Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Fewer complain over drought-hit water qualityCOMPLAINTS about water quality in the Westernport Water region fell in 2006/07 according to the State Government watchdog. By Susan Webster - 30th April 2008 - Back to News The annual review of drinking water quality across the state found that number of Westernport Water customer complaints fell in 2006/07.
Most complaints received by the water corporation were due to the effects of the drought, the official review noted.
"The majority of complaints occurred in February 2007 with 22 colour complaints, followed by June 2007 with 17 complaints," the report said. "These complaints were most likely due to the manganese and iron issues in the water supply."
Part of the problem is geographical, according to the report. "Westernport Water’s discoloured water complaints were also related to naturally-occurring manganese in their raw water storage area, which was exacerbated by the low storage levels."
But the levels presented no health risk, according to the Annual Report on Drinking Water Quality in Victoria, recently released by the Department of Human Services’ Drinking Water Regulatory Section.
"The levels of manganese in the water were not at a level that would impact on health human, but they caused aesthetic issues for customers," according to the report. "All results were below the health-related guideline for manganese.
"Elevated levels of iron and manganese are an ongoing issue for Westernport Water and the causes appear to be drought-related."
Almost all drinking water in the region complied with the water quality standards during
2006/07, and the nine incidents "were only marginally above the standard", the government report said. "Non-complying localities were flushed when possible and no further actions were required."
Drought was to blame, according to the report: "The variability of the raw water quality is related to the drought conditions being experienced by the region".
Westernport Water’s Manager - Assets and Operations, Steven Porter said: "The drought has presented us with many challenges in terms of water quantity and quality.
"We thank our staff, especially our water treatment operators, who had to work with water of highly variable quality. The newly installed SCADA computer was doubtless an important factor, but the staff at Candowie displayed great skill and application in maintaining water quality.
"And, most importantly, we thank our customers for their patience. It was a challenge that we all handled together and this is recognised in the government report."
The report noted that an upgrade of treatment processes at the plant during the latter part of the reporting period was expected to "significantly" reduce risk.
Mr Porter said: "Considerable work was done on reviewing and updating the procedures for testing at the plant. This provided a higher level of certainty in selecting and modifying chlorine and other chemical dose rates."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: susanw@ptarmigan.com.au
Related Articles- Gippsland Water promotes hydration and sustainability with popular portable drinking fountains at Traralgon International tennis tournament
Gippsland Water’s portable drinking fountains at the Traralgon International help players and spectators stay hydrated, promote tap water, support community events, and reduce single-use plastic for environmental sustainability. - Gippsland Water completes Baw Baw Leak Detection Program, repairing hidden leaks to improve service reliability and reduce water loss
Gippsland Water's Baw Baw leak detection program surveyed 425 km of mains, uncovering 128 leaks. Repairs improve service reliability, reduce water loss, and support proactive network maintenance across the region. - Gippsland Water completes major Warragul sewer upgrade, boosting capacity and supporting town’s rapid growth and future reliability
Gippsland Water has completed a 1.5-kilometre Warragul sewer upgrade, increasing capacity, improving reliability, supporting population growth, and protecting the environment, including relocation of threatened local species during construction. - Gippsland Water invests $550,000 to upgrade Peterkin Street sewer pump station, ensuring reliable wastewater services for Traralgon
Gippsland Water is investing $550,000 to upgrade Traralgon largest sewer pump station, replacing ageing pipes to ensure reliable wastewater services for 5,200 households. Works are underway and due for completion in September. - Gippsland Water welcomes five local women into STEM internships, promoting diversity, innovation, and career pathways for students
Gippsland Water welcomed five local women into STEM internships, providing real-world experience, mentoring, and career pathways while promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation across multiple departments this summer. - Gippsland Water urges customers to follow permanent water saving rules during heat waves to maintain reliable supply and stability
Gippsland Water urges customers to use water wisely during heatwaves, follow permanent water saving rules, report leaks, and help maintain stable supply amid high demand and extreme conditions. - Gippsland Water begins Warragul wastewater plant upgrade to support growth, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact
Gippsland Water has begun a two-year Warragul wastewater plant upgrade, replacing ageing infrastructure, improving operations, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing environmental outcomes to support rapid regional growth. - Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects. - Gippsland Water reminds customers support is available for water bills with flexible plans and financial assistance options
Gippsland Water’s Customer Care team offers support for water bills, including flexible payment plans, financial assistance, utility relief grants, and connections to counsellors. Visit their website to learn more. - Gippsland Water appoints Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan to the board, bringing experience, diversity and community focus
