Activated carbon is commonly used as part of the treatment process to remove algal toxins and unpleasant tastes and odours from the water. Algal blooms may also be addressed within the reservoir by addition of floating covers, or by aeration and de-stratification of the water body.
High levels of environmental, naturally occurring manganese and/or iron in the water can cause an unpleasant taste or staining of plumbing fixtures. To reduce the levels of manganese or iron, the raw water reservoir may be aerated or the raw water may be treated with an oxidising agent
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such as potassium permanganate prior to entering the usual treatment process for the affected supply.
2.1.2 Chemical addition, coagulation and flocculation
Surface waters from rivers and irrigation systems contain varying amounts of silt, clay and organic matter as suspended particles in the water. These suspended particles usually cannot be removed by natural processes, as they are very small and have electrostatic charges that keep them stable in the water. In order to remove the suspended particles, it is necessary to neutralise the electrostatic charges by a process known as ‘coagulation’, and aggregate the small particles into larger particles by a process known as ‘flocculation’.
Coagulation invariably requires addition of a chemical with a strong positive charge, such as aluminium sulphate (alum), to neutralise the negative electrostatic charges that allow particles to remain suspended in the raw water. Coagulation involves turbulent mixing of the coagulant chemical with the raw water. The appropriate Coagulant dose is determined by undertaking a jar test (Figure 4). Flocculation involves gentle mixing of the coagulated water to allow the small particles to come together to form larger particles. Flocculation may occur naturally to some extent following coagulation, or may be encouraged by the addition of a chemical, called a flocculant aid.
Figure 4: Jar Tests Highlighting Larger Particle Formation
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2.1.3 Clarification, Sedimentation and Flotation
Following coagulation and flocculation, clarification is commonly employed to remove most of the particles from the water. This may be achieved either by allowing the solids to settle to the bottom (known as ‘sedimentation’), or by floating the solids to the top of the water (known as ‘flotation’).
Sedimentation can most simply be performed by allowing the solids to settle to the bottom of a dam over a period of time. A more sophisticated and efficient method of sedimentation uses an ‘upflow clarifier’. Within a conical or cylindrical vessel, a slow upflow of water allows the solid particles to sink and be periodically removed from the bottom of the vessel, whilst clean water overflows at the top.
Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) involves the introduction of some water that has been pressurised and saturated with dissolved air. As the pressure is reduced, the dissolved air is released from the water as micro bubbles which attach to the particles and float them to the surface, leaving clean water underneath. DAF is also an effective means of removing colour.
2.1.4 Filtration
Some small particles can remain in the water after the clarification process. To ensure adequate clarity is achieved, the water can be polished by passing it through filters. Filtration is also effective in removing harmful pathogenic micro-organisms, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
In most cases, granular media such as sand and anthracite coal are used for filtration. At regular intervals, each filter is ‘backwashed’ to remove the trapped particles. Alternatively, membrane filters are used to produce a high quality filtered water. Water is forced through a membrane under pressure small particulates are retained and water is passed through.
2.1.5 Disinfection
One of the most important aspects of water treatment involves the removal of harmful pathogenic micro-organisms (viruses, bacteria and protozoa) that have the potential to cause disease. Effective and continuous disinfection is necessary for killing pathogens to ensure that the water is safe to drink. Prior to leaving each of GVW’s water treatment plants, drinking water is disinfected.
The most commonly-used type of disinfection is chlorination, which involves the use of either chlorine gas or sodium hypochlorite. Generally, only a very low level of a chlorine-based chemical (less than 1 part per million of residual chlorine) is required to provide effective disinfection.
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Alternative forms of disinfection that may be employed in certain circumstances include chlorine dioxide, chloramination, ozonation and UV irradiation. These alternative disinfection methods are currently not used at any of GVWs treatment facilities.
2.1.6 Fluoridation
Fluoridation is the practice of adding a fluoride-based chemical to the drinking water with the purpose of preventing tooth decay for the whole community receiving fluoridated water. Fluoridation occurs in accordance with the Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973 and plants are designed and operated in compliance with the Code of practice for fluoridation of water supplies.
Goulburn Valley Water fluoridate water at the Cobram, Shepparton, Tongala, Kyabram, Kilmore and Seymour water treatment plants, supplying the communities of Cobram, Strathmerton, Yarroweyah, Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tallygaroopna, Toolamba, Tongala, Kyabram, Kilmore, Wandong-Heathcote Junction, Merrigum, Seymour, Trawool, Avenel and Tallarook with fluoridated water.
2.1.7 Clear water storage (storage of treated water)
Treated water is usually held in storage tanks and reservoirs to ensure adequate supply and pressure is available during peak-usage periods. Elevated water tanks and booster pumps are used to maintain adequate water pressure throughout the distribution systems. Re-chlorination plants are often utilised to maintain chlorine residual at sites within the distribution system in remote locations from the treatment plant.
2.1.8 Reticulation (supply to the customers tap)
GVW manages approximately 1,800 kilometres of water pipelines. To provide adequate storage capacity to meet peak water demand periods, GVW maintains over 120 treated water storage tanks, basins and reservoirs. Re-chlorination facilities are incorporated into major treated water storages to ensure a disinfection residual is maintained in the distribution system. Having a disinfection residual in the reticulation system is desirable as it assists in the inhibition of microbial growth and assists with optimising preventative maintenance programs. GVW undertakes regular preventative maintenance on all distribution systems to ensure all mains remain clean. Treated water storage tanks are also inspected on a documented maintenance schedule and cleaned as required.
Details of GVW’s treatment processes and treatment chemicals are contained in Table 2.1.8.1 and Table 2.1.8.2.
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Table 2.1.8.1: GVW Treatment Processes12
Pre-treatment Clarification Filtration
Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Fluoridation Fluoridation Carbon Carbon Filtration Filtration Powder Activated Activated Powder Upflow Clarification Upflow Slow Sand Filtration Sand Slow Oxidation / Aeration / Oxidation Sedimentation Dam Membrane Filtration Membrane Raw Water Detention Raw Flocculation & Coagulation Rapid Granular Media Rapid Granular Dissolved Air Flotation Air Dissolved Adsorption Clarification Clarification Adsorption Chlorination / Hypochlorination / Chlorination Granular ActivatedCarbon Granular Alexandra WTP ● ● ● ● ● Barmah WTP ● ● ● ● Bonnie Doon WTP ● ● ● ● ● Broadford WTP ● ● ● ● Cobram WTP ● ● ● ● ● Colbinabbin WTP ● ● ● Dookie WTP ● ● ● Euroa WTP ● ● ● ● ● Girgarre WTP ● ● ● Katamatite WTP ● ● ● Katandra West WTP ● ● ● ● Katunga WTP ● Kilmore WTP ● ● ● ● ● ● Kyabram WTP ● ● ● ● ● ● Longwood WTP ● ● ● ● ● ● Mansfield WTP ● ● ● ● ● Marysville WTP ● ● ● ● Murchison WTP ● ● ● ● Nagambie WTP ● ● ● ● Nathalia WTP ● ● ● ● Numurkah WTP ● ● ● ● ● Picola WTP ● ● ● ● ● Pyalong WTP ● ● ● ● Rushworth WTP ● ● ● ● Seymour WTP ● ● ● ● ● ● Shepparton WTP ● ● ● ● ● ● Stanhope WTP ● ● ● Tatura WTP ● ● ● ● ● Tongala WTP ● ● ● ● ● ● Upper Delatite WTP ● ● Yea WTP ● ● ● ●
1 ● Process applied consistently during 2017/ 2018 2 Process applied periodically during 2017/ 2018
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Table 2.1.8.2: Water Treatment Chemicals
Coagulants Polymers Alkalis Acids Disinfectants Fluoridants Cleaning Contingency
Water Sampling Localities Aluminium Sulphate (Alum) Sulphate Aluminium (ACH) Chlorohydrate Aluminium Polymer Coagulant Polymer Aid Filter / Flocculant Lime) (Hydrated Hydroxide Calcium Ash) (Soda Carbonate Sodium Soda) (Caustic Hydroxide Sodium Dioxide Carbon Acid Hydrochloric Gas Chlorine (Hypo) Hypochlorite Sodium Dioxide Chlorine Hydrochloric + Chlorite (Sodium Acid Fluorosilicic Fluoride Sodium Acid Citric Acid Phosphoric Permanganate Potassium Carbon Activated Alexandra ● ● ● ● * Avenel ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Barmah ● ● ● ● * * Bonnie Doon * ● * ● ● ● * Broadford ● ● ● ● * Buxton ● ● * ● * Cobram ● ● ● ● * ● ● Colbinabbin * * * * ● ● * * Dookie * * * * ● ● * * Eildon ● ● ● ● * Euroa ● ● ● ● * Girgarre * * ● ● * Katamatite ● * ● * ● * * Katandra West * * ● * ● * * Katunga ● Kilmore ● ● ● ● ● Kyabram ● ● ● ● ● Longwood ● ● ● ● * * Mansfield ● ● * ● Marysville ● ● * ● * Merrigum ● ● ● ● ● Mooroopna ● ● ● ● ● ● Murchison ● ● ● Nagambie ● ● * ● ● Nathalia ● ● ● ● * * Numurkah ● ● ● * * ● Picola ● ● ● * Pyalong * ● ● Rushworth ● * ● ● Seymour Low Level ● ● ● ● ● ● Seymour High Level ● ● ● ● ● ● Shepparton ● ● ● ● ● ● Stanhope * * * * * ● * * Strathmerton ● ● ● ● * ● ● Tallarook ● ● ● ● ● ● Tallygaroopna ● ● ● ● ● ● Tatura ● * ● ● ● Thornton ● ● ● ● * Tongala * ● ● ● ● ● Toolamba ● ● ● ● ● ● Trawool ● ● ● ● ● ● Upper Delatite * ● ● * Violet Town ● ● ● ● * Wandong - Heathcote Junction ● ● ● ● ● Waterford Park ● ● ● ● * Wunghnu ● ● ● * * ● Yarroweyah ● ● ● ● * ● ● Yea ● ● ● ●
● Chemical used regularly * Chemical used periodically
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2.2 CHANGES TO WATER TREATMENT PROCESSES AND CHEMICALS
Fluoridation commenced in October 2017 at the Cobram Water Treatment Plant which supplies water to Cobram, Strathmerton and Yarroweyah townships. ISSUES to note IN 2017/2018
There were no major issues of note in the 2017/18 reporting period.
GVW continued to experience intermittent and chronic blue green algae issues in some source water and off-stream storages. GVW monitors for algae in source waters and takes appropriate action when it is required, this includes dosing of powdered activated carbon. Toxins have not been detected in samples collected and analysed in response to algal blooms in GVW’s source waters.
An innovative initiative that has occurred over the reporting period with promising success is the conditioning of raw water to favour the growth of Diatoms over Blue-Green algae. In 2017/18, GVW experienced a bloom of potentially toxic Blue-Green algae in the Murray Valley Irrigation district. The species has cells that lay dormant, can re-grow when conditions are favourable, and seeded the raw water storage at Numurkah. Since this time GVW has closely monitored the raw water and have on a couple of occasions identified minor blooms that needed additional treatment with powdered activated carbon.
GVW has been trialling a product, Diatomix, to condition the raw water to prevent the blooms in the first place, rather than deal with the consequences after the bloom occurs. The Diatomix product is a nutrient that favours the growth of non-toxic algae that are then eaten by fish and other aquatic predators. It is showing very good results to date.
Figure 5 Diatomix Dosing Unit
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3 QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER
GVW collected and analysed water samples for the parameters and frequencies documented in GVW’s water sampling program for all water sampling localities in 2017/18.
The sample results have been assessed against the water quality standards specified in schedule 2 of the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2015 (SDWR). and the relevant health and or aesthetic guideline values described in the Australian Drinking Water Guideline 2011 (ADWG). A summary of compliance with the water quality standards for 2017/18, both in terms of population served and the number of water sampling localities, is presented in Section 3.8. A comparison of compliance with water quality standards for this reporting period against the 2015/16 and 2016/17 reporting periods is included.
The water sample results presented in this report are those issued by a NATA accredited, independent laboratory for GVW’s documented water sampling program. The tables do not include sample results from investigations, confirmatory testing or re-sampling following incidents or non- compliances.
MISSED BUXTON SAMPLE FROM MONITORING PROGRAM
In January 2018, GVW advised DHHS that a monthly chlorine by-product sample for Buxton was sampled but not analysed/tested in accordance with GVW’s monitoring plan. The samples were misplaced in transit at the contracted Melbourne/Perth laboratories. GVW have worked with the NATA registered laboratory to avoid future incidents. The laboratory have implemented process improvements relating to their internal verification of chain of custody of sample status to avoid this occurring in the future. An additional sample was taken to confirm the water met drinking water guidelines.
3.1 ESCHERICHIA COLI
Escherichia coli (E.coli) is the name of a specific bacterial species belonging to the coliforms group. E.coli is found naturally only in the digestive tracts of warm-blooded animals. The presence of E.coli in water is an indicator of faecal contamination.
