All drinking water supplies are disinfected with chlorine. The addition of chlorine ensures that any pathogens (disease causing agents) are killed and the water is safe to drink.
Chlorine begins to be noticeable to average persons at levels greater than 0.6 mg/L. The chlorine residual within the supply can dissipate over time and distance. To try to maintain some chlorine at the extremities of the reticulation system, the dosage at the treatment plant is often in excess of 0.6 mg/L. As excessive chlorine may cause taste and odour problems, the dosage is carefully managed.
Customers located near the treatment source will be supplied with water that has higher levels of chlorine and could be more susceptible to the taste and smell of chlorine than those customers that are located further down the system. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines have an upper limit of 5 mg/L.
South Gippsland Water is acutely aware that chlorine may degrade the taste and smell of water. The need for good tasting water is therefore carefully balanced against the need to guarantee water safety.
If your water has a strong chlorine odour or taste, you can fill a large clean jug and let it stand overnight. This will usually be enough time for the chlorine to dissipate.
Many factors may contribute to water taste, smell and odour problems. The significant factors are algae and chlorine.
Algae often grow in water storages, particularly over the summer months. As the bloom recedes and the algae die off, they will release chemical substances into the water that may cause a disagreeable taste and odour.
South Gippsland Water controls potential algae problems by adopting the following management approaches:
All potable drinking water supplies are treated to ensure the water is safe and aesthetically pleasing. Chemicals are added to facilitate the treatment process.
Below is an overview of the typical chemicals added during water treatment. For more information read the Annual Drinking Water Quality Report.
Chemicals associated with treating water needs to be neutralised or removed from water before it is used in aquariums or fish ponds.
Some of South Gippsland Water systems use a process called chloramination and the usual means of chemical removal, such as exposure to sunlight or leaving the water to stand for several hours, will not work in this instance.
There are several commercial products on the market suitable for the removal of chemicals and we suggest checking with your vet or local pet store for the best options.
South Gippsland Water publishes monthly water quality testing results and an annual report on water quality. Visit Water Quality.
Many of the catchments in South Gippsland contain naturally occurring minerals such as iron, calcium and manganese. When the water is boiled, the water will evaporate and leave a precipitation of mineral salts. These minerals may cause scale to accumulate in kettles and hot water services. This is not a concern from a health perspective. For further information, visit Water Quality or the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Customers served by treated water supplies should receive water that is aesthetically pleasing and consistent in quality. Water may become discoloured from disturbance of sediment in the supply system, or from corroding internal piping. Flushing the pipe can clear sediment and discoloration.
We undertake a regular flushing program in all of our systems to prevent sediment build up. Private plumbing can also be flushed if water is a problem by running your taps on a high flow rate for a short period. Advice from professional plumbers should also be sought if internal plumbing is thought to be the cause.
To determine the source of discolouration, try the following steps:
If you are doing laundry and notice the water contains particles or has a taint to it, leave the laundry items in the machine or tub; do not spin or hang out to dry as this will set stains that may have formed. South Gippsland Water can supply you with a product to add to the water to prevent staining. Call us on 1300 851 636.
Water that is fit for drinking purposes is termed ‘potable’. Drinking water must meet a number of strict health and aesthetic quality standards as specified in the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003. The region is serviced with a number of water treatment plants and monitoring is undertaken to ensure this standard is maintained at all times.
Customers are required to enter into a Water Supply by Agreement if the water supplied to their property does not meet our Customer Code/Charter. A Water Supply Agreement acknowledges the arrangement between South Gippsland Water and the property owner for the supply of water. It also outlines any service constraints specific to the property, and the commitments of both the property owner and South Gippsland Water. Water by Agreement Information Sheet.
Hardness is a measure of the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in water.
Water hardness for our supply systems:
TABLE
For new dishwashers, check the manual to confirm that units of mmol/litre are required (this is usually the case). If yes, then enter the average value for your town. If different units are required, then convert average value, as per below.
Hardness can be expressed in several ways (i.e. with different units). In the table above, hardness values are provided in millimoles per litre of alkaline earth metals (mmol/L). For conversions see below: