Why do they need cleaning?
This routine maintenance of our water network improves efficiency and reliability. It also ensures we deliver drinking water that is safe for all drinking, bathing and cooking purposes.
Bendigo Water Mains Cleaning
Our routine water mains cleaning program for the Bendigo water supply network, including Axedale, Huntly, Marong, Raywood and Sebastian, is wrapping up on Monday 16 October 2023.
Customers may notice a very slight change to the taste and odour of the drinking water as we revert to our standard treatment processes. The water remains safe to drink at all times.
The next water mains cleaning for the Bendigo water supply network is planned for summer 2024/25.
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What is our standard treatment process?
At the Bendigo Water Treatment Plant 'chloramination' is the standard process used for disinfection, while 'chlorination' is used during water mains cleaning works. Read more in our FAQs below.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, your water supply service will not cease during this program of works.
Some customers may notice changes to the taste and odour of the drinking water. The water remains safe to drink at all times and meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
The works will not impact the flow or pressure of your water supply.
Chlorine residual is the amount of chlorine which remains in the pipe network following cleaning.
Chlorine is added to drinking water to make it safe, and this process is called disinfection.
There are two ways in which chlorine can be added to drinking water.
The first is achieved by adding chlorine to drinking water, and this is known as chlorination.
The second way is achieved by adding chlorine and ammonia, and this is known as chloramination.
At Bendigo Water Treatment Plant (WTP), chloramination is the usual process that is used for disinfection, and the cleaning works will involve changing the disinfection method at the WTP from chloramination to chlorination for the duration of the works.
Yes, residents may notice Coliban Water crews and contractors using fire hydrants to flush water through the system.
Flushing is an important part of this maintenance work and is carried out according to our environmental management guidelines to ensure there is no adverse impact on the environment.
If you have chlorine sensitivities, we recommend putting a jug of tap water in the fridge for around ten minutes and the chlorine taste will dissipate.
Allowing the water to aerate for a period of time will also reduce any chlorine odour.
You may consider passing the water through a filter or purifier if required, if you believe you are sensitive to chlorine.
If you need to refill an aquarium during this period with tap water, please be aware there will be more chlorine present than usual.
We encourage you to review your water treatment processes during the works period.
Another option is to let the tap water sit for a period of time and aerate before using it in a fish tank.
Consider passing the water through a filter or purifier.