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3.1.2 Results
Table 3.1.2.1 Escherichia coli (Reticulation)
Water Quality Parameter : Escherichia coli (E.coli) Water Quality Standard: No E.coli per 100 mL of drinking water, with the exception of any false positive sample
Number of Number of Number of Non- Maximum Detections and Sampling Number of Samples where Water Sampling Locality Complying Result Investigations Frequency Samples standard was not Samples (orgs/100mL) Conducted met (S18) ( s.22)
Drinking Water Alexandra Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Avenel Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Barmah Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Bonnie Doon Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Broadford Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Buxton Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Cobram Weekly 64 0 <1 0 0 Colbinabbin Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Dookie Weekly 53 0 <1 0 0 Eildon Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Euroa Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Girgarre Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Katamatite Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Katandra West Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Katunga Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Kilmore Weekly 64 0 <1 0 0 Kyabram Weekly 64 0 <1 0 0 Longwood Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Mansfield Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Marysville Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Merrigum Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Mooroopna Weekly 64 0 <1 0 0 Murchison Weekly 53 0 <1 0 0 Nagambie Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Nathalia Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Numurkah Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Picola Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Pyalong Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Rushworth Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Seymour High Level Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Seymour Low Level Weekly 64 0 <1 0 0 Shepparton Weekly 158 0 <1 0 0 Stanhope Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Strathmerton Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Tallarook Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Tallygaroopna Weekly 53 0 <1 0 0 Tatura Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Thornton Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Tongala Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Toolamba Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Trawool Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Upper Delatite Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Violet Town Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Wandong - Heathcote Jn Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Waterford Park Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Wunghnu Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Yarraweyah Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Yea Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0
Due to population sizes, Cobram, Kilmore , Kyabram, Mooroopna, and Seymour (Low Level) have an extra sample taken per month. Shepparton has three samples taken per week due to its population size.
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Table 3.1.2.2: Escherichia coli (Clear Water Storage)
Number of Number of Number of Non- Maximum Detections and Sampling Number of Samples where Water Sampling Locality Complying Result Investigations Frequency Samples standard was not Samples (orgs/100mL) Conducted met (S18) (s.22)
Drinking Water Alexandra Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Avenel Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Barmah Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Bonnie Doon Weekly 104 0 <1 0 0 Broadford Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Buxton Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Cobram Weekly 104 0 <1 0 0 Colbinabbin Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Dookie Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Eildon Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Euroa Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Girgarre Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Katamatite Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Katandra West Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Katunga Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Kilmore Weekly 104 0 <1 0 0 Kyabram Weekly 104 0 <1 0 0 Longwood Weekly 104 0 <1 0 0 Mansfield Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Marysville Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Merrigum Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Mooroopna Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Murchison Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Nagambie Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Nathalia Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Numurkah Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Picola Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Pyalong Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Rushworth Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Seymour High Level Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Seymour Low Level Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Shepparton Weekly 104 0 <1 0 0 Stanhope Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Strathmerton Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Tallarook Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Tallygaroopna Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Tatura Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Thornton Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Tongala Weekly 104 0 <1 0 0 Toolamba Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Upper Delatite Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Violet Town Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Wandong - Heathcote Jn Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Waterford Park Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Wunghnu Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Yarraweyah Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Yea Weekly 52 0 <1 0 0 Each storage tank is sampled weekly. In some localities, there are more than one tank; hence, more than 52 samples were collected for that locality.
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3.1.3 Actions in relation to non-compliance
All samples collected and analysed met the E.coli drinking water quality standard during 2017/18.
3.2 CHLORINE BASED DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCT CHEMICALS
Chlorine based disinfection by-products (DBP) may be produced from reactions between chlorine and organic or inorganic matter in water. Excessive levels of disinfection by-products are not desirable in drinking water as long-term exposure may pose a health risk. Although there are potentially numerous DBP formed, those of most significance are haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes. Trihalomethanes are a group of compounds that include chloroform, dibromochloromethane, bromodichloromethane and bromoform. Haloacetic acids are a group of compounds that includes chloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid.
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3.2.1 Results
Table 3.2.1.1: Chlorine based disinfection by-product chemicals – Trihalomethanes
Water Quality Parameter : Trihalomethanes, total Water Quality Standard: For drinking water supplies treated with chlorine-based chemicals, no results to exceed 0.25 mg/L.
Number of Non- Sampling Maximum Result Compliant with Water Sampling Locality Number of Samples complying Frequency (mg/L) Regulations Samples Drinking Water Alexandra Monthly 12 0 0.05 Yes
Avenel Monthly 12 0 0.06 Yes Barmah Monthly 12 0 0.06 Yes Bonnie Doon Monthly 12 0 0.09 Yes Broadford Monthly 12 0 0.08 Yes Buxton Monthly 12 0 0.16 Yes Cobram Monthly 12 0 0.06 Yes Colbinabbin Monthly 12 0 0.13 Yes Dookie Monthly 12 0 0.12 Yes Eildon Monthly 12 0 0.05 Yes Euroa Monthly 12 0 0.12 Yes Girgarre Monthly 12 0 0.17 Yes Katamatite Monthly 12 1 0.26 No Katandra West Monthly 12 0 0.10 Yes Katunga Monthly 12 0 0.01 Yes Kilmore Monthly 12 0 0.11 Yes Kyabram Monthly 12 0 0.08 Yes Longwood Monthly 12 0 0.20 Yes Mansfield Monthly 12 0 0.04 Yes Marysville Monthly 12 0 0.13 Yes Merrigum Monthly 12 0 0.10 Yes Mooroopna Monthly 12 0 0.10 Yes Murchison Monthly 12 0 0.12 Yes Nagambie Monthly 12 0 0.06 Yes Nathalia Monthly 12 0 0.08 Yes Numurkah Monthly 12 0 0.05 Yes Picola Monthly 12 0 0.07 Yes Pyalong Monthly 12 0 0.25 Yes Rushworth Monthly 12 0 0.07 Yes Seymour High Level Monthly 12 0 0.05 Yes Seymour Low Level Monthly 12 0 0.06 Yes Shepparton Monthly 12 0 0.09 Yes Stanhope Monthly 12 0 0.13 Yes Strathmerton Monthly 12 0 0.08 Yes Tallarook Monthly 12 0 0.05 Yes Tallygaroopna Monthly 12 0 0.13 Yes Tatura Monthly 12 0 0.08 Yes Thornton Monthly 12 0 0.06 Yes Tongala Monthly 12 0 0.07 Yes Toolamba Monthly 12 0 0.11 Yes Trawool Monthly 12 0 0.04 Yes Upper Delatite Monthly 12 0 0.07 Yes Violet Town Monthly 12 0 0.16 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Monthly 12 0 0.14 Yes Waterford Park Monthly 12 0 0.10 Yes Wunghnu Monthly 12 0 0.06 Yes Yarraweyah Monthly 12 0 0.04 Yes Yea Monthly 12 0 0.08 Yes
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3.2.2 Actions in relation to non-compliance
Katamatite Compliance Retic - Trihalomethanes, Total 300
250
200
150
100
50
0
The raw water at Katamatite is sourced from the Murray Valley Channel irrigation system which is managed by Goulburn Murray Water. Normal operation of this channel system involves the shutdown over the winter period with no water available, GVW is required to fill the storages prior to the shutdown of the irrigation system and is reliant upon storage until irrigation water becomes available. At the time of the exceedance the raw water levels in the onsite storages were low due to this shutdown period and sourcing water over winter from the storage. The low raw water storage levels resulted in a higher concentration of dissolved organic matter within the storage, which increased the chlorine demand. Shortly after the exceedance GVW were able to access water in the irrigations system, improving the water quality and reducing the levels of organic matter present. All subsequent resamples were below the health limit.
DHHS was verbally advised on the 31/08/2017. A written section 18 notification was submitted to DHHS on the 8/9/2017 which was within the required 10 day notification timeframe.
All other samples collected and analysed met the trihalomethane drinking water quality standard during 2017/18.
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Table 3.2.2.1 Chlorine based disinfection by-product chemicals – Chloroacetic Acid
Water Quality Parameter : Chloroacetic Acid Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.15 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Result Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water Alexandra Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Avenel Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Barmah Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Bonnie Doon Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Broadford Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Buxton Monthly 12 0 <0.01 Yes Cobram Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Colbinabbin Monthly 12 0 <0.01 Yes Dookie Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Eildon Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Euroa Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Girgarre Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Katamatite Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Katandra West Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Katunga Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Kilmore Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Kyabram Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Longwood Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Mansfield Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Marysville Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Merrigum Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Mooroopna Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Murchison Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Nagambie Monthly 12 0 <0.01 Yes Nathalia Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Numurkah Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Picola Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Pyalong Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Rushworth Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Seymour High Level Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Seymour Low Level Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Shepparton Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Stanhope Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Strathmerton Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Tallarook Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Tallygaroopna Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Tatura Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Thornton Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Tongala Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Toolamba Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Trawool Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Upper Delatite Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Violet Town Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Waterford Park Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Wunghnu Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Yarraweyah Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes Yea Annually 1 0 <0.01 Yes
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All samples collected and analysed met the chloroacetic acid drinking water quality standard during 2017/18.
An additional investigative sample was undertaken at Buxton to confirm water quality was compliant with the drinking water guidelines following plant improvement initiatives.
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Table 3.2.2.2 Chlorine based disinfection by-product chemicals – Dichloroacetic Acid
Water Quality Parameter : Dichloroacetic Acid Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.1 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Result Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water
Alexandra Annually 1 0 0.018 Yes Avenel Annually 1 0 <0.005 Yes Barmah Annually 1 0 0.023 Yes Bonnie Doon Annually 1 0 0.024 Yes Broadford Annually 1 0 0.022 Yes Buxton Monthly 12 0 0.073 Yes Cobram Annually 1 0 0.016 Yes Colbinabbin Monthly 12 0 0.068 Yes Dookie Annually 1 0 0.039 Yes Eildon Annually 1 0 0.021 Yes Euroa Annually 1 0 0.031 Yes Girgarre Annually 1 0 0.042 Yes Katamatite Annually 1 0 0.028 Yes Katandra West Annually 1 0 0.017 Yes Katunga Annually 1 0 <0.005 Yes Kilmore Annually 1 0 0.026 Yes Kyabram Annually 1 0 0.012 Yes Longwood Annually 1 0 0.064 Yes Mansfield Annually 1 0 0.012 Yes Marysville Annually 1 0 0.027 Yes Merrigum Annually 1 0 0.015 Yes Mooroopna Annually 1 0 0.020 Yes Murchison Annually 1 0 <0.005 Yes Nagambie Monthly 12 0 0.044 Yes Nathalia Annually 1 0 0.027 Yes Numurkah Annually 1 0 0.021 Yes Picola Annually 1 0 0.031 Yes Pyalong Annually 1 0 0.031 Yes Rushworth Annually 1 0 0.016 Yes Seymour High Level Annually 1 0 0.018 Yes Seymour Low Level Annually 1 0 0.016 Yes Shepparton Annually 1 0 0.017 Yes Stanhope Annually 1 0 0.036 Yes Strathmerton Annually 1 0 0.027 Yes Tallarook Annually 1 0 0.021 Yes Tallygaroopna Annually 1 0 0.022 Yes Tatura Annually 1 0 <0.005 Yes Thornton Annually 1 0 0.020 Yes Tongala Annually 1 0 0.017 Yes Toolamba Annually 1 0 0.021 Yes Trawool Annually 1 0 0.010 Yes Upper Delatite Annually 1 0 0.012 Yes Violet Town Annually 1 0 0.044 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Annually 1 0 0.015 Yes Waterford Park Annually 1 0 0.012 Yes Wunghnu Annually 1 0 <0.005 Yes Yarraweyah Annually 1 0 0.019 Yes Yea Annually 1 0 0.005 Yes
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All samples collected and analysed met the dichloroacetic acid drinking water quality standard during 2017/18.
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Table 3.2.2.3 - Chlorine based disinfection by-product chemicals – Trichloroacetic Acid
Water Quality Parameter : Trichloroacetic Acid Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.1 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water
Alexandra Annually 1 0 0.012 Yes Avenel Annually 1 0 0.013 Yes Barmah Annually 1 0 0.013 Yes Bonnie Doon Annually 1 0 0.022 Yes Broadford Annually 1 0 0.015 Yes Buxton Monthly 12 1 0.130 No Cobram Annually 1 0 0.011 Yes Colbinabbin Monthly 12 0 0.099 Yes Dookie Annually 1 0 0.037 Yes Eildon Annually 1 0 0.016 Yes Euroa Annually 1 0 0.009 Yes Girgarre Annually 1 0 0.023 Yes Katamatite Annually 1 0 0.014 Yes Katandra West Annually 1 0 0.013 Yes Katunga Annually 1 0 <0.005 Yes Kilmore Annually 1 0 0.019 Yes Kyabram Annually 1 0 0.005 Yes Longwood Annually 1 0 0.046 Yes Mansfield Annually 1 0 0.005 Yes Marysville Annually 1 0 0.040 Yes Merrigum Annually 1 0 0.013 Yes Mooroopna Annually 1 0 0.048 Yes Murchison Annually 1 0 0.005 Yes Nagambie Monthly 12 0 0.073 Yes Nathalia Annually 1 0 0.014 Yes Numurkah Annually 1 0 0.010 Yes Picola Annually 1 0 0.015 Yes Pyalong Annually 1 0 0.024 Yes Rushworth Annually 1 0 0.009 Yes Seymour High Level Annually 1 0 0.013 Yes Seymour Low Level Annually 1 0 0.010 Yes Shepparton Annually 1 0 0.048 Yes Stanhope Annually 1 0 0.028 Yes Strathmerton Annually 1 0 0.022 Yes Tallarook Annually 1 0 0.014 Yes Tallygaroopna Annually 1 0 0.008 Yes Tatura Annually 1 0 0.010 Yes Thornton Annually 1 0 0.018 Yes Tongala Annually 1 0 0.040 Yes Toolamba Annually 1 0 0.011 Yes Trawool Annually 1 0 0.009 Yes Upper Delatite Annually 1 0 0.012 Yes Violet Town Annually 1 0 0.032 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Annually 1 0 0.008 Yes Waterford Park Annually 1 0 0.016 Yes Wunghnu Annually 1 0 0.012 Yes Yarraweyah Annually 1 0 0.015 Yes Yea Annually 1 0 0.016 Yes
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3.2.3 Actions and preventative measures taken in relation to non-compliance
All drinking water samples collected and analysed met the chloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid water quality standards in
Buxton locality receives treated drinking water from Marysville WTP. The detection of trichloroacetic acid coincided with elevated colour in the raw water supplying the Marysville WTP. The Buxton locality is piped a number of kilometres from the Marysville WTP and re-chlorination occurs at the entry to the locality which allows disinfection by products to form. Following the detection of trichloroacetic acid on the 18/06/2018, coagulation was optimised for organics removal at Marysville WTP and the re-chlorination dose rates reviewed to minimise disinfection by product formation. An additional storage was constructed and placed online which increase water age especially in times of low demand. The storage levels at Buxton are being reviewed to reduce water age which will assist in the reduction in conditions which disinfection by products form. No disinfection by products were detected in the Marysville locality.
