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New computer system to boost local water qualityA new computer system is boosting water quality from Candowie Reservoir from this month. By Susan Webster - 28th September 2007 - Back to News Previously, managing the quality of water in the Westernport region relied on a wall full of dials, switches, buttons and reliable but outdated technology.
A new PC-controlled, 3.2 gigahertz system came fully online at the Ian Bartlett Purification Plant this month, after six months of bedding-in.
Westernport Water’s Managing Director David Mawer said: "It is replacing the old wall-length cabinet, with its manual switches and reset buttons that required the staff to go to different parts of the plant to control each area.
"Now nearly everything is done on the computer. We are anticipating it will save up to 10 hours of staff time a week. Furthermore, more accurate dosing will curb chemical use and costs while improving water quality.
"In fact, we are confident the automated computer system will mean better water quality for our customers."
The system offers remote access from a laptop computer. Staff can reset faults, change chemical dose rates, look at water quality and even turn the plant on and off without having to be at their desks.
"Most importantly it gives us a better overall view of the treatment plant, chemical dosing and water quality trends," Mr Mawer said.
"We can more easily see trends over each 15-minute period for up to three months. That level of data concentration is vital to the ongoing safety of our water supply."
Savings in staff time mean plant operators will now be able to spend more time in the on-site laboratory undertaking vital water analysis. It will also allow them more time to undertake maintenance on the distribution system, the chlorinator system and calibration of pH meters and turbidity meters.
"This system is a worthwhile investment in Westernport Water’s future supply strategy – to ensure a quality water supply for our customers for many years to come," Mr Mawer said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: susanw@ptarmigan.com.au
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