SOUTHERN WATER STARTS ROOFING RESERVOIRS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

Southern Water has commenced a major works program to improve water quality across Southern Tasmania, the Reservoir Roofing project.
Southern Water’s CEO, Mr Mike Paine, said the Reservoir Roofing project would be a major step forward in preventing boil water alerts and improving water quality in the region.
“Twenty water reservoirs across Southern Tasmania are open water storages – they are built without a roof to cover the stored, treated water inside.
“By roofing these reservoirs we will greatly reduce the likelihood of microbiological contamination from bird and animal excrement, wind-blown dust, debris and algae.”
“A significant benefit of roofed reservoirs is the reduction in the quantity of disinfection agent that needs to be added to the water. Open reservoirs allow interactions between sunlight (ultraviolet light) and chlorine and other disinfection products used to treat the water, which can mean decreased disinfection performance.”
The first of the reservoirs to be covered has now been completed.
Natone Hill Reservoir services the Lindisfarne, Geilston Bay and Rosny regions, and has been identified as the root cause of several “boil water alerts” on the Eastern Shore during the past summer. Consequently this reservoir was identified as a high priority for roofing. A lightweight but strong aluminium roof secured with column into the base of the reservoir has now been constructed.
“The new water corporations operate under strict regulation in regards to environmental and public health standards. Reservoir roofing is a priority for Southern Water as we move to improve our regulatory compliance.
“Roofing the Natone Hill reservoir will be the start of a wider reservoir roofing program that will see more reliable water quality for consumers.”
Southern Water