DHHS was verbally advised on the 25/06/2018. A written section 18 notification was submitted to DHHS on the 26/06/2018 which was within the required 10 day notification timeframe..
All other drinking water samples collected and analysed met the trichloroacetic acid water quality standard during 2017/18.
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Table 3.2.3.1: Health related parameters – Chloral hydrate in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Trichloroacetaldehyde (Chloral Hydrate)
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.1 mg/L
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Result Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water
Alexandra Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Avenel Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Barmah Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Bonnie Doon Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Broadford Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Buxton Monthly 12 0 <0.02 Yes Cobram Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Colbinabbin Monthly 12 0 <0.02 Yes Dookie Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Eildon Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Euroa Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Girgarre Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Katamatite Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Katandra West Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Katunga Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Kilmore Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Kyabram Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Longwood Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Mansfield Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Marysville Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Merrigum Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Mooroopna Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Murchison Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Nagambie Monthly 12 0 <0.02 Yes Nathalia Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Numurkah Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Picola Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Pyalong Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Rushworth Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Seymour High Level Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Seymour Low Level Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Shepparton Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Stanhope Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Strathmerton Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Tallarook Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Tallygaroopna Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Tatura Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Thornton Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Tongala Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Toolamba Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Trawool Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Upper Delatite Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Violet Town Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Waterford Park Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Wunghnu Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Yarraweyah Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes Yea Annually 1 0 <0.02 Yes
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All samples collected and analysed met the chloral hydrate drinking water quality standard during 2017/18.
3.3 TURBIDITY
Turbidity is a measure of the ‘cloudiness’ of water, caused by the presence of fine suspended particles. The Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2015 specifies the water quality standard that the 95th percentile of results for samples in any 12 month period must be less than or equal to 5⋅0 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU).
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3.3.1 Results
Table 3.3.1.1 Turbidity
Water Quality Parameter : Turbidity Water Quality Standard: For drinking water supplies, the 95th percentile of results for samples in any 12 month period must be ≤ 5.0NTU
Sampling Number of Maximum Result Compliant with Water Water Sampling Locality 95th percentile Frequency Samples (NTU) Quality Standard Drinking Water Alexandra Weekly 52 0.6 0.5 Yes
Avenel Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Barmah Weekly 52 0.6 0.3 Yes Bonnie Doon Weekly 52 0.5 0.3 Yes Broadford Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Buxton Weekly 52 0.6 0.3 Yes Cobram Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Colbinabbin Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Dookie Weekly 52 0.6 0.3 Yes Eildon Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Euroa Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Girgarre Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Katamatite Weekly 52 0.6 0.3 Yes Katandra West Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Katunga Weekly 52 8.6 0.3 Yes Kilmore Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Kyabram Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Longwood Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Mansfield Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Marysville Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Merrigum Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Mooroopna Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Murchison Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Nagambie Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Nathalia Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Numurkah Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Picola Weekly 52 2.1 0.3 Yes Pyalong Weekly 52 0.8 0.4 Yes Rushworth Weekly 52 6.2 0.3 Yes Seymour High Level Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Seymour Low Level Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Shepparton Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Stanhope Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Strathmerton Weekly 52 0.6 0.3 Yes Tallarook Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Tallygaroopna Weekly 52 0.7 0.3 Yes Tatura Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Thornton Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Tongala Weekly 52 0.6 0.3 Yes Toolamba Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Trawool Weekly 52 2.2 1.4 Yes Upper Delatite Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Violet Town Weekly 52 1.7 0.5 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Waterford Park Weekly 52 0.9 0.3 Yes Wunghnu Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Yarraweyah Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes Yea Weekly 52 0.3 0.3 Yes
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3.3.2 Actions in relation to non-compliance
All drinking water sampling localities complied with the turbidity water quality standard.
3.4 ALUMINIUM
Aluminium may be present at low levels in natural waters, and is introduced into water supplies through the use of aluminium-based coagulants used in the treatment process. When water treatment plants are operating effectively, residual levels of aluminium are mostly negligible. If high residual levels of aluminium are present, the water has a metallic taste, and ‘post-flocculation’ of the aluminium may result in dirty water.
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3.4.1 Results
Table 3.4.1.1: Acid Soluble Aluminium (Reticulation)
Water Quality Parameter : Aluminium, acid-soluble
ADWG Aesthetic Guideline : Should not exceed 0.2 mg/L.
Number of Non- Sampling Number of Maximum Result Met Aesthetic Water Sampling Locality complying Frequency Samples (mg/L) Guideline Value Samples Drinking Water Alexandra Monthly 12 0 0.084 Yes Avenel Monthly 12 0 0.017 Yes Barmah Monthly 12 0 0.067 Yes Bonnie Doon Monthly 12 1 0.270 No Broadford Monthly 12 0 0.033 Yes Buxton Monthly 12 0 0.072 Yes Cobram Monthly 12 0 0.029 Yes Colbinabbin ----- Dookie ----- Eildon Monthly 12 0 0.030 Yes Euroa Monthly 12 1 0.330 No Girgarre ----- Katamatite ----- Katandra West ----- Katunga ----- Kilmore Monthly 12 0 0.034 Yes Kyabram Monthly 12 0 0.072 Yes Longwood Monthly 12 0 0.042 Yes Mansfield Monthly 12 0 0.052 Yes Marysville Monthly 12 0 0.061 Yes Merrigum Monthly 12 0 0.048 Yes Mooroopna Monthly 12 0 0.048 Yes Murchison Monthly 12 0 0.063 Yes Nagambie Monthly 12 0 0.064 Yes Nathalia Monthly 12 0 0.013 Yes Numurkah Monthly 12 0 0.120 Yes Picola Monthly 12 0 0.019 Yes Pyalong ----- Rushworth Monthly 12 0 0.100 Yes Seymour High Level Monthly 12 0 0.033 Yes Seymour Low Level Monthly 12 0 0.033 Yes Shepparton Monthly 12 0 0.031 Yes Stanhope ----- Strathmerton Monthly 12 0 0.023 Yes Tallarook Monthly 12 0 0.068 Yes Tallygaroopna Monthly 12 0 0.090 Yes Tatura Monthly 12 0 0.042 Yes Thornton Monthly 12 0 0.046 Yes Tongala Monthly 12 1 0.270 No Toolamba Monthly 12 0 0.029 Yes Trawool Monthly 12 0 0.013 Yes Upper Delatite Monthly 12 0 0.015 Yes Violet Town Monthly 12 0 0.044 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Monthly 12 0 0.037 Yes Waterford Park Monthly 12 0 0.043 Yes Wunghnu Monthly 12 0 0.032 Yes Yarraweyah Monthly 12 0 0.017 Yes Yea Monthly 12 0 0.035 Yes
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Table 3.4.1.2: Acid Soluble Aluminium (Clear Water Storage)
Water Quality Parameter : Aluminium, acid-soluble (CWS)
ADWG Aesthetic Guideline : Should not exceed 0.2 mg/L.
Number of Samples that Sampling Number of Maximum Result Met Aesthetic Water Sampling Locality Did Not Meet Frequency Samples (mg/L) Guideline Value Aesthetic Guideline Drinking Water
Alexandra Weekly 52 0 0.091 Yes Avenel - --- - Barmah Weekly 52 0 0.100 Yes Bonnie Doon Weekly 52 2 0.250 No Broadford Weekly 52 0 0.130 Yes Buxton - --- - Cobram Weekly 104 0 0.150 Yes Colbinabbin Weekly --- - Dookie Weekly --- - Eildon Weekly --- - Euroa Weekly 52 1 0.250 No Girgarre - --- - Katamatite - --- - Katandra West - --- - Katunga - --- - Kilmore Weekly 52 0 0.100 Yes Kyabram Weekly 104 0 0.120 Yes Longwood Weekly 104 0 0.034 Yes Mansfield Weekly 52 0 0.025 Yes Marysville Weekly 52 0 0.052 Yes Merrigum - --- - Mooroopna - --- - Murchison Weekly 52 0 0.092 Yes Nagambie Weekly 52 0 0.081 Yes Nathalia Weekly 52 0 0.027 Yes Numurkah Weekly 52 0 0.025 Yes Picola Weekly 52 0 0.030 Yes Pyalong Weekly - -- - Rushworth Weekly 52 0 0.047 Yes Seymour Weekly --- - Shepparton Weekly 52 0 0.130 Yes Stanhope - --- - Strathmerton - --- - Tallarook - - - - - Tallygaroopna - - - - - Tatura Weekly 52 0 0.072 Yes Thornton - - - - - Tongala Weekly 104 0 0.110 Yes Toolamba - - - - - Trawool - 52 0 0.069 Yes Upper Delatite - - - - - Violet Town - --- - Wandong - Heathcote Jn - --- - Waterford Park - --- - Wunghnu - --- - Yarraweyah - --- - Yea Weekly 52 1 0.210 No
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Each storage tank is sampled weekly. In some localities, there are more than one tank, hence more than 52 samples were collected for that locality.
3.4.2 Actions in relation to non-compliance
All localities met the Acid Soluble Aluminium ADWG aesthetic guideline value with the exception of Bonnie Doon, Euroa, Tongala and Yea. The elevated aluminium, levels in water supplied from Bonnie Doon WTP was investigated and there was an issue at the treatment plant prior to the sample date. The treated water pH was low and may have impacted the coagulation conditions at the water treatment plant. The elevated aluminium result at Euroa and Yea was investigated and was caused by poor source water quality which required a higher coagulation dose rate to effectively treat the water. The elevated level recorded at Tongala reticulation was investigate with no obvious root cause being determined. Low levels were recorded at the treatment plant clear water storage and tower. The plant coagulant is ACH which is less likely to result in aluminium detections.
Operators are being trained to identify raw water quality conditions and undertake jar testing to optimise coagulation dosing.
Instrumentation including streaming current detectors and S-scan meters have been installed at our WTP’s to assess plant performance information to enable automated self-adjustment of the coagulant dosing to optimise chemical dosing and plant performance.
3.5 FLUORIDE
Water fluoridation is an important and effective public health initiative that benefits the oral health of the community. Fluoride is added to drinking water as directed by the Secretary to the Department of Health and Human Services under the Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973. GVW follows the Code of practice for fluoridation of drinking water supplies which specifies the requirements for the safe design and effective operation of a fluoridation plant. The ADWG health guideline value for fluoride is 1.5mg/L. GVW’s optimal target for fluoridated water is an annual average concentration of 0.8mg/L.
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3.5.1 Results
Table 3.5.1.1: Fluoride in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Fluoride Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 1.5 mg/L.
Code of Practise for Fluoridation: Rolling annual average should not exceed 1.0mg/L
Number of Non- Sampling Number of Minimum Average Result Maximum Compliant with Water Sampling Locality complying Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) (mg/L) Result (mg/L) Guidelines Samples Fluoridated Drinking Water
Avenel Weekly 52 0 <0.1 0.6 1.0 Yes Cobram Weekly 39 0 <0.1 0.7 0.9 Yes Kilmore Weekly 52 0 0.5 0.8 1.0 Yes Kyabram Weekly 52 0 0.1 0.7 1.0 Yes Merrigum Weekly 52 0 0.1 0.7 0.9 Yes Mooroopna Weekly 52 0 <0.1 0.7 0.9 Yes Seymour High Level Weekly 52 0 <0.1 0.6 1.0 Yes Seymour Low Level Weekly 52 0 <0.1 0.6 0.9 Yes Shepparton Weekly 52 0 <0.1 0.7 1.1 Yes Strathmerton Weekly 39 0 0.2 0.7 0.9 Yes Tallarook Weekly 52 0 <0.1 0.6 1.0 Yes Tallygaroopna Weekly 53 0 <0.1 0.7 1.0 Yes Tongala Weekly 52 0 0.3 0.8 1.2 Yes Toolamba Weekly 52 0 <0.1 0.7 0.9 Yes Trawool Weekly 52 0 <0.1 0.6 0.9 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Weekly 52 0 0.6 0.8 1.0 Yes Yarraweyah Weekly 39 0 <0.1 0.7 0.9 Yes Non-Fluoridated Drinking Water Alexandra Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Barmah Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Bonnie Doon Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Broadford Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Buxton Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Colbinabbin Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Dookie Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Eildon Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Euroa Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Girgarre Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Katamatite Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Katandra West Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Katunga Annually 1 0 0.5 N/A Longwood Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Mansfield Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Marysville Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Murchison Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Nagambie Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Nathalia Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Numurkah Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Picola Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 0.8 N/A Rushworth Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Stanhope Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Tatura Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Thornton Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Upper Delatite Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Violet Town Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Waterford Park Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Wunghnu Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A Yea Annually 1 0 <0.1 N/A
Fluoridation at Cobram WTP started in October 2017. Hence the rolling annual average for township supplied by Cobram WTP (Cobram, Strathmerton and Yarraweyah) is calculated based on 39 instead of 52 samples.
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3.5.2 Actions in relation to non-compliance
During the 2017/18 reporting period, all water sampling localities results met the water quality standards.
