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Byron Shire CouncilDRINKING WATER
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
July 2014 HydroScience
B827_Byron Drinking Water Quality Management System_Rev3.Doc
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July 2014 HydroScience
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Byron Shire Council
Drinking Water Management System
2nd Edition
Prepared for Byron Shire Council by:
HydroScience Consulting
A.B.N. 79 120 716 887
Email: [email protected]
Sydney Office
Level 1, 189 Kent Street
Sydney, NSW, 2000
Telephone: 02 9249 5100
Facsimile: 02 9251 4011
Byron Bay Office
6/64 Centennial Circuit
Byron Bay, NSW, 2481
Telephone: 02 6639 5600
Facsimile: 02 6680 9319
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Document Control
Approved for Issue
Issue Author Reviewer Name Signature Date
2 JHU MTR Jessica Huxley
July 2014
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Byron Shire Council prepared its first Drinking Water Management System in 2011 in accordance with
best practice and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011). The Drinking Water Management
System is a living document, and accordingly, Byron Shire Council has commissioned an external
review and audit of the original Plan in 2013. This review and audit aims to reaffirm Byron Shire
Council’s commitment to providing safe, high quality drinking water by keeping the document
current with changes within the drinking water systems managed by Council.
This document outlines the range of activities carried out by Council to ensure the provision of safe
drinking water to its customers. A number of actions to improve the drinking water supply systems
were identified through the risk assessment in 2011. These actions were recorded within the
Improvement Plan. Through the review and audit process, the Improvement Plan has been updated to
reflect Council’s continual improvement.
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011 sets out the “Framework for Management of Drinking
Water Quality” provide a structured risk-based approach to drinking water management. The twelve
(12) elements within the framework emphasises the need for a multi-barrier approach to management
for drinking water supplies.
Byron Shire Council’s activities relating to each of the 12 elements of the Australian Drinking Water
Guidelines 2011 including references to Sections of the Drinking Water Management System and
related Council documents are summarised in Table 1 below.
Table 1 Framework Elements for the Management of Drinking Water Quality
Framework Element
Activity Refer to
Element 1: Commitment to drinking water quality management
Drinking Water
Policy
Reticulated Town Water Quality Policy (12/017) adopted on 12/12/12.
BSC will ensure that the policy is visible, communicated, understood and
implemented by employees.
Section 1.2
Appendix 1
Regulatory and
formal
requirements
BSC has a ‘Water Supply Agreement’ (reviewed 2013) with Rous Water
for the purchase of bulk water for the Byron Supply.
All relevant regulatory and formal requirements are identified and
documented.
Section 1.3
Engaging
stakeholders
BSC consulted with Rous Water, NSW Health and WTP operators before
proceeding with the DWMS.
BSC maintain ongoing communication with all stakeholders.
Section 1.4
Element 2: Assessment of the drinking water supply system
Water supply
system analysis
This DWMS documents key characteristics of the water supply systems.
BSC has two drinking water supply systems:
1. Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply System - BSC operates
Mullumbimby Water Treatment Plant and reticulation system;
Section 2.2
Executive Summary
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Framework Element
Activity Refer to
2. Byron Drinking Water Supply System - BSC purchases bulk water
from Rous Water. Rous supplies water to seven reservoirs in the Byron
Shire. BSC operates the reservoirs and reticulation systems.
Flow diagrams have been prepared for each supply system.
Assessment of
water quality data
Water Quality data July 2011 – November 2013 has been assessed as part
of this DWMS.
Results demonstrate that operational targets are achieving the desired
results as recommended by the ADWG and NSW Health.
Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply System - Water Quality has been
assessed in catchment, Laverty’s Gap weir, inlet to plant, filters, finished
water, reservoirs and at points of supply.
Byron Drinking Water Supply System - Water quality has been
assessed from Rous Water delivery point (inlet to reservoirs), outlet to
reservoir and at various points of supply. It is noted that the assessment
of catchment and operational water quality is Rous responsibility.
Section 2.3
Hazard
identification and
risk assessment
A risk assessment for the drinking water supply system has been
completed.
