Each year we run a program of maintenance and cleaning on our water mains known as Free Chlorination. This is an important investment into our water networks, not only protecting the integrity of our assets, but ensuring we continue to provide high quality drinking water.
Free chlorination is essentially a traditional water-main flushing method using chloramines or chlorine only, the primary disinfectants used in public water systems.
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.
If your area is scheduled to be cleaned, you will receive a notification telling you what day and time water mains cleaning will be started in your street. Notifications are delivered seven days before works begin.
During the works, the quality of the water in the network could temporarily be reduced. To avoid this water entering your home, we recommend not using the water during the Water Mains Cleaning window, usually about four hours.
The most effective way to stop water from entering your home is to turn off your stop tap (see diagram below). When water has been restored, you can turn your stop tap back on.
If you are unable to turn your stop tap off, we recommend you avoid using water during the air scouring. Please phone us on 1300 363 200 should you have any concerns, or if your stop tap is not working.
Prior to the time listed above we advise you to store sufficient water for your day’s needs. For convenience, water can be stored in containers in your refrigerator or in the bath. When your water is off, your toilet cistern won’t refill after you flush so you may want to fill a bucket with water which can be tipped into your toilet.
If you were unable to turn off your stop tap you may notice your water looks cloudy. We recommend you run your taps for about 15 minutes or until the water becomes clear again.
Your water supply remains safe to drink throughout the water mains cleaning program.
Some customers may notice changes to the taste and odour of the drinking water.
The water remains safe to drink at all times.
We recommend that if you put a jug of tap water in the fridge for around ten minutes the chlorine taste will dissipate. Allowing the water to aerate for a period of time will also reduce any chlorine odour.
Consider passing the water through a filter or purifier if you have chlorine sensitivities.
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.
Consider passing the water through a filter or purifier.
Another option is to let the tap water sit for a period of time and aerate before using it in a fish tank.
We encourage dialysis patients to discuss this water supply change with their dialysis provider.
