TasWater’s extensive testing of the Campbell Town and Ross drinking water system has identified the cause of the taste and odour issues experienced in the town recently.
TasWater’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Brewster, said sampling has identified geosmin in the raw water source from the Elizabeth River which has originated from a non-toxic algal bloom.
“With our learnings from the recent taste and odour issues in the Hobart drinking water system, we quickly mobilised a mobile carbon dosing facility in anticipation that we could be dealing with increased levels of geosmin in the water,” Mr Brewster said.
“We installed a temporary carbon dosing facility at the Campbell Town water treatment early this week and treatment of the water commenced yesterday.”
“The carbon treated water is beginning to work its way through the reticulation system in Ross and Campbell Town and crews will commence targeted scouring (flushing) of the water reticulation system in these towns over the coming days to help this water infiltrate the system more quickly.”
TasWater has increased its testing regime at the Campbell Town Water Treatment Plant since the issue arose and will keep it maintained until geosmin levels decrerase.
“It’s expected customers will be receiving the carbon dosed water by tomorrow,” Mr Brewster said.
Testing continues to show that the water that the water meets Australian Drink Water Quality Guidelines.
TasWater asks residents to contact TasWater on 13 6992 to report taste and odour irregularities.
Simon Pilkington, TasWater