Section 3.1
Appendix 2
Element 3: Preventive measures for drinking water quality management
Preventive
measures and
multiple barriers
Preventive measures and Key Barriers have been identified and
documented. BSC has a multi barrier approach for the protection of the
Byron Shire Drinking Water supplies.
Section 3.2
Critical control
points
The CCPs of the water supply systems have been identified with
appropriate monitoring, targets, controls and corrective action.
Section 3.3
Element 4: Operational procedures and process control
Operational
procedures
Key operating procedures for Critical Control Points have been
documented with critical limits and corrective actions.
BSC has identified and documented operational procedures in the
Operating Manual and Safe Work Method Statements.
Section 3.3
Section 5.1
Operational
monitoring
BSC has a ‘Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Plan’ documenting
monitoring points, parameters, trigger levels, frequency, actions and
responsibilities.
Section 4.1
Appendix 3
Corrective action BSC have documented corrective actions for each CCP and for key
operational process.
Section 3.3
Section 6
Section 7
Equipment
capability and
maintenance
Council maintains a Water and Sewer Planned Maintenance Manual
(#692271). BSC regularly inspect and undertake maintenance of all
equipment. Water and Sewer planned maintenance tasks are listed and
managed using the schedules in the spread sheets in Documents #448000,
#468000 and #464600. The Customer Request Management (CRM)
database is used to manage the task workflows.
Section 5.2
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Framework Element
Activity Refer to
Materials and
Chemicals
Standardised procurement processes are documented in DWMS.
Materials and chemicals conform to the NSW Code of Practice Plumbing
and Drainage, Aus Spec for Water Supply and WH&S Regulation for
Dangerous Goods. Details of chemicals used are documented within the
DWMS.
Section 5.3
Element 5: Verification of drinking water quality
Drinking water
quality monitoring
BSC monitor water quality weekly at the reservoir and at various points
of supply to verify overall system performance.
Council’s Building Compliance Unit is responsible for the collection of
samples for the NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program.
Section 4.2
Appendix 4
Consumer
Satisfaction
BSC have a complaints and response program - ‘Customer Request
Management Database’
Section 7.2
Short-term
evaluation of results
Monitoring results reviewed on receipt of data
Exceedances of criteria reported and managed as required by NSW
Health protocols and Rous Water Agreement
Section 4.2
Corrective action BSC follow the response protocols outlined by NSW Health.
BSC follows procedures as outlined in the NSW Health Microbial Response
Protocol and the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Section 4.2
Element 6: Management of incidents and emergencies
Communication BSC has Incident Management Protocols for water and recycling services
outlining all internal and external communication protocols including
responsible persons and contact details.
Section 6.1
Incident and
emergency response
protocols
BSC Incident Management Protocol outlines response protocols.
BSC follows procedures as outlined in the NSW Health Microbial Response
Protocol and the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Section 6.2
Element 7: Employee awareness and training
Employee
awareness and
involvement
BSC has a systematic communication regime with staff. Section 7.1
Employee training Council has a training program embed in their system for operators and
other relevant Water and Waste water staff.
Section 7.1
Element 8: Community Involvement and awareness
Community
consultation
Council has a systematic approach to community involvement and
awareness.
Section 7.2
Communication Council has four mechanisms to promote community involvement and
awareness.
Section 7.2
Element 9: Research and development
Investigative
studies and
research monitoring
BSC undertakes investigative studies and research monitoring on a
project basis as required.
Section 7.3
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Framework Element
Activity Refer to
Validation of
processes
This DWMS details processes to ensure safe and acceptable drinking
water is supplied to the customer; and processes for validation of new
and upgrades processes.
Section 7.4
Design of
equipment
This DWMS details the engineering expertise and processes used to
validate the selection and design of new equipment required for
upgrades and process improvements
Section 7.4
Element 10: Documentation and Reporting
Management of
documentation and
records
The DWMS documents information pertinent to all aspects of drinking
water quality management for the Byron and Mullumbimby drinking
water supply systems.
