Goldenfields Water alerts customers to potential discoloured water
Published on 04 November 2024
With the warmer months approaching, Goldenfields Water is aware there has been a spike in discoloured water events across their water supply schemes. Acknowledging this as an ongoing problem and ensuring all customers that they are not complacent about the issue nor the impact it has on customers.
Water that is delivered to much of Goldenfields Water’s network comes from groundwater, sourced from Oura and Matong. All water contains natural minerals, with the levels of such minerals varying depending on the source. Iron and manganese are safe minerals at concentrations found in Goldenfields Water’s source water areas, although they can discolour water when it becomes accumulated or reacts with chlorine residuals.
The levels of iron and manganese are also affected by supply demand. Low supply demand periods which typically occur in the cooler months, see water remain in the pipes for longer, causing an accumulated build-up of minerals in the pipeline. As the weather heats up and demand increases the mineral deposits can be stripped from the lining of the pipe and transported to downstream connections, resulting in more frequent incidences of discolouration.
Discoloured water can also occur for other reasons such as system design, ageing infrastructure, water mains failure, electricity supply failure, and galvanised materials within private water supply lines.
Goldenfields Water wants to reassure its customers that Goldenfields Water’s focus on reducing discolouration of water events is a high priority.
“It is not about completely eradicating the issue, as this is unfortunately not possible and something experienced by all local water utilities,” said Chairperson Alan White of the discoloured water. “Goldenfields Water is taking action to reduce the discolouration of water inclusive of regular flushing of mains, particularly in the council areas of Junee and Coolamon where higher levels of discolouration are experienced.”
After several successful trials of a new mains cleaning technology via contractors, Goldenfields Water is seeking to invest in its own asset which would make this only the second operational system in the country. The delivery of the new technology is scheduled for mid-2025. This new technology involves a filtration system mounted on a truck which is capable of cleaning supply mains without the loss of any water.
Chairperson White continued by stating, “Renewal projects for ageing infrastructure have also been a strong focus over the past four years with a large capital works programs still being undertaken. Goldenfields Water has invested over $21 million in pipelines renewals over the past 4 years which will assist in minimising the amount of bursts within the system that is a major contributor to discoloured water events.”
Customers of Goldenfields Water who experience discoloured water are encouraged to first run two taps for at least two to three minutes. If the water does not clear customers are encouraged to call Goldenfields Water’s customer service team during office hours on 02 6977 3200 or after hours on 1800 800 917. Staff will attend the property reported to flush the water meter and/or nearby water mains and investigate the issue.
For more information on discoloured water please visit gwcc.nsw.gov.au/our-water/water-supply/discoloured-water