3.6 OTHER CHEMICALS THAT MAY POSE A RISK TO PUBLIC HEALTH
GVW’s verification monitoring program for these parameters has been designed to provide confidence that water supplied to customers has met water quality standards. GVW uses the ADWG health guideline values to determine compliance of these parameters with water quality standards. This monitoring forms part of the sampling program set out in GVW”s risk management plan. Verification data is also used to identify potential issues with the treatment processes and trigger any corrective actions required to improve water quality.
Selection of parameters to be monitored has been based on hazards identified in risk assessments for each drinking water supply based on historical knowledge of the drinking water catchments. Activities that contribute to the hazards in GVW’s source water catchment include agriculture grazing, dairy, cropping, orchards, mining, recreational activities, and septic tanks. Monitoring frequencies for each selected parameter are determined utilising a risk based approach.
Other parameters monitored by GVW that may pose a risk to health include heavy metals, cyanide, nitrate, nitrite, pesticides, organic compounds, radioactive materials and algal toxins.
Heavy metals can occur in surface waters due to natural run off within the catchments. The concentration of metals within a catchment can be influenced by industry or major vehicular access.
Cyanide may be present in natural source waters as a result of industrial waste discharge or through the natural decomposition of some plants.
Nitrate may be present in waters from fertilisers, industrial waste discharge, the degradation of organic wastes, and even lightning strikes through air. At relatively high concentrations, nitrate can be toxic to humans. Nitrite is relatively unstable and is rapidly oxidised to nitrate in well oxygenated or chlorinated supplies. Nitrite and nitrate are monitored at a higher frequency at Katunga due to the vulnerability of its bore water to contamination.
Pesticides are agricultural chemicals that include insecticides and herbicides. Contamination of raw water supplies by pesticides is generally negligible, but may occur as a result of seasonal agricultural usage, accidental spills or misuse.
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Organic compounds that may impact on the health of consumers are rarely present in drinking water supplies, but could potentially be present in raw water sources as a result of accidental spills or misuse. Low risk organics testing are precluded from Marysville and Katunga due to low likelihood of organics detection in the source water.
Radioactive materials may occur in some environments, either naturally or from industrial sources. GVW’s laboratory testing program includes annual routine screening for gross alpha and beta activity in all raw water supplies to our treatment plants.
Algal toxins are harmful compounds produced by certain species of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). They can only be present if there is a bloom or large numbers of a toxin producing species of blue-green algae. Regular monitoring for the presence of blue-green algae is conducted by GVW’s field technicians. A contingency plan has been developed in response to BGA, including the implementation of laboratory testing for algae and toxins, if significant blooms do occur.
3.6.1 Results
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Table 3.6.1.1: Health related parameters – Arsenic in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Arsenic, total
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.01 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Avenel Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Barmah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 0.003 Yes Broadford Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katunga Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Longwood Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 4 0 0.001 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Mooroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Murchison Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Nagambie Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Picola Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Shepparton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tallarook Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Toolamba Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Trawool Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Waterford Park Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.2: Health related parameters – Barium in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Barium, total
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 2 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of M aximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water
Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 0.014 Yes Avenel Quarterly 4 0 0.014 Yes Barmah Quarterly 4 0 0.014 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 0.017 Yes Broadford Quarterly 4 0 0.016 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 0.016 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 0.013 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 0.031 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 0.016 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 0.015 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 0.026 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 0.032 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 0.017 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 0.018 Yes Katunga Quarterly 4 0 0.043 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 0.027 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 0.040 Yes Longwood Quarterly 4 0 0.015 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 4 0 0.018 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 0.017 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 0.039 Yes Mooroopna Quarterly 4 0 0.056 Yes Murchison Quarterly 4 0 0.032 Yes Nagambie Quarterly 4 0 0.032 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 4 0 0.027 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 0.016 Yes Picola Quarterly 4 0 0.082 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 0.170 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 0 0.029 Yes Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 0 0.018 Yes Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 0 0.019 Yes Shepparton Quarterly 4 0 0.044 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 0.330 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 0.015 Yes Tallarook Quarterly 4 0 0.017 Yes Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 0 0.063 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 0.035 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 0.019 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 0.031 Yes Toolamba Quarterly 4 0 0.048 Yes Trawool Quarterly 4 0 0.022 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 0.007 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 0.027 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 0.027 Yes Waterford Park Quarterly 4 0 0.013 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 0.017 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 0.014 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 0.032 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.3: Health Related Parameters – Cadmium in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Cadmium, total
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.002 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water
Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Avenel Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Barmah Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Broadford Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Katunga Monthly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Longwood Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Mooroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Murchison Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Nagambie Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Picola Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Shepparton Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Tallarook Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 0.000 Yes Toolamba Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Trawool Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 0.000 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Waterford Park Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.4: Health related parameters – Free Chlorine in Drinking Water (Reticulation)
Water Quality Parameter : Chlorine, Free
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 5 mg/L
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Minimum Average Result Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) (mg/L) Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water Alexandra Weekly 52 0 <0.02 0.57 0.91 Yes Avenel Weekly 52 0 0.31 0.69 1.23 Yes Barmah Weekly 52 0 0.21 0.82 1.22 Yes Bonnie Doon Weekly 52 0 <0.02 0.59 1.49 Yes Broadford Weekly 52 0 0.02 0.60 1.14 Yes Buxton Weekly 52 0 <0.02 0.51 1.00 Yes Cobram Weekly 63 0 0.25 0.76 1.08 Yes Colbinabbin Weekly 52 0 0.18 0.62 1.03 Yes Dookie Weekly 52 0 <0.02 0.70 1.34 Yes Eildon Weekly 52 0 <0.02 0.57 1.06 Yes Euroa Weekly 52 0 0.10 0.51 1.09 Yes Girgarre Weekly 52 0 0.08 0.53 1.14 Yes Katamatite Weekly 52 0 0.18 0.68 1.08 Yes Katandra West Weekly 52 0 0.26 0.74 1.34 Yes Katunga Weekly 52 0 0.48 0.82 1.11 Yes Kilmore Weekly 64 0 <0.02 0.53 0.99 Yes Kyabram Weekly 64 0 0.15 0.64 1.04 Yes Longwood Weekly 52 0 0.08 0.70 1.63 Yes Mansfield Weekly 52 0 0.28 0.61 0.91 Yes Marysville Weekly 52 0 <0.02 0.35 0.98 Yes Merrigum Weekly 52 0 0.24 0.55 0.87 Yes Mooroopna Weekly 62 0 <0.02 0.39 0.88 Yes Murchison Weekly 52 0 <0.02 0.50 0.88 Yes Nagambie Weekly 52 0 0.12 0.63 1.26 Yes Nathalia Weekly 52 0 0.15 0.69 1.26 Yes Numurkah Weekly 52 0 0.16 0.76 1.06 Yes Picola Weekly 52 0 0.10 0.57 1.04 Yes Pyalong Weekly 52 0 0.03 0.21 0.87 Yes Rushworth Weekly 52 0 0.11 0.54 1.11 Yes Seymour High Level Weekly 52 0 0.06 0.43 1.03 Yes Seymour Low Level Weekly 63 0 0.17 0.62 1.07 Yes Shepparton Weekly 160 0 <0.02 0.50 1.00 Yes Stanhope Weekly 52 0 0.39 0.78 1.24 Yes Strathmerton Weekly 52 0 0.27 0.74 1.04 Yes Tallarook Weekly 52 0 0.38 0.78 1.30 Yes Tallygaroopna Weekly 52 0 0.02 0.45 0.79 Yes Tatura Weekly 52 0 0.19 0.66 1.09 Yes Thornton Weekly 52 0 0.02 0.47 0.86 Yes Tongala Weekly 52 0 <0.02 0.50 0.96 Yes Toolamba Weekly 52 0 0.23 0.70 1.62 Yes Trawool Weekly 52 0 <0.02 0.08 0.55 Yes Upper Delatite Weekly 52 0 <0.02 0.64 1.22 Yes Violet Town Weekly 52 0 0.07 0.43 1.03 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Weekly 52 0 <0.02 0.31 0.95 Yes Waterford Park Weekly 52 0 0.02 0.71 1.17 Yes Wunghnu Weekly 52 0 0.31 0.68 1.31 Yes Yarraweyah Weekly 52 0 0.10 0.61 0.89 Yes Yea Weekly 52 0 <0.02 0.50 0.93 Yes Free chlorine reading is taken for each E.coli sample
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Table 3.6.1.5: Health related parameters – Free Chlorine in Drinking Water (Clear Water Storage) Water Quality Parameter : Chlorine, Free (CWS Outlet)
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 5 mg/L
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Minimum Average Result Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) (mg/L) Result (mg/L) Samples Standards Drinking Water Alexandra Weekly 52 0 0.55 0.82 1.15 Yes Avenel Weekly 52 0 0.33 0.79 1.43 Yes Barmah Weekly 52 0 0.42 0.96 1.37 Yes Bonnie Doon Weekly 104 0 0.04 0.74 1.75 Yes Broadford Weekly 52 0 0.66 0.90 1.25 Yes Buxton Weekly 52 0 0.41 0.79 1.20 Yes Cobram Weekly 104 0 0.52 0.87 1.13 Yes Colbinabbin Weekly 52 0 0.35 0.73 1.12 Yes Dookie Weekly 52 0 0.34 0.80 1.59 Yes Eildon Weekly 52 0 0.35 0.74 1.07 Yes Euroa Weekly 52 0 0.38 0.92 1.29 Yes Girgarre Weekly 52 0 0.34 0.94 2.20 Yes Katamatite Weekly 52 0 0.35 1.03 1.51 Yes Katandra West Weekly 52 0 0.38 0.82 1.38 Yes Katunga Weekly 52 0 0.40 0.89 1.14 Yes Kilmore Weekly 104 0 0.07 1.28 1.92 Yes Kyabram Weekly 104 0 0.10 0.76 1.18 Yes Longwood Weekly 104 0 0.02 1.22 2.36 Yes Mansfield Weekly 52 0 0.51 0.69 1.06 Yes Marysville Weekly 52 0 0.42 0.86 1.29 Yes Merrigum Weekly 52 0 0.39 0.71 0.90 Yes Mooroopna Weekly 52 0 0.00 0.57 1.16 Yes Murchison Weekly 52 0 0.47 0.83 1.34 Yes Nagambie Weekly 52 0 0.48 0.86 1.44 Yes Nathalia Weekly 52 0 0.28 1.11 1.51 Yes Numurkah Weekly 52 0 0.67 1.19 1.84 Yes Picola Weekly 52 0 0.34 0.92 1.43 Yes Pyalong Weekly 52 0 0.44 0.96 1.49 Yes Rushworth Weekly 52 0 0.44 0.77 1.32 Yes Seymour High Level Weekly 52 0 0.30 0.80 1.42 Yes Seymour Low Level Weekly 52 0 0.30 0.80 1.42 Yes Shepparton Weekly 104 0 0.00 0.71 1.23 Yes Stanhope Weekly 52 0 0.02 0.74 1.26 Yes Strathmerton Weekly 52 0 0.02 0.74 1.26 Yes Tallarook Weekly 52 0 0.31 0.87 1.46 Yes Tallygaroopna Weekly 52 0 0.31 0.87 1.46 Yes Tatura Weekly 52 0 0.29 0.81 1.18 Yes Thornton Weekly 52 0 0.55 0.78 1.07 Yes Tongala Weekly 104 0 0.32 0.71 1.20 Yes Toolamba Weekly 52 0 0.36 0.73 1.66 Yes Trawool Weekly 52 0 0.36 0.73 1.66 Yes Upper Delatite Weekly 52 0 0.36 0.73 1.66 Yes Violet Town Weekly 52 0 0.15 0.76 1.21 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Weekly 52 0 0.33 0.65 1.00 Yes Waterford Park Weekly 52 0 0.45 0.87 1.28 Yes Wunghnu Weekly 52 0 0.45 0.87 1.28 Yes Yarraweyah Weekly 52 0 0.45 0.87 1.28 Yes Yea Weekly 52 0 0.39 0.79 1.16 Yes Each storage tank is sampled weekly. In some localities, there are more than one tank; hence, more than 52 samples were collected for that locality.
