Blackwater is a water quality issue we face following flooding or storm events. It involves organic matter washing into the waterways and decomposing, increasing the dissolved organic carbon in the raw water supplied to some of our water treatment plants. These events cause the raw water to appear black.

We identify potential blackwater issues through a regular monitoring program. Information from other upstream users, including other water authorities, also helps give us advance warning of blackwater.

This advance warning helps the operators at our water treatment plants plan ahead and optimise the plant to best treat the water.

We closely monitor our water to make sure the quality is of the highest standard. All our water treatment plants are managed in line with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines to ensure safe, reliable drinking water is supplied to our customers 24/7.

More information is available at the Water Quality Australia website or see our video below.