BALLARAT’S WATER SUPPLY SAFE AND HEALTHY TO DRINK

Central Highlands Water Chief Executive Officer, Mr Neil Brennan confirmed today that Ballarat’s water supply is safe and healthy to drink despite the fact that Ballarat’s water supply storages are at record low levels due to the prolonged drought.  Mr Brennan said that Ballarat’s water quality is safe to drink and consistently meets the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2004.

 “We continually monitor the water quality of Ballarat’s water supply and although there is a slight increase in the saltiness of the water due to the lower reservoir levels, all Australian health and safety requirements continue to be consistently met” said Mr Brennan.

”The Ballarat water supply meets 100 percent of all health–related requirements”, said Mr Brennan.

Ballarat’s water supply is currently a blend of fully treated water supplied from both the Lal Lal Reservoir and White Swan Reservoir. The water is disinfected using chloramine which is monitored on a continual basis by modern water treatment plants at both reservoirs.

Water quality data is routinely provided to the Department of Human Services and is also posted on the Central Highlands Water website at www.chw.net.au
 
The taste of water can be improved by storing water in jugs in the refrigerator overnight if required which also helps save water by not letting the tap run until its cold. 

With the Central Highlands region now entering its 11th consecutive year of drought conditions the Ballarat & District Water Supply system is now at 15 percent of full storage capacity.