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Table 3.6.1.6: Health related parameters – Chromium in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Chromium, total
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.05 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Avenel Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Barmah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Broadford Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katunga Monthly 4 0 0.002 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Longwood Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Mooroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Murchison Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Nagambie Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Picola Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Shepparton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 0.001 Yes Tallarook Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Toolamba Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Trawool Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Waterford Park Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.7: Health related parameters – Copper in Drinking Water Water Quality Parameter : Copper, total
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 2 mg/L. ADWG Aesthetic Guideline : Should not exceed 1 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 0.019 Yes Avenel Quarterly 4 0 0.011 Yes Barmah Quarterly 4 0 0.013 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 0.015 Yes Broadford Quarterly 4 0 0.014 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 0.016 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 0.027 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 0.008 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 0.110 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 0.006 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 0.030 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 0.014 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 0.015 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 0.024 Yes Katunga Monthly 4 0 0.030 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 0.028 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 0.005 Yes Longwood Quarterly 4 0 0.024 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 4 0 0.016 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 0.240 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 0.005 Yes Mooroopna Quarterly 4 0 0.008 Yes Murchison Quarterly 4 0 0.013 Yes Nagambie Quarterly 4 0 0.072 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 4 0 0.043 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 0.020 Yes Picola Quarterly 4 0 0.057 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 0.071 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 0 0.009 Yes Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 0 0.023 Yes Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 0 0.007 Yes Shepparton Quarterly 4 0 0.034 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 0.026 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 0.041 Yes Tallarook Quarterly 4 0 0.035 Yes Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 0 0.009 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 0.007 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 0.052 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 0.006 Yes Toolamba Quarterly 4 0 0.007 Yes Trawool Quarterly 4 0 0.019 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 0.005 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 0.580 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 0.027 Yes Waterford Park Quarterly 4 0 0.012 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 0.011 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 0.017 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 0.014 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.8: Health related parameters – Lead in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Lead, total
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.01 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Avenel Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Barmah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 0.001 Yes Broadford Quarterly 4 0 0.001 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katunga Monthly 4 0 0.001 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 0.001 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Longwood Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 0.002 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Mooroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Murchison Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Nagambie Quarterly 4 0 0.002 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 0.002 Yes Picola Quarterly 4 0 0.001 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 0.002 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Shepparton Quarterly 4 0 0.001 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tallarook Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Toolamba Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Trawool Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 0.003 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 0.001 Yes Waterford Park Quarterly 4 0 0.009 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 0.002 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.9: Health Related Parameters – Manganese in Drinking Water Water Quality Parameter : Manganese, total
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.5 mg/L. ADWG Aesthetic Guideline : Should not exceed 0.1 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water Alexandra Quarterly 5 0 0.005 Yes Avenel Weekly 52 0 0.025 Yes Barmah Weekly 32 0 0.025 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 0.003 Yes Broadford Weekly 32 0 0.012 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 0.001 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Dookie Quarterly 5 0 0.014 Yes Eildon Quarterly 5 0 0.003 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 0.001 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 0.003 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 0.011 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katunga Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 5 0 0.002 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 5 0 0.002 Yes Longwood Weekly 32 0 0.003 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 32 0 0.056 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 0.002 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 5 0 0.001 Yes Mooroopna Weekly 32 0 0.007 Yes Murchison Weekly 32 0 0.009 Yes Nagambie Weekly 32 0 0.016 Yes Nathalia Weekly 32 0 0.007 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 5 0 <0.001 Yes Picola Weekly 32 0 0.160 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 5 0 0.009 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 5 0 0.022 Yes Seymour High Level Weekly 52 0 0.014 Yes Seymour Low Level Weekly 52 0 0.013 Yes Shepparton Weekly 32 0 0.022 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 5 0 0.003 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 0.002 Yes Tallarook Weekly 52 0 0.091 Yes Tallygaroopna Weekly 32 0 0.024 Yes Tatura Quarterly 5 0 0.002 Yes Thornton Quarterly 5 0 0.003 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 0.002 Yes Toolamba Weekly 32 0 0.010 Yes Trawool Weekly 52 0 0.049 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 5 0 0.002 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 0.001 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 5 0 <0.001 Yes Waterford Park Weekly 32 0 0.011 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 5 0 0.003 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 0.005 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 0.085 Yes Weekly monitoring occurs in spring and autumn at localities where elevated manganese can occur. These sites are Longwood, Nagambie, Shepparton, Murchison, Seymour, Picola, Barmah, Broadford, Nathalia, and Mansfield
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Table 3.6.1.10: Health related parameters – Mercury in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Mercury, total
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.001 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water
Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Avenel Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Barmah Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Broadford Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Katunga Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Longwood Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Mooroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Murchison Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Nagambie Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Picola Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Shepparton Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Tallarook Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Toolamba Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Trawool Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Waterford Park Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 <0.0001 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.11: Health Related Parameters - Molybdenum in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Molybdenum, total
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.05 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water
Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Avenel Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Barmah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Broadford Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katunga Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Longwood Quarterly 4 0 <0.005 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Mooroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Murchison Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Nagambie Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Picola Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Shepparton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tallarook Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Toolamba Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Trawool Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Waterford Park Quarterly 4 0 0.009 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.12: Health Related Parameters – Nickel in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Nickel, total
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.02 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water
Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Avenel Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Barmah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Broadford Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 0.015 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Katunga Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Longwood Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Mooroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Murchison Quarterly 4 0 0.008 Yes Nagambie Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 0.002 Yes Picola Quarterly 4 0 0.002 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 0 0.002 Yes Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 0 0.008 Yes Shepparton Quarterly 4 0 0.001 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tallarook Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Toolamba Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Trawool Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Waterford Park Quarterly 4 0 0.009 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 <0.001 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.13: Health Related Parameters – Selenium in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Selenium, total
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.01 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Maximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water
Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Avenel Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Barmah Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Broadford Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Katunga Monthly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Longwood Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Mooroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Murchison Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Nagambie Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Picola Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Shepparton Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Tallarook Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Toolamba Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Trawool Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Waterford Park Quarterly 4 0 0.009 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 <0.002 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.14: Health Related Parameters – Cyanide in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Cyanide
Water Quality Standard: Should not exceed 0.08 mg/L.
Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of M aximum Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Samples Standard Drinking Water
Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Avenel Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Barmah Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Broadford Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Katunga Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Longwood Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Mooroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Murchison Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Nagambie Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Picola Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Shepparton Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Tallarook Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Toolamba Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Trawool Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Waterford Park Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 <0.01 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.15: Health related parameters – Nitrate in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Nitrate
Water Quality Standard: Nitrate should not exceed 50 mg/L as NO3 (11 mg/L as NO3-N)
Maximum Number of Non- Compliant with Sampling Number of Nitrate Water Sampling Locality complying Water Quality Frequency Samples Result (mg/L Samples Standard as NO 3 -N) Drinking Water Alexandra Quarterly 5 0 0.180 Yes Avenel Annually 1 0 0.210 Yes Barmah Annually 1 0 0.072 Yes Bonnie Doon Annually 1 0 0.170 Yes Broadford Annually 1 0 0.029 Yes Buxton Annually 1 0 0.160 Yes Cobram Annually 1 0 0.075 Yes Colbinabbin Annually 1 0 0.018 Yes Dookie Annually 1 0 0.040 Yes Eildon Quarterly 5 0 0.200 Yes Euroa Annually 1 0 0.460 Yes Girgarre Annually 1 0 0.013 Yes Katamatite Annually 1 0 0.049 Yes Katandra West Annually 1 0 0.020 Yes Katunga Quarterly 4 0 0.160 Yes Kilmore Annually 1 0 0.031 Yes Kyabram Annually 1 0 0.022 Yes Longwood Quarterly 5 0 0.700 Yes Mansfield Annually 1 0 0.017 Yes Marysville Annually 1 0 0.160 Yes Merrigum Annually 1 0 0.022 Yes Mooroopna Annually 1 0 0.130 Yes Murchison Annually 1 0 0.160 Yes Nagambie Annually 1 0 0.220 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 5 0 0.052 Yes Numurkah Annually 1 0 0.017 Yes Picola Annually 1 0 0.046 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 5 0 0.330 Yes Rushworth Annually 1 0 0.140 Yes Seymour High Level Annually 1 0 0.220 Yes Seymour Low Level Annually 1 0 0.210 Yes Shepparton Annually 1 0 0.150 Yes Stanhope Annually 1 0 0.220 Yes Strathmerton Annually 1 0 0.130 Yes Tallarook Annually 1 0 0.220 Yes Tallygaroopna Annually 1 0 0.140 Yes Tatura Annually 1 0 0.260 Yes Thornton Quarterly 5 0 0.200 Yes Tongala Annually 1 0 0.044 Yes Toolamba Annually 1 0 0.230 Yes Trawool Annually 1 0 0.200 Yes Upper Delatite Annually 1 0 0.130 Yes Violet Town Annually 1 0 0.470 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Annually 1 0 0.030 Yes Waterford Park Annually 1 0 0.030 Yes Wunghnu Annually 1 0 0.200 Yes Yarraweyah Annually 1 0 0.091 Yes Yea Annually 1 0 0.500 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.16: Health related parameters – Organics
Volatile Organics Screen Semivolatile organics screen
Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Halogenated volatile organics Acenaphthene Benzene Acenaphthylene Bromobenzene Anthracene Bromochloromethane Benzo(a)anthracene Bromodichloromethane Benzo (a) pyrene Bromomethane Benzo (b) fluoranthene n-Butylbenzene Benzo (ghi) perylene s-Butylbenzene Benzo (k) fluoranthene t-Butylbenzene Chrysene Carbon Tetrachloride Dibenz (ah) anthracene Chlorobenzene Dibenz (aj) acridine Chloroethane Dibenzo[a,e]pyrene Chloromethane 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene 2-Chlorotoluene Fluoranthene 4-Chlorotoluene Fluorene Dibromochloromethane Indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane 3-Methylcholanthrene 1,2-Dibromoethane Naphthalene Dibromomethane Phenanthrene 1,2-Dichlorobenzene Pyrene 1,3-Dichlorobenzene Halogenated semivolatile organics 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 2-Chloronaphthalene Dichlorodifluoromethane 1,2-Dichlorobenzene 1,2-Dichloroethane 1,3-Dichlorobenzene 1,1-Dichloroethane 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 1,1-Dichloroethene Hexachlorobenzene cis-1,2-Dichloroethene Hexachlorobutadiene trans-1,2-Dichloroethene Hexachlorocyclopentadiene Dichloromethane Hexachloroethane 1,2-Dichloropropane Hexachloropropene 1,3-Dichloropropane Pentachlorobenzene 2,2-Dichloropropane 1,2,4,5-Tetrachlorobenzene 1,1-Dichloropropene 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene cis-1,3-Dichloropropene 1,3,5-Trichlorobenzene trans-1,3-Dichloropropene bis (2-chloroisopropyl) ether Ethylbenzene 4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether Hexachloro-1,3-butadiene Bis (2-Chloroethoxy) methane Isopropylbenzene Bis (2-Chloroethyl) ether p-Isopropyltoluene 4-Chlorophenyl phenyl ether Naphthalene Plasticisers n-Propylbenzene Butyl Benzyl phthalate Styrene Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane Di-n-Butyl phthalate Tetrachloroethene Diethyl Phthalate 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane Dimethyl Phthalate Toluene Di-n-Octyl phthalate Tribromomethane 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 1,1,1-Trichloroethane 1,1,2-Trichloroethane Trichloroethene Trichlorofluoromethane Trichloromethane 1,2,3-Trichloropropane 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene Vinyl Chloride m&p-Xylenes o-Xylene
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Compliant with Water Quality Source Water Sampling Sampling Standards Locality Frequency Volatile Semi-Volatile Organics Organics Drinking Water Alexandra Annually Yes Yes Barmah Monthly Yes Yes Bonnie Doon Monthly Yes Yes Broadford Annually Yes Yes Cobram Monthly Yes Yes Colbinabbin Annually Yes Yes Dookie Annually Yes Yes Euroa Annually Yes Yes Girgarre Annually Yes Yes Katamatite Annually Yes Yes Katandra West Annually Yes Yes Katunga Annually Yes Yes Kilmore Annually Yes Yes Kyabram Annually Yes Yes Longwood Annually Yes Yes Mansfield Annually Yes Yes Marysville Annually Yes Yes Murchison Annually Yes Yes Nagambie Monthly Yes Yes Nathalia Annually Yes Yes Numurkah Annually Yes Yes Picola Annually Yes Yes Pyalong Annually Yes Yes Rushworth Monthly Yes Yes Seymour Annually Yes Yes Shepparton Annually Yes Yes Stanhope Annually Yes Yes Tatura Annually Yes Yes Tongala Annually Yes Yes Upper Delatite Annually Yes Yes Yea Annually Yes Yes All the organic compounds tested in source water were reported by the NATA laboratory at values below the level of reporting
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Table 3.6.1.17: Health related parameters – Pesticides Part 1 GVW’s source water is from open/multi-use catchment with potential risk of pesticide detection due to intensive farming activities. Frequency for pesticides and herbicides which may be detected (known local use and detected) in Goulburn Valley catchment are monitored on a quarterly basis. All pesticide results were reported by the NATA laboratory at values below the level of reporting.
Maximum Result (ug/L) Standard Source Water Sampling Sampling 2,4-D [(2,4- 2-methyl-4- Aldrin Azinphos Ethoprophos Fenchlorphos Met Locality Frequency Dichlorophenoxy) Chlorophenoxy Acephate Ametryn Atrazine Chlordane Chlorfenvinphos Chlorpyrifos Diazinon Dichlorprop Dichlorvos Dicofol Dimethoate Disulfoton Endosulfan Ethion Fenamiphos Fenitrothion Glyphosate {Eldrin} methyl {Prophos} {Ronnel} (Yes/No) acetic acid] acetic acid Drinking Water Alexandra Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Barmah Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Broadford Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Cobram Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Dookie Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Euroa Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Girgarre Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Katamatite Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Katandra West Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Katunga Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Kilmore Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Kyabram Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Longwood Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Mansfield Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Marysville Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Murchison Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Nagambie Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Nathalia Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Numurkah Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Picola Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Pyalong Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Rushworth Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Seymour Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Shepparton Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Stanhope Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Tatura Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Tongala Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes Yea Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <10 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.18: Health related parameters – Pesticides Part 2
Maximum Result (ug/L) Source Water Sampling Sampling Standard Heptachlor Lindane Malathion Parathion Pirimiphos Locality Frequency Heptachlor Imazapyr Methidathion Mevinphos Naphthalophos Omethoate Parathion Profenofos Propazine Simazine Sulprofos Temephos Terbufos Terbuthylazine Terbutryn Thiometon Trichlorfon Met epoxide (mg/kg) {Maldison} methyl methyl (Yes/No) Drinking Water Alexandra Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Barmah Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Broadford Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Cobram Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Dookie Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Euroa Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Girgarre Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Katamatite Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Katandra West Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Katunga Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Kilmore Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Kyabram Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Longwood Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Mansfield Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Marysville Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Murchison Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Nagambie Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Nathalia Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Numurkah Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Picola Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Pyalong Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Rushworth Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Seymour Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Shepparton Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Stanhope Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Tatura Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Tongala Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes Yea Quarterly <1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Yes
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Table 3.6.1.19: Health related parameters – Radiological in Source Water
Water Quality Parameter : Radiological parameters
Water Quality Standard: For those parameters tested (listed below), the relevant screening levels are shown. Gross Alpha activity Screening level of 0.5 Bq/L Gross Beta activity Screening level of 0.5 Bq/L (corrected for Potassium-40)
Number of Gross Alpha Gross Beta Gross Alpha Gross Beta Sampling Number of Water Sampling Locality Non-complying Radiation Radiation Compliant with Compliant with Frequency Samples Samples Activity Activity Guidelines Guidelines
Drinking Water Alexandra Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Avenel Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Barmah Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Bonnie Doon Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Broadford Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Buxton Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Cobram Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Colbinabbin Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Dookie Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Eildon Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Euroa Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Girgarre Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Katamatite Yearly 2 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Katandra West Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Katunga Yearly 1 0 0.08 <0.05 Yes Yes Kilmore Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Kyabram Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Longwood Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Mansfield Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Marysville Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Merrigum Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Mooroopna Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Murchison Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Nagambie Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Nathalia Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Numurkah Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Picola Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Pyalong Yearly 1 0 0.06 <0.05 Yes Yes Rushworth Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Seymour High Level Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Seymour Low Level Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Shepparton Yearly 1 0 0.06 <0.05 Yes Yes Stanhope Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Strathmerton Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Tallarook Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Tallygaroopna Yearly 1 0 0.06 <0.05 Yes Yes Tatura Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Thornton Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Tongala Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Toolamba Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Trawool Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Upper Delatite Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Violet Town Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Waterford Park Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Wunghnu Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Yarraweyah Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes Yea Yearly 1 0 <0.05 <0.05 Yes Yes
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3.6.2 Actions in relation to non-compliance
During the 2017/18 reporting period all water samples collected and analysed complied with the water quality standards, with the exception of a single non-compliance with trihalomethane at Katamatite and trichloroacetic acid at Buxton.