Gippsland Water has appointed Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan to its Board, bringing diverse experience, strong community engagement, and fresh perspectives, while outgoing directors Jo Benvenuti and Chris Badger are acknowledged. - Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
Gippsland Water has achieved 100% renewable electricity by 2025, cutting 20,000 tonnes of emissions annually and advancing its ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of schedule. - Gippsland Water launches $12.2M Dutson Downs expansion boosting organics processing, compost output, and sustainability
Gippsland Water officially opened a $12.2 million Dutson Downs expansion, boosting organics processing by 40%, increasing compost production, creating jobs, reducing emissions, and supporting Gippsland’s environmental and economic sustainability. - Gippsland Water reappoints Sarah Cumming as Managing Director, extending leadership and community commitment until 2030
Gippsland Water has reappointed Sarah Cumming as managing director until 2030, recognising her transformative leadership, strong community focus, and proven results, as the organisation enters a pivotal period of growth and change. - Gippsland Water Customer Satisfaction Survey opens from 1 to 17 October, feedback chance to win $100 bill credits
Gippsland Water’s annual customer satisfaction survey runs October 1-17, allowing all customers to provide feedback and enter a draw to win one of ten $100 bill credits. - Gippsland Water launches annual ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign encouraging mindful water usage during hot weather
Gippsland Water has launched its annual ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign, encouraging customers to follow permanent water-saving rules and tips, conserve water during heat waves, and attend community education events. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - East Gippsland Water invites community feedback through annual customer satisfaction survey this October
East Gippsland Water is inviting customers to complete its annual satisfaction survey, providing feedback on water quality, service, and community engagement. Responses will guide future improvements and participants can win a $100 bill credit. - East Gippsland Water offers free emergency water tokens to bushfire-affected residents, ensuring essential household supply
East Gippsland Water is providing free emergency water tokens to bushfire-affected residents, ensuring safe household water for drinking, hygiene, and essential use, with collection available across multiple regional standpipe locations. - Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage. - Southern Rural Water declares spill entitlement in MID, boosting farmers' allocations as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity
Southern Rural Water has declared a spill for Macalister Irrigation District customers until 16 September, providing water above 100% allocation as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity at 98% following strong winter inflows. - East Gippsland Water expects no summer restrictions, yet climate change makes long-term conservation vital
East Gippsland Water predicts sufficient rainfall this summer, making restrictions unlikely, but warns climate change and future droughts mean ongoing water conservation remains essential for communities. - Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers. - East Gippsland Water celebrates talented young artists in National Water Week Poster Competition 2025
East Gippsland Water has announced winners of its National Water Week poster competition, celebrating young artists who showcased creativity and water conservation awareness under the theme "Water Heroes: Save Every Drop." - East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits. - East Gippsland Water donates hay to support farmers through Lions Club ‘Need for Feed’ program
East Gippsland Water donated two semi loads of hay to support drought-affected farmers in Victoria’s south-west, demonstrating sustainability, community support, and its commitment to recycling and environmental stewardship. - Bairnsdale's Shannon Waters Estate residents receive new digital water meters as East Gippsland Water expands roll-out
Shannon Waters Estate residents in Bairnsdale are receiving new digital water meters, enabling near-real-time usage tracking, early leak detection, and faster service, following a successful Bemm River trial. - Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow. - Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management. - Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools
Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend. - Future of Orbost Project strengthens water access, supporting agricultural innovation and long-term regional growth
The Future of Orbost Project supports farmers by clarifying water availability, facilitating licence transfers, and building resilience, driving innovation, productivity, diversification, and sustainable long-term growth in East Gippsland. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - East Gippsland Shire Council urges protect health and air quality, burn dry wood and maintain heaters to reduce smoke this winter
Residents are urged to burn only dry, untreated wood, maintain heaters, and consider alternatives to reduce smoke, protecting health and improving air quality this winter. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District. - Life Saving Victoria launches multilingual campaign to protect older adults around water, heat and rip currents
Life Saving Victoria has launched a multilingual campaign to help older adults, especially from multicultural communities, stay safe around water and during extreme heat across Victoria. - Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - Australia to celebrate inaugural Red and Yellow Day honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting water safety initiatives
Australia will celebrate its first Red & Yellow Day on March 4, 2026, honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting lifesaving clubs through community participation and fundraising for vital water safety initiatives. - New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
|
|