Council maintains all documents in the TRIM document management
system. All documents are maintained in accordance with the state
government guidelines.
Section 7.5
Reporting Management Reports prepared monthly for internal review. Results
reported annually to authorities and quarterly to Council.
Council undertakes reporting as required by NSW Health and NSW
Office of Water.
Section 7.5
Element 11: Evaluation and audit
Long-term
evaluation of results
Annual report documenting compliance with approval conditions,
including tests results, audited by NSW Health and NOW
Section 7.6
Audit of drinking
water quality
management
BSC undertake an annual review of the DWMS.
This DWMS Review is the first audit/review of the DWMS.
Section 7.6
Element 12: Review and continual improvement
Review by senior
executive
Monthly performance reports are reviewed by BSC Water and Recycling
Senior Management. CCP exceedances for critical limits are reported to
senior management.
Section 7.6
Drinking water
quality
management
improvement plan
This DWMS documents an Improvement Plan for the BSC drinking water
supply systems. The Improvement Plan has been reviewed as part of the
annual review process. Progress has been documented with further
actions included as part of the 2013 Review.
Section 8
Critical Control Points
The Critical Control Points (CCPs) for the Byron Shire Council drinking water supply systems were
identified as part of the development of the DWMS. The CCPs are essentially the heart of the
Framework, with good management of the CCPs crucial to the DWMS.
Mullumbimby CCPs in Table 2 and Byron CCPs are summarised in Table 3. Standard operating
procedures and corrective actions have been documented for each CCP to guide daily activities and
ensure correct operational responses if the alert or critical limits are reached.
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Table 2 Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply System Critical Control Points
Parameter Frequency Target Limit Alert Limit Critical Limits
CCP 1 Turbidity at Raw Water Intake
Turbidity (NTU) Continuous < 10 > 25 > 60
CCP 2 Filtration
Turbidity (NTU) Continuous < 0.2 > 0.5 1
CCP 3 Disinfection at Clearwater Tank
Free chlorine (mg/L) Daily 1 - 2 < 0.8 OR > 2 < 0.5 OR > 5
CCP 4 Reservoirs
Chlorine residual
(mg/L)
Weekly 0.8 < 0.5 < 0.2 OR > 5.0
Reservoir integrity Weekly No evidence of
breach or vermin
Visual
identification of
breach or vermin
access to
reservoirs
Visual
identification of
contaminant in
reservoirs
Table 3 Byron Drinking Water Supply System Critical Control Points
Parameter Frequency Target Limit Alert Limit Critical Limits
CCP 1 Reservoirs
Chlorine residual
(mg/L)
Weekly 0.8 < 0.5 < 0.2 OR > 5
Reservoir integrity Weekly No evidence of
breach or vermin
Visual
identification of
breach or vermin
access to
reservoirs
Visual
identification of
contaminant in
reservoirs
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Executive Summary ............................................................................................................... 3
Contents .................................................................................................................................. 8
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 11
1.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 11
1.2 Commitment to Drinking Water Quality Management ......................................................................... 11
1.3 Regulatory and Formal Requirements ................................................................................................ 12
1.4 Engaging Stakeholders ....................................................................................................................... 14
1.5 Scope of the Drinking Water Quality Management Plan ..................................................................... 15
2 Drinking Water Supply Systems .................................................................................. 16
2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 16
2.2 Water Supply System Analysis ........................................................................................................... 17
2.3 Water Quality Assessment .................................................................................................................. 33
3 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment ............................................................... 46
3.1 Risk Assessment ................................................................................................................................ 46
3.2 Preventive Measures and Multiple Barriers ........................................................................................ 48
3.3 Critical Control Points ......................................................................................................................... 51
4 Monitoring ...................................................................................................................... 55
4.1 Operational Monitoring ........................................................................................................................ 55
4.2 Verification of Drinking Water Quality ................................................................................................. 59
5 Operational Procedures and Process Control ........................................................... 62
5.1 Operational Procedures ................................................................................................................... 62
5.2 Preventive Maintenance and Calibration ............................................................................................ 62
5.3 Materials and Chemicals ..................................................................................................................... 65
6 Management of Incidents and Emergencies .............................................................. 67
6.1 Communication ................................................................................................................................... 67
6.2 Incident and emergency response protocols ...................................................................................... 68
7 Supporting Programs ................................................................................................... 69
7.1 Training and awareness ...................................................................................................................... 69
7.2 Community Involvement and Awareness ............................................................................................ 69
7.3 Investigative Studies and Research Monitoring .................................................................................. 70
7.4 Process and Equipment Validation ..................................................................................................... 70
7.5 Documentation and Reporting ............................................................................................................ 71
7.6 Review and Audit ................................................................................................................................ 72
Contents
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8 Drinking Water Quality Improvement Plan ................................................................. 74
Appendices ........................................................................................................................... 76
Appendix 1: ...............................................................................................................................