3.7 AESTHETICS
Physical parameters help to describe the appearance, taste and odour of drinking water. GVW regularly monitors each drinking water supply for pH, colour, conductivity, hardness, alkalinity and iron. pH is a measure of the water’s acidity or alkalinity. It is an important operational parameter, and has a significant effect on the efficiency of disinfection. To minimise the potential for corrosion of pipes or mineral scale formation, the guideline limits for pH are 6.5 to 8.5.
True colour is a measure of the intensity of the yellow hue that is naturally imparted into some surface waters. Dissolved organic matter, especially humic and fulvic acids, and dissolved inorganic matter, especially iron and manganese impart colour into water.
Electrical conductivity is proportional to the concentration of dissolved salts in the water. It is commonly used as a surrogate measure for total dissolved solids. The palatability of drinking water diminishes with increasing levels of dissolved salts.
Hardness generally indicates the level of dissolved calcium and magnesium salts in the water. It makes soap difficult to lather and can result in scaling (encrustation) in hot water services and plumbing. Modern dishwashers and other appliances often require settings based upon the hardness of the water. GVW’s water is generally soft with the exception of water sourced from Katunga bore and Pyalong.
Alkalinity is a measure of the buffering capacity of water with respect to pH change. Although there are no drinking water guidelines for alkalinity, it can be important for chemical treatment and industrial processes.
Iron occurs in naturally in waters from contact with soils and rock. Iron may also be present in drinking water supplies through contact with iron and steel pipes and fittings. Excessive iron in water may result in discolouration, an objectionable taste, the staining of laundry, and the staining of plumbing fixtures.
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3.7.1 Results
Table 3.7.1.1: Aesthetic Related Parameters – pH in Drinking Water (Reticulation)
Water Quality Parameter : pH
ADWG Aesthetic Guideline : Should be between 6.5 and 8.5 pH Units (Tolerable upper level of 9.2)
Number of Samples that M inimum Maximum Met Aesthetic Sampling Number of Water Sampling Locality Did Not Meet Result (pH Result (pH Guideline Frequency Samples Aesthetic Units) Units) Value Guideline Drinking Water Alexandra Weekly 52 0 6.8 7.7 Yes Avenel Weekly 52 0 6.8 7.8 Yes Barmah Weekly 52 0 6.8 7.8 Yes Bonnie Doon Weekly 52 0 6.9 8.0 Yes Broadford Weekly 52 0 6.8 9.0 Yes Buxton Weekly 52 0 6.8 8.0 Yes Cobram Weekly 63 0 6.7 7.3 Yes Colbinabbin Weekly 52 0 7.1 8.0 Yes Dookie Weekly 52 0 7.0 7.4 Yes Eildon Weekly 52 8 7.0 9.9 No Euroa Weekly 52 0 6.8 7.4 Yes Girgarre Weekly 52 0 6.9 7.5 Yes Katamatite Weekly 52 0 7.2 8.6 Yes Katandra West Weekly 52 0 6.8 7.4 Yes Katunga Weekly 52 0 6.8 7.1 Yes Kilmore Weekly 64 0 6.7 7.3 Yes Kyabram Weekly 64 0 6.6 7.6 Yes Longwood Weekly 52 0 6.9 7.7 Yes Mansfield Weekly 52 0 6.6 7.7 Yes Marysville Weekly 52 0 6.7 8.2 Yes Merrigum Weekly 52 0 7.0 9.2 Yes Mooroopna Weekly 62 0 6.9 8.2 Yes Murchison Weekly 52 0 6.8 8.2 Yes Nagambie Weekly 52 0 6.8 7.8 Yes Nathalia Weekly 52 0 6.5 7.7 Yes Numurkah Weekly 52 0 6.8 7.6 Yes Picola Weekly 52 0 6.6 7.9 Yes Pyalong Weekly 52 0 7.2 8.2 Yes Rushworth Weekly 52 0 6.8 8.5 Yes Seymour High Level Weekly 52 0 6.9 7.6 Yes Seymour Low Level Weekly 63 0 6.9 7.5 Yes Shepparton Weekly 160 0 6.5 7.9 Yes Stanhope Weekly 52 0 6.8 7.4 Yes Strathmerton Weekly 52 0 6.8 7.6 Yes Tallarook Weekly 52 0 7.1 7.5 Yes Tallygaroopna Weekly 52 1 6.6 10.9 No Tatura Weekly 52 0 6.7 8.1 Yes Thornton Weekly 52 0 7.0 8.7 Yes Tongala Weekly 52 0 7.0 8.9 Yes Toolamba Weekly 52 0 7.0 7.7 Yes Trawool Weekly 52 1 7.0 9.5 No Upper Delatite Weekly 52 0 6.8 8.2 Yes Violet Town Weekly 52 0 6.8 7.4 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Weekly 52 0 6.8 7.5 Yes Waterford Park Weekly 52 0 6.9 7.5 Yes Wunghnu Weekly 52 0 7.0 7.9 Yes Yarraweyah Weekly 52 0 6.6 7.5 Yes Yea Weekly 52 1 6.7 9.3 No pH reading is taken for each E.coli sample.
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Table 3.7.1.2: Aesthetic Related Parameters – pH in Drinking Water (Clear Water Storage)
Water Quality Parameter : pH
ADWG Aesthetic Guideline : Should be between 6.5 and 8.5 pH Units (Tolerable upper level of 9.2)
Number of Samples not Minimum Maximum Compliant with Sampling Number of Average Result Water Sampling Locality meeting Result (pH Result (pH Aesthetic Frequency Samples (pH Units) Aesthetic Units) Units) Guideline Guideline Drinking Water Alexandra Weekly 52 0 6.72 6.97 7.47 Yes Avenel Weekly 52 0 6.70 7.11 7.69 Yes Barmah Weekly 52 0 6.59 6.98 7.72 Yes Bonnie Doon Weekly 104 0 6.70 7.17 7.64 Yes Broadford Weekly 52 0 6.80 6.99 7.23 Yes Buxton Weekly 52 0 6.84 7.36 8.36 Yes Cobram Weekly 104 0 6.55 6.97 7.42 Yes Colbinabbin Weekly 52 0 6.70 7.09 7.57 Yes Dookie Weekly 52 0 6.71 7.16 7.51 Yes Eildon Weekly 52 0 6.80 7.28 7.65 Yes Euroa Weekly 52 0 6.75 6.97 7.20 Yes Girgarre Weekly 52 0 6.60 7.11 7.36 Yes Katamatite Weekly 52 0 6.86 7.42 8.20 Yes Katandra West Weekly 52 0 6.67 7.02 7.40 Yes Katunga Weekly 52 0 6.67 6.87 7.07 Yes Kilmore Weekly 104 0 6.60 6.89 7.16 Yes Kyabram Weekly 104 1 6.39 6.98 7.40 No Longwood Weekly 104 0 6.70 7.10 7.70 Yes Mansfield Weekly 52 1 6.43 6.97 7.47 No Marysville Weekly 52 0 6.55 7.14 10.00 Yes Merrigum Weekly 52 0 6.84 7.25 7.63 Yes Mooroopna Weekly 52 0 6.62 7.09 7.90 Yes Murchison Weekly 52 0 6.64 7.05 7.44 Yes Nagambie Weekly 52 0 6.51 7.02 7.39 Yes Nathalia Weekly 52 6 6.16 6.91 7.36 No Numurkah Weekly 52 0 6.59 6.89 7.31 Yes Picola Weekly 52 0 6.50 6.94 7.46 Yes Pyalong Weekly 52 0 7.05 7.44 7.71 Yes Rushworth Weekly 52 0 6.71 7.08 7.56 Yes Seymour High Level Weekly 52 0 6.75 7.05 7.43 Yes Seymour Low Level Weekly 52 0 6.75 7.05 7.43 Yes Shepparton Weekly 104 1 6.40 7.01 7.53 No Stanhope Weekly 52 0 6.79 7.12 7.48 Yes Strathmerton Weekly 52 0 6.79 7.12 7.48 Yes Tallarook Weekly 52 0 6.90 7.30 7.69 Yes Tallygaroopna Weekly 52 0 6.90 7.30 7.69 Yes Tatura Weekly 52 0 6.57 6.97 7.39 Yes Thornton Weekly 52 0 6.69 7.11 7.51 Yes Tongala Weekly 104 0 6.76 7.20 7.67 Yes Toolamba Weekly 52 0 6.97 7.31 7.53 Yes Trawool Weekly 52 0 6.97 7.31 7.53 Yes Upper Delatite Weekly 52 0 6.97 7.31 7.53 Yes Violet Town Weekly 52 0 6.64 6.92 7.28 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Weekly 52 0 6.75 7.03 8.52 Yes Waterford Park Weekly 52 0 6.80 7.17 7.39 Yes Wunghnu Weekly 52 0 6.80 7.17 7.39 Yes Yarraweyah Weekly 52 0 6.80 7.17 7.39 Yes Yea Weekly 52 0 6.67 6.97 7.69 Yes Each storage tank is sampled weekly. In some localities, there are more than one tank; hence, more than 52 samples were collected for that locality.
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Table 3.7.1.3: Aesthetic related parameters – True colour in Drinking Water Water Quality Parameter : True Colour
ADWG Aesthetic Guideline : Should not exceed 15 Hazen Units (HU).
Number of Samples that Met Aesthetic Sampling Number of Maximum Water Sampling Locality Did Not Meet Guideline Frequency Samples Result (HU) Aesthetic Value Guideline Drinking Water
Alexandra Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Avenel Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Barmah Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Bonnie Doon Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Broadford Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Buxton Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Cobram Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Colbinabbin Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Dookie Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Eildon Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Euroa Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Girgarre Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Katamatite Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Katandra West Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Katunga Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Kilmore Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Kyabram Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Longwood Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Mansfield Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Marysville Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Merrigum Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Mooroopna Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Murchison Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Nagambie Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Nathalia Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Numurkah Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Picola Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Pyalong Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Rushworth Monthly 12 0 7 Yes Seymour High Level Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Seymour Low Level Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Shepparton Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Stanhope Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Strathmerton Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Tallarook Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Tallygaroopna Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Tatura Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Thornton Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Tongala Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Toolamba Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Trawool Monthly 12 0 13 Yes Upper Delatite Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Violet Town Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Waterford Park Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Wunghnu Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Yarraweyah Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes Yea Monthly 12 0 <5 Yes
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Table 3.7.1.4: Aesthetic related parameters – Electrical conductivity in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Electrical Conductivity (EC)
ADWG Aesthetic Guideline : No specific limit for EC. Based on taste, total dissolved solids (TDS) in drinking water should not exceed 500 mg/L. The equivalent EC figure in μS/cm can be roughly determined by doubling the TDS limit.
Maximum Result Water Sampling Locality Sampling Frequency Number of Samples (µS/cm) Drinking Water Alexandra Quarterly 4 110 Avenel Quarterly 4 140 Barmah Quarterly 4 120 Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 250 Broadford Quarterly 4 110 Buxton Quarterly 4 47 Cobram Quarterly 4 81 Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 160 Dookie Quarterly 4 110 Eildon Quarterly 4 130 Euroa Quarterly 4 290 Girgarre Quarterly 4 150 Katamatite Quarterly 4 110 Katandra West Quarterly 4 93 Katunga Weekly 52 1400 Kilmore Quarterly 4 140 Kyabram Quarterly 4 150 Longwood Quarterly 4 630 Mansfield Quarterly 4 110 Marysville Quarterly 4 42 Merrigum Quarterly 4 150 Mooroopna Quarterly 4 320 Murchison Quarterly 4 220 Nagambie Quarterly 4 500 Nathalia Quarterly 4 140 Numurkah Quarterly 4 93 Picola Quarterly 4 240 Pyalong Weekly 52 870 Rushworth Quarterly 4 120 Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 120 Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 120 Shepparton Quarterly 4 270 Stanhope Quarterly 4 130 Strathmerton Quarterly 4 84 Tallarook Quarterly 4 140 Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 320 Tatura Quarterly 4 150 Thornton Quarterly 4 130 Tongala Quarterly 4 140 Toolamba Quarterly 4 290 Trawool Quarterly 4 120 Upper Delatite Weekly 52 130 Violet Town Quarterly 4 290 Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 1600 Waterford Park Quarterly 4 130 Wunghnu Quarterly 4 100 Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 80 Yea Quarterly 4 230
From the 1st April 2017, EC monitoring at Katunga and Pyalong is increased to weekly due to historical high levels in EC. In addition, weekly monitoring at Upper Delatite because of risk of artificial salt from snow melt
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The Wandong result of 1,600 (EC) was inconsistent with typical reads from this locality and the source locality of Kilmore. The average result for Wandong over the last five years has been 90 (EC). Wandong receives its supply via pipeline from the Kilmore system. Confirmation checks have concluded this is an anomaly reading reported from the laboratory.
