Improving Disinfection Processes at Lance Creek

Monday, February 19th, 2018

South Gippsland Water will this week complete works at the Lance Creek Water Treatment Plant to improve the treatment process. This work is being completed in advance of works for the Lance Creek Water Connection, construction of a 21 kilometre pipeline which will link the regions Northern townships of Korumburra, Poowong, Loch and Nyora to the region’s largest water supply, Lance Creek.

To enable more effective disinfection some adjustments in the process are being made. As a result, customers in Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cape Paterson may notice a change in the taste and smell of their water. In addition, some customers supplied directly off the main Wonthaggi distribution pipeline may notice reduced pressure for approximately 1 week; 19th February to 26th February 2018.

Philippe du Plessis, Managing Director for South Gippsland Water said that, “In the short term, some changes in taste and odour may be noticeable, however, these changes enable South Gippsland Water to more effectively treat greater volumes of water at the Lance Creek Water Treatment Plant. It ensures that those customers at both the start and the end of our distribution system are provided an effectively disinfected water supply”. Mr du Plessis went onto say that, “Water Treatment Operators will do their utmost to ensure that the water supplied has minimal noticeable change in taste or smell.”

Mr du Plessis then said that, “The recent algae bloom at the Lance Creek Reservoir has been impacting on taste and smell of the water over that last 6 weeks. This continues to pose challenges to Water Treatment Operators who are doing all they can to improve water quality. Due to the current algae bloom it may be that the change in process may not be noticeable and masked by the stronger taste and odour that the algae gives off, which can be detected by human senses at extremely low concentrations”. Mr du Plessis stressed that “The algae Bloom at Lance Creek reservoir whilst impacting water supplied does not pose any health concerns. Water has and will remain safe to drink throughout the changes at the Lance Creek Water Treatment Plant. Treatment agents remain the same it is merely an adjustment in process that will occur to enable greater longevity of the water disinfection process”.

Any customers who have queries or concerns regarding their water supply or water quality are encouraged to contact South Gippsland Water’s Customer Service Team on 1300 851 636.