Appendix 2: ...............................................................................................................................
Appendix 3: ...............................................................................................................................
Appendix 4: ...............................................................................................................................
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Table 1 Framework Elements for the Management of Drinking Water Quality 3
Table 2 Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply System Critical Control Points 7
Table 3 Byron Drinking Water Supply System Critical Control Points 7
Table 4 Regulatory and Formal Requirements 12
Table 5 Stakeholders in Drinking Water Management 14
Table 6 Overview of Byron Shire Council Drinking Water Systems 16
Table 7 Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply Reservoirs 18
Table 8 Lengths of Water Mains in Mullumbimby Supply System 18
Table 9 Pumping Stations in Mullumbimby Supply System 18
Table 10 Byron Supply System Drinking Water Supply Points and Reservoirs 23
Table 11 Lengths of Water Mains in Byron Supply System 24
Table 12 Pumping Stations in Byron Supply System 24
Table 13 Water Quality Risks in the Wilsons River Catchment 34
Table 14 Mullumbimby Chlorine Contact Time 38
Table 15 NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program Data: Mullumbimby 39
Table 16 NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program Data: Byron 43
Table 17 BSC Drinking Water Quality Risk Assessment Summary 46
Table 18 Required Monitoring 49
Table 19 Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply System Critical Control Points 52
Table 20 Byron Drinking Water Supply System Critical Control Points 54
Table 21 Operational Monitoring Regime for Mullumbimby Water Treatment Plant 56
Table 22 Key Operational Processes and Corrective Actions 57
Table 23 Verification Monitoring Regime for BSC Water Supply 60
Table 24 List of Chemicals Used in Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply System 66
Table 25 BSC Internal Emergency Communication Details 67
Table 26 Rous Water Emergency Communication Details for Byron Supply 67
Table 27 Byron Shire Council Water Quality Improvement Action Plan 74
Figure 1 Mullumbimby Process Diagram 17
Figure 2 Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply Process Flow Diagram: Catchment to Consumer 19
Figure 3 Mullumbimby WTP and Laverty’s Gap Weir 20
Figure 4 Mullumbimby Town Water Supply Distribution 21
Figure 5 Byron Bay Drinking Water Supply Flow Diagram 25
Figure 6 Byron Bay Drinking Water Reticulation 26
Figure 7 Bangalow Drinking Water Supply Flow Diagram 27
Figure 8 Bangalow Drinking Water Reticulation 28
Figure 9 Brunswick Heads Drinking Water Supply Flow Diagram 29
Figure 10 Brunswick Drinking Water Reticulation 30
Figure 11 Ocean Shores Drinking Water Supply Flow Diagram 31
Figure 12 Ocean Shores Drinking Water Reticulation 32
Figure 13 Example of Customer Request Management Database 63
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1.1 Overview Byron Shire Council has developed a risk based Drinking Water Management System (DWMS)
consistent with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011 (ADWG). This DWMS fulfils Council’s
obligations under Division 1 Section 25 of the NSW Public Health Act 2010 and Part 5 Section 34 of the
Public Health Regulation 2012. The Public Health Act 2010 sets out the requirement for drinking water
suppliers to develop and adhere to a quality assurance program, also known as a Drinking Water
Management System.
