Projects valued at $2.1 million are being brought forward by Dubbo Regional Council to expand water treatment methods at its plants in Wellington, Geurie and Dubbo.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
River turbidity meters were installed last week to give earlier warning when poor quality raw water is flowing in Macquarie River.
Council is planning to install UV systems at Wellington and Geurie this year.
The projects are on top of recent works that included filter remediation, pond relining and new dosing systems.
The new measures are being implemented as a precautionary Boil Water Alert remains in place for Wellington where river turbidity, colour and higher levels of manganese continue to hamper water treatment to meet NSW Health standards.
Dubbo Regional Council's director of infrastructure Julian Geddes said improvement in test results of water being treated at the Wellington plant has fluctuated using chemical dosing and more mechanical treatment is now being implemented.
"Extra treatment of the water in Wellington has also included adding aeration to the settlement pond and modifying backwash systems to try and improve the plant's ability to process unusually poor quality raw water," Mr Geddes said.
He said the UV system project at Wellington, Geurie and Dubbo would assist in management of future of water quality. Wellington has been on a Boil Water Alert since February, 5.
ALSO MAKING NEWS: Dubbo Regional Council is revising its drought management plan
Council continues to provide bottled water to key facilities in the town, including schools.
"We have not experienced these types of issues with the raw water before - even after coming out of previous droughts," Mr Geddes said.
"While it is unfortunate this boil water alert remains in place, Council encourages the community to remain alert and continue to boil water for drinking, washing fruit and vegetables, making baby formula and brushing teeth."