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Table 3.7.1.5: Aesthetic related parameters – Hardness in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Hardness, total
ADWG Aesthetic Guideline : Should not exceed 200 mg/L as CaCO3.
Number of Samples that Sampling Number of M aximum Met Aesthetic Water Sampling Locality Did Not Meet Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Guideline Value Aesthetic Guideline Drinking Water
Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 16 Yes Avenel Quarterly 4 0 20 Yes Barmah Quarterly 4 0 16 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 37 Yes Broadford Quarterly 4 0 17 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 6 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 20 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 30 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 20 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 23 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 17 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 26 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 22 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 17 Yes Katunga Monthly 12 2 240 No Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 15 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 37 Yes Longwood Quarterly 4 0 22 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 4 0 21 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 7 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 39 Yes Mooroopna Quarterly 4 0 98 Yes Murchison Quarterly 4 0 37 Yes Nagambie Quarterly 4 0 30 Yes Nathalia Quarterly 4 0 26 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 20 Yes Picola Quarterly 4 0 60 Yes Pyalong Monthly 12 0 190 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 0 31 Yes Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 0 16 Yes Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 0 16 Yes Shepparton Quarterly 4 0 76 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 24 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 21 Yes Tallarook Quarterly 4 0 20 Yes Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 0 99 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 35 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 23 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 32 Yes Toolamba Quarterly 4 0 82 Yes Trawool Quarterly 4 0 15 Yes Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 10 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 18 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 14 Yes Waterford Park Quarterly 4 0 24 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 26 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 21 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 25 Yes
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Table 3.7.1.6: Aesthetic related parameters – Alkalinity in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Alkalinity, total
Units expressed in mg/L as CaCO3
Minimum Result Maximum Result Water Sampling Locality Sampling Frequency Number of Samples (mg/L) (mg/L)
Drinking Water Alexandra Quarterly 4 13 18 Avenel Quarterly 4 12 14 Barmah Quarterly 4 11 17 Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 36 43 Broadford Quarterly 4 8 11 Buxton Quarterly 4 3 6 Cobram Quarterly 4 10 11 Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 21 27 Dookie Quarterly 4 13 17 Eildon Quarterly 4 14 26 Euroa Quarterly 4 9 15 Girgarre Quarterly 4 18 23 Katamatite Quarterly 4 10 15 Katandra West Quarterly 4 15 21 Katunga Quarterly 4 82 88 Kilmore Quarterly 4 6 9 Kyabram Quarterly 4 13 22 Longwood Quarterly 4 70 92 Mansfield Quarterly 4 16 26 Marysville Quarterly 4 3 5 Merrigum Quarterly 4 14 36 Mooroopna Quarterly 4 12 17 Murchison Quarterly 4 13 18 Nagambie Quarterly 4 26 77 Nathalia Quarterly 4 17 26 Numurkah Quarterly 4 13 17 Picola Quarterly 4 46 59 Pyalong Quarterly 4 69 91 Rushworth Quarterly 4 10 16 Seymour High Level Quarterly 4 12 14 Seymour Low Level Quarterly 4 11 14 Shepparton Quarterly 4 11 15 Stanhope Quarterly 4 16 23 Strathmerton Quarterly 4 9 13 Tallarook Quarterly 4 12 26 Tallygaroopna Quarterly 4 12 18 Tatura Quarterly 4 10 14 Thornton Quarterly 4 16 24 Tongala Quarterly 4 16 25 Toolamba Quarterly 4 12 16 Trawool Quarterly 4 12 25 Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 8 13 Violet Town Quarterly 4 8 15 Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 6 51 Waterford Park Quarterly 4 8 13 Wunghnu Quarterly 4 13 25 Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 9 11 Yea Quarterly 4 21 31
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Table 3.7.1.7: Aesthetic related parameters – Iron in Drinking Water
Water Quality Parameter : Iron, total
ADWG Aesthetic Guideline : Should not exceed 0.3 mg/L.
Number of Samples that Sampling Number of Maximum Met Aesthetic Water Sampling Locality Did Not Meet Frequency Samples Result (mg/L) Guideline Value Aesthetic Guideline Drinking Water
Alexandra Quarterly 4 0 0.02 Yes Avenel Weekly 52 0 0.26 Yes Barmah Weekly 32 0 0.02 Yes Bonnie Doon Quarterly 4 0 0.09 Yes Broadford Weekly 32 0 0.27 Yes Buxton Quarterly 4 0 0.07 Yes Cobram Quarterly 4 0 0.01 Yes Colbinabbin Quarterly 4 0 0.01 Yes Dookie Quarterly 4 0 0.30 Yes Eildon Quarterly 4 0 0.04 Yes Euroa Quarterly 4 0 0.01 Yes Girgarre Quarterly 4 0 0.08 Yes Katamatite Quarterly 4 0 0.03 Yes Katandra West Quarterly 4 0 0.01 Yes Katunga Monthly 4 0 0.01 Yes Kilmore Quarterly 4 0 0.01 Yes Kyabram Quarterly 4 0 0.01 Yes Longwood Weekly 32 0 0.02 Yes Mansfield Quarterly 32 0 0.02 Yes Marysville Quarterly 4 0 0.03 Yes Merrigum Quarterly 4 0 0.03 Yes Mooroopna Weekly 32 0 0.04 Yes Murchison Weekly 32 0 0.04 Yes Nagambie Weekly 32 0 0.03 Yes Nathalia Weekly 32 0 0.05 Yes Numurkah Quarterly 4 0 0.01 Yes Picola Weekly 32 0 0.07 Yes Pyalong Quarterly 4 0 0.03 Yes Rushworth Quarterly 4 1 0.48 No Seymour High Level Weekly 52 0 0.04 Yes Seymour Low Level Weekly 52 0 0.03 Yes Shepparton Weekly 32 0 0.10 Yes Stanhope Quarterly 4 0 0.02 Yes Strathmerton Quarterly 4 0 0.04 Yes Tallarook Weekly 52 0 0.07 Yes Tallygaroopna Weekly 32 0 0.09 Yes Tatura Quarterly 4 0 0.02 Yes Thornton Quarterly 4 0 0.03 Yes Tongala Quarterly 4 0 0.07 Yes Toolamba Weekly 32 0 0.03 Yes Trawool Weekly 52 8 0.62 No Upper Delatite Quarterly 4 0 0.02 Yes Violet Town Quarterly 4 0 0.05 Yes Wandong - Heathcote Jn Quarterly 4 0 0.03 Yes Waterford Park Weekly 32 0 0.06 Yes Wunghnu Quarterly 4 0 0.03 Yes Yarraweyah Quarterly 4 0 0.02 Yes Yea Quarterly 4 0 0.02 Yes From the 1st April 2017, monthly monitoring at high risk sites - Longwood, Nagambie, Shepparton, Murchison, Seymour, Picola, Barmah, Broadford, Nathalia, Mansfield based on current understanding of supply system. Weekly monitoring in spring and autumn (during natural turnover period) at high risk sites (march to May, September to November)
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3.7.2 Actions in relation to Aesthetic Issues
The majority of drinking water sampling localities met the aesthetic guideline values. The following is a summary of cause and actions for aesthetic issues:
pH: 11 out of 2656 samples taken for pH readings were not within the ADWG tolerable upper limit of 9.2. These samples were applicable to Eildon, Tallygaroopna, Trawool and Yea. The majority of samples were marginally outside the ADWG aesthetic-related guideline value, with elevated pH levels caused by water being in contact with cement lined pipes and old cast iron mains for extended periods of time. Common corrective actions included flushing of system and dosing pump adjustment / replacement. There was one result missing from each of the following localities: Avenel, Colbinabbin, Pyalong, Seymour High Level, Tallarook, Tatura, Trawool and Violet Town. This was caused by database error whereby the database or issue with the data being uploaded into the database. In relation to consistent reoccurring pH issues in the reticulation network affecting customer aesthetic issues, GVW has an extensive water main replacement program, that incorporates an annual spend of $2 Million dollars annually to replace poor and deteriorating mains based on priority. True colour: All water sampling localities results were within the ADWG aesthetic-related guideline value. Electrical conductivity: All water sampling localities have very low total dissolved solids (TDS) / electrical conductivity (EC) with the exception of Katunga and Pyalong. The . Katunga and Pyalong EC levels are consistent with their source water (groundwater and mineral springs respectively) characteristics, which have greater levels of TDS. Wandong result is an outlier and may have been as a result of an inaccurate result. Hardness: All water sampling localities have very low hardness with the exception of Katunga and Pyalong which are outside of the ADWG aesthetic-related guideline value. This is consistent with their source water (groundwater and mineral springs respectively) characteristics which have greater levels of hardness than surface water supplies. Iron: All water sampling localities results, with the exception of Rushworth and Trawool were within the ADWG aesthetic-related guideline value. The source of iron is likely to be from the cast iron mains in the reticulation system. GVW has a mains replacement program of $2 million per year. Mains are identified for replacement based on risk of supply to the customers.
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3.8 ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
3.8.1 Water Quality Standards
Table 3.8.1.1: Summary of Compliance with Water Quality Standards - Schedule 2 (SDWR 2015)
2017/2018 2016/2017 2015/2016 Non-Complying Non-Complying Non-Complying Water Quality Standard (2015 % of % of % of Localities Zones Localities Zones Localities Zones Parameter Regulations) Population Population Population Compliant (No. of Compliant (No. of Compliant (No. of Compliant Compliant Compliant exceedances) exceedances) exceedances) <1 per 100mL in E.coli 100.0% 48/48 100.0% 48/48 100.0% 48/48 - 100% of samples Trihalomethanes 0.25 mg/L 99.8% 47/48 Katamatite (1) 98.4% 47/48 Nagambie (1) 99.7% 47/48 Pyalong (1) 95% percentile in 12 Turbidity month period does 100.0% 48/48 100.0% 48/48 100.0% 48/48 - not exceed 5NTU
3.8.1.1 Analysis of results for E.coli and comparison with previous years
All water sampling localities met the E.coli standard for the last 3 reporting periods
3.8.1.2 Analysis of results for total trihalomethanes and comparison with previous years
Disinfection by-products may arise from the chlorination of water that contains naturally occurring organic material (NOM). Comparison of the results against compliance with water quality standards for total trihalomethanes is provided in Section 3 of this report. Actions in relation to non- compliance are provided in Section 3.2.2 of this report. Further analysis is provided as follows:
Trihalomethanes
In the last three reporting periods there have been three THM exceedances, one at Pyalong during 2015/16, one sample collected at Nagambie during 2016/17 and one at Katamatite during this 2017/2018 reporting period.
The installation of a new water treatment process at Nagambie has reduced the likelihood of chlorine by-product formation as it is more effective in removing organics from the raw water. The higher the organics the greater the chlorine demand the more likely to result in chlorine by-product formation. Improvements at Pyalong; including chlorine trim dosing, clear water storage aeration and the commencement of Activated carbon filter augmentation has resulted in improved control of DBP formation.
The one non-compliance at Katamatite was due to poor raw water quality where organics levels were concentrated as a result of low raw water storage volume. The low storage volume was at the end of the irrigation shutdown period prior to a delivery of water from Goulburn Murray Water.
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3.8.1.3 Analysis of results for turbidity and comparison with previous years
All water sampling localities met the turbidity standard for the last 3 reporting periods.
Analysis of results for other health related parameters
Comparison of the results against compliance with water quality standards for health related parameters is provided in Section 3 of this report. All of the water samples collected and analysed met the water quality standards for the reporting period and as detailed below for the last three years.
Chloroacetic acid, Dichloroacetic acid, Trichloroacetic acid, Chloral hydrate:
During 2017/18 reporting period, Buxton did not meet the water quality standard for trichloroacetic acid. This is likely to be caused by the poor source water quality leading to that sampling period. All other water localities met the water quality standards for disinfection by products; During 2016/17 reporting period, Nagambie and Colbinabbin did not meet the water quality standard for trichloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid, chloral hydrate respectively. This was due to poor source water quality that occurred during the 2016/17 reporting period. Following extensive rain after an extended dry period the run off of extensive organic material can result in the development of black water events. All other water localities met the water quality standards for disinfection by- products. During 2015/16 reporting period, all 48 drinking water sampling localities met the chloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid water quality standards.
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4 EMERGENCY AND INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Section 22 of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 requires water agencies to immediately report the department of any incident or situation relating to a drinking water supply that may pose a risk to human health or cause widespread public complaint.
GVW’s risk management and quality management systems serve to minimise the incidence of serious incidents, and incorporate continuous improvement strategies to reduce risk to drinking water.
When incidents do occur, GVW’s monitoring programs are designed to identify problems as soon as possible, avoiding or minimising adverse impacts to customers. GVW’s SCADA system enables remote continuous monitoring of critical water quality parameters for all of GVW’s water treatment facilities. GVW have implemented automated water treatment plant shutdowns when critical limits are reached to prevent supply of potentially unsafe drinking water to customers. The water treatment plants can also be shut-down remotely by Operational staff, as soon as a potential problem is identified to prevent the supply of potentially unsafe water, until an operator can attend the site and the issue is addressed. GVW also has well-documented procedures for managing water quality incidents, including response plans, contingency plans and internal escalation protocols. Importantly, our Corporate Emergency Management Plan is integrated with plans from external agencies and links to the Emergency Management Act 1986 and Emergency Management Manual Victoria. Plans are regularly tested through field and desktop exercises.