The ADWG provides the framework for the good management of drinking water supplies that, when
implemented, assures safety at point of use. The framework was developed to guide a structured and
systematic approach for the management of drinking water quality from catchment to consumer. It
incorporates a preventive risk approach or quality assurance program developed specifically for the
water industry, and includes elements of HACCP, AS/NZS ISO 9000 and AS/NZS ISO31000:2009.
This document aims to support Council to provide, and the Byron Shire community to access, a safe
quality drinking water supply. Access to safe water is a basic need and is one of the most important
contributors to public health.
The overall approach is to provide drinking water system operators and managers with a user
friendly document that supports Council in its management of a safe drinking water supply. It
provides an overview of the system and a summary of all relevant documentation and supporting
requirements.
This DWMS and its supporting documentation are living documents. They should be reviewed and
updated in line with Council’s monitoring and reporting procedures and when new processes or
changes are introduced.
1.2 Commitment to Drinking Water Quality Management Byron Shire Council (BSC) is committed to managing its water supply
catchments, treatment plant and supply assets to provide safe, high
quality drinking water, which consistently meets or exceeds the ADWG,
consumer satisfaction and other regulatory requirements.
The ADWG (2011) sets the framework for the best management of
drinking water supplies to assure the safety of customers at the point of supply.
The development and implementation of the DWMS formalises and demonstrates Council
commitment to drinking water quality management throughout the organisation by:
Formally adopting drinking water quality as a Council priority
Defining Council’s role and responsibility in regards to providing high quality drinking water
Identifying and assessing risks associated with the drinking water system and introducing
controls, preventive measures, appropriate training, procedures and emergency response
plans to protect drinking water quality and public health
Adopting a measurable Improvement Plan that will increase the integrity of the DWMS
1 Introduction
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Reinforces the ongoing and active involvement of all staff and supports senior management to
ensure actions and policies support the management of drinking water quality
BSC’s commitment to water quality management includes understanding the public health and
environmental risks at the source, and managing them effectively. The following policies are reflective
of the BSC commitment to drinking water quality (policies available in Appendix 1):
1. The BSC Reticulated / Town Drinking Water Quality Policy (#12/017) was adopted by Council
on 12/12/2012
2. The BSC Lavertys Gap Weir Catchment Management Policy (#07/105) was adopted by
Council on 27/3/08
1.3 Regulatory and Formal Requirements The regulatory and formal requirements relating to drinking water quality in the Byron Shire have
been identified (refer to BSC DWQMP, 2011). A summary is provided in Table 4 below. Of particular
reference is the Water Supply Agreement with the regional bulk water supplier - Rous Water. The
supply agreement defines the roles and responsibilities for the management of water supply within
the area of operations for both parties.
Table 4 Regulatory and Formal Requirements
Regulatory or Formal Requirement
Relevance to Drinking Water Quality Agency
Commonwealth Legislation
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
Replaces the Trade Practices Act 1974 and incorporates Schedule 2
– The Australian Consumer Law.
As a “seller” of water, the local council is subject to provisions of
Consumer transactions and Consumer guarantees, which
guarantees that the goods supplied are reasonably fit for
purpose.
Australian
Competition and
Consumer
Commission
NSW Legislation
Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003
Natural resource management, from planning to operations, is
to be undertaken at the catchment level. State-wide standards
are to be applied. Catchment Action Plans are used to define key
themes for each catchment, each with specific catchment and
management targets.
North Coast Local
Land Service (LLS)
Natural Resources
Commission
Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979
Requires that the environmental impacts of projects be studied
at all stages on the basis of scale, location and performance.
Under Part 3 of the Act, Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) are
developed to establish what forms of development and land use
are permissible and/or prohibited.
LEPs ensure that drinking water quality is considered when
assessing development applications. The Byron Shire LEP (2012)
applies to all lands within the Byron Shire.
NSW Department
of Planning and
Infrastructure
Local Government Act 1993
Local councils have the responsibility for the provision of water
supply to consumers, in accordance to the NSW Best-Practice