TasWater is taking steps to resolve the taste and odour issues …

After extensive testing across the entire greater Hobart drinking water system TasWater is taking steps to resolve the taste and odour issues recently experienced by some customers.

Compounds called geosmin and methylisoborneol (MIB) have been found in the Derwent River between 10 and 30 nanograms per litre. These are caused by algal blooms up stream and often develop when the water is warmer than usual.

TasWater’s Chief Executive Officer, Mike Brewster says the work to resolve this issue is well under way and customers should start to see a change in their water as soon as this weekend.

‘We have commenced the redirection of water through the reticulation network and customers in parts of Sandy Bay, Battery Point, Salamanca, and low lying areas of the CBD and North Hobart will have water sourced from Lake Fenton in the Mt Field National Park,’ Mr Brewster said.

‘These customers should start tasting a change in their water during the weekend,’ he said.

Twice daily testing across a number of sites in the city will be conducted to ensure the alterations to the supply source have no effect on quality of water.

Customers are advised that they may start to notice a slight change in taste to their drinking water due to the different treatment of Lake Fenton water.

‘A carbon dosing facility is currently being constructed at the Bryn Estyn water treatment plant near New Norfolk and carbon dosing is planned to commence next week. Customers in remaining affected areas are expected to see a change in approximately two weeks as water makes its way through the reticulation system,’ Mr Brewster said.

‘This is a common problem interstate where water supplies are subject to warmer and dryer climatic conditions and carbon dosing is a regular part of the water treatment process.’

‘This is the first time we have come across this issue in the Derwent River. As a result, we will increase testing of geosmin and MIB in the raw water during warmer months to minimise the risk of a repeat of the recent taste and odour issues experienced by customers,’ he said.

TasWater assures customers that the water is safe to drink and any changes in taste or odour have no effect on meeting the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Go to www.nhmrc.gov.au to find out more.

Customers with water quality issues are encouraged to contact TasWater on 13 6992 or at taswater.com.au
Simon Pilkington, TasWater