GVW’s emergency response protocols has resulted in it carting water to a number of our smaller towns when poor water quality from black water, heavy rain, maintenance and blue green algae incidents occur to help mitigate the risk of supply of poor water quality to customers.
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4.1 KNOWN OR SUSPECTED CONTAMINATION
One water quality incident was reported to the Department of Health & Human Services under Section 22 of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 during the 2016/17 reporting period:
4.1.1 Section 22s
4.1.1.1 Alexandra WTP Coagulation/ Filtration Issue
Date: 14/08/2017
Estimated duration of incident: 24 hours
Location of incident: Alexandra water treatment plant
Nature of incident: On Monday 14th August 2017, the Alexandra WTP experienced an operational issue which caused a filtered turbidity CCP controlled shutdown of the plant. Following this initial shutdown, operational staff made three attempts to bring the WTP back online within the GVW filtered water control limits, including backwashing of the filters. For these periods of attempted reinstatement filtered water above expected limits entered the system.
Action taken in response: Upon escalation, the WTP was immediately shutdown (from 4pm) whilst the most appropriate response was determined. Additional staff were mobilised and sent to site in anticipation of additional monitoring and investigation. Operators drained all plant affected chambers and reinstated the plant to optimum operating conditions. Staff undertook cATP testing in the reticulation system including the clear water storage (CWS) during the event. The results indicated that the control was acceptable and the risk offsite was low. The disinfection chlorine was increased to improve the contact time in the CWS, the Storage and supply main to town was purged and coagulation dosing rectified. Results for samples taken showed no adverse water quality in the reticulation system. An initial investigation into the cause of the event was shown to be the isolation of the bulk chemical dosing when undertaking a dosing rate confirmation assessment. A debrief was held on the 16/8 with the personnel involved in the event and debrief findings were actioned. A program has commenced to engineer out the potential isolation of chemical dosing via the installation of flow meters that isolate the plant runs when no coagulant flow is detected.
DHHS notification: The department was verbally advised of the process failure and a section 22 and investigation report were sent to the Department of Health and Human Services. (22/08/2018)
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4.1.2 Blue Green Algae Events
Date: November 2017 to June 2018 (at Numurkah and Bonnie Doon); and March to June 2018 (Cobram, Barmah and Rushworth)
Estimated duration of incident: Approximately 8 months at Numurkah and Bonnie Doon; 4 months in Cobram, Barmah and Rushworth.
Location of incident:
Multiple systems were at risk of being impacted by blooms of the listed toxigenic species Chrysosporum Ovalisporum. The systems affected included Numurkah, Cobram, Barmah, Rushworth and Bonnie Doon. The origin of the blooms observed in Numurkah and Bonnie Doon are likely to have originated in the offstream raw water storages when the conditions became conducive to the reproduction of the cells. The bloom in the Murray River affected Goulburn Valley Waters supplies at Cobram and Barmah. The bloom in the Waranga Basin affected Rushworth water supply. All of the events occurred in the source water and the treatment strategies applied were effective in preventing any risk to final drinking water.
Summary of Actions taken in response:
The following actions were taken by GVW in response to the incidents: Toxicity testing & DNA analysis undertaken to quantify risk. The frequency of sampling was dependent upon the risk posed at the time. The DNA analysis indicated that the strain present did not have the gene capable of producing the toxic compound. This was confirmed by toxicity testing where no toxins were detected; Extensive pre-treatment including dosing Diatomix at Numurkah WTP (Figure 6), carbon dosing and extra monitoring before and after treatment at all affected sites were performed; Weekly monitoring for blue green algae cell counts and biovolume. Monitoring continued after the blooms declined with low detections of the BGA species still present. However, additional intervention was not required.
DHHS notification: GVW advised DHHS when BGA concentrations in source water reached concentrations that required reporting. GVW liaised with DHHS, the Regional BGA Coordinator Goulburn Murray Water and other downstream Water Agencies throughout the BGA blooms.
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Figure 6: Diatomix: dosing unit at Numurkah Water Treatment Plant
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5 COMPLAINTS RELATING TO WATER QUALITY
GVW’s commitment to customer service and excellence in water quality includes a structured and documented customer complaints management system. Customer water quality complaints are managed through a visible and robust process. The key attributes of the management process are:
Customers can report water quality issues in a number of ways: o On our 24-hour/7 day Customer Service Centre free call number, 1800 454 500. o Via the customer feedback service on our website, www.gvwater.vic.gov.au. o Directly to our staff at any of our offices or operational centres.
All customer complaints are recorded which enables their status to be tracked and wide- spread issues to be identified and resolved quickly and efficiently. GVW aims to ensure that all customer complaints are dealt with promptly. Our target is to respond to verbal complaints within two working days with most dealt with on the same day. GVW also responds promptly to written inquiries. Where possible, we make contact with the customer to discuss the water quality complaint during our investigations and follow- up to advise the customer of our actions and to monitor satisfaction levels. Remedial actions are carried out, where appropriate, to minimise or remove the causes of complaints where service levels do not meet the GVW Customer Charter. A summary of customer complaints is reviewed by the Board of GVW each month as a means of improving our customer service performance. Every year, GVW commissions an independent firm of market research consultants to conduct a customer satisfaction survey that includes water quality issues. In addition, feedback forms are available for customers to express their views. Data collected are recorded and analysed.
Table 4.1.2.1 summarises the water quality complaints received in 2017/18, and for the previous two years.
GVW had the lowest complaint levels of all Victorian water business to EWOV (Energy & Water Ombudsman of Victoria) for 2017/18. It recorded 0.22 complaints per 1000 population.
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Table 4.1.2.1: Complaints Relating to Water Quality
Num Number of complaints per 100 Number of complaints per 100 Type of Complaint ber customer supplied for 2017/2018 customer supplied for 2016/2017 Discoloured water 71 0.12 0.19 Taste/odour 35 0.06 0.10 Air in water 5 0.01 0.02 Other 8 0.01 0.01 Table 4.1.2.2: Types of Complaints by Water Sampling Locality
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Type of Complaint Total Water Sampling Locality Air in Water Discoloured Water Taste or Odour Other Complaints Alexandra 0 0 1 0 1 Avenel 0 0 0 0 0 Barmah 0 1 0 0 1 Bonnie Doon 0 0 0 0 0 Broadford 0 7 0 0 7 Buxton 0 0 0 0 0 Cobram 0 2 2 1 5 Colbinabbin 0 0 0 0 0 Dookie 0 2 1 0 3 Eildon 0 0 0 0 0 Euroa 0 2 0 0 2 Girgarre 0 0 0 0 0 Katamatite 0 1 0 0 1 Katandra West 0 0 0 0 0 Katunga 0 0 0 0 0 Kilmore 4 1 0 2 7 Kyabram 0 3 1 0 4 Longwood 1 0 0 0 1 Mansfield 0 4 0 0 4 Marysville 0 0 0 0 0 Merrigum 0 1 0 0 1 Mooroopna 0 0 0 0 0 Murchison 0 1 0 0 1 Nagambie 0 2 1 1 4 Nathalia 0 0 1 0 1 Numurkah 0 0 1 0 1 Picola 0 0 0 0 0 Pyalong 0 1 0 0 1 Rushworth 0 0 0 0 0 Seymour 0 11 1 0 12 Shepparton 0 23 15 3 41 Stanhope 0 0 0 0 0 Strathmerton 0 1 0 0 1 Tallarook 0 0 0 0 0 Tallygaroopna 0 0 0 0 0 Tatura 0 0 3 0 3 Thornton 0 0 0 0 0 Tongala 0 0 1 0 1 Toolamba 0 0 0 0 0 Trawool 0 0 0 0 0 Upper Delatite 0 0 0 0 0 Violet Town 0 0 0 0 0 Wandong - Heathcote Jn 0 0 0 0 0 Waterford Park 0 0 0 0 0 Wunghnu 0 0 0 0 0 Yarraweyah 0 0 0 0 0 Yea 0 5 3 19
5.1.1 Analysis of water quality complaints
Of the 119 complaints received during the 2017/2018 reporting period, the majority were related to taste, odour and discoloured water. The majority of complaints were isolated events and were spread across the localities. Eight (8) taste and odour complaints were reported at Shepparton in December 2017 as a result of poor raw water quality in the Goulburn River following heavy rainfall.
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The 2017/2018 reporting period saw a reduction for each type of complaint in comparison to the previous year.
5.1.2 Customer Engagement around Water Quality
Customer Engagement is a priority for GVW and forms an integral part of our business. We inform our customers of service interruptions, water quality issues and general information about our activities via a variety of traditional and digital communication methods. During 2017/18 GVW:
Delivered SMS messages to customers regarding planned and unplanned service interruptions and water incidents. More than 29,500 SMS notifications were sent to customers during the year compared to 28,000 in 2016/17. This increase is due to a commitment to improve customer communications; Utilised social media channels to distribute information to customers regarding water quality and service interruptions Distributed 33 media releases relating to water quality issues, water conservation, water treatment plant upgrades, service interruptions and EPA licence recycled water releases; Distributed Factsheets and FAQ’s regarding water resources, water quality and treatment processes. This information was made available to customers on request and via the corporate website; Celebrated Merrijig’s Best Tasting Tap Water in Victoria Award;
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Hosted 15 water cafes in the towns that we service to obtain feedback from customers regarding GVW services; and
Figure 7: Water cafe taste testing at Numurkah
Continued to support Goulburn Broken Waterwatch and ResourceSmart Schools programs with schools and with community groups that participate in catchment wide water quality monitoring and water conservation projects.
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6 FINDINGS OF THE MOST RECENT RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN AUDIT
The Secretary to the Department of Health and Human Services required GVW to undertake an independent audit of their risk management plan. The audit was conducted in January 2018 and GVW were found to be compliant with section 7(1) of SDWA.
Drinking Water Quality Audit
A bi-annual Department of Health & Human Services audit of GVW’s performance against the Victorian Safe Drinking Water Act (2003) occurred on the 22 25 January. The audit demonstrated that GVWs Drinking Water Quality Management System continues to meet the requirements under the act and demonstrates continuous improvement. Highlights from the audit report included:
• All OFI’s from previous audit have been addressed satisfactorily
• There have been noticeable improvements including Aquantify, sampling program and analysis of results
The audit did not identify any non-conformances with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Four opportunities for improvement were identified. These have been assessed for practicability and where applicable they will be included in the Periscope risk management tool for implementation.
1. Development and implementation of asset management strategies;
2. Expansion of cATP test as part of routine network monitoring;
3. Emergency scenario for Fluoride at Cobram WTP;
4. Continue to improve codification of documentation.
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7 UNDERTAKINGS AND EXEMPTIONS UNDER SECTION 30 OF SDWA
No undertakings or exemptions were in place during the 2017/18 reporting period.
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8 REGULATED WATER
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 the Minster for Health may declare a water supply to be a regulated water supply where water that is not drinking water, but that may be mistaken as being drinking water. The Minister for Health has declared six GVW water supplies as regulated water. GVWs regulated supplies are:
Corop; Molesworth; Goulburn Weir (Baxter’s Road); Kirwans Bridge; Strathbogie; and Woods Point.
GVW is required to include regulated water supplies as part of its risk management plan. All reasonable steps are taken to ensure that the intended recipients of regulated water are made aware of the nature of that water and the health risks that may arise from the use of that water. All regulated water customers are advised that the water is not suitable for human consumption, which includes drinking or food preparation. The water is generally suitable for other domestic purposes.
Strategies implemented by GVW to ensure that regulated water is not mistakenly used for drinking include:
Advisory notices are sent to all affected property owners and tenants twice per year; A warning message is included on invoices to affected customers three times per year; Local Governments, accommodation providers, health care facilities and food premises are advised of the non-drinking status of the water and have been provided with signs for taps in publicly accessible areas such as parks and public amenities; and
Each regulated town was visited as part of the current Pricing Submission process to discuss the services provided. This process resulted in a 30% price reduction to the customers in these towns and further engagement is planned for the 2018 - 2023 period to potentially improve the quality of water supplied to these communities into the future.
The source waters for each regulated supply system in the Goulburn Valley region are shown in
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Table 5.1.2.1.
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Table 5.1.2.1: Regulated Water Supplies
Regulated Source Water Date of Publication of Population Water Gazette Notice Serviced Corop Waranga Basin outlet channel 4 January 2008 70 Goulburn Weir Lake Nagambie 4 January 2008 30 Kirwan's Bridge Lake Nagambie 4 January 2008 90 Molesworth Goulburn River 4 January 2008 40 Strathbogie Seven Creeks 4 January 2008 60 Woods Point Brewery Creek 4 January 2008 140
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9 FURTHER INFORMATION
Section 23 of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 requires that GVW make available for inspection by the public the results of any water quality monitoring program that is conducted on any drinking water supplied by us.
Customers and members of the public may access drinking water quality data by contacting GVW on the details provided below.
Goulburn Valley Water Regional Administration Centre 104-110 Fryers Street Shepparton 3630 Mail: PO Box 185, Shepparton 3632 Telephone: (03) 5832 0400 Facsimile: (03) 5831 1467 Email: [email protected] Website: www.gvwater.vic.gov.au
Page 89 of 89 Prepared by Brenda Lee Drinking Water Compliance Officer Goulburn Valley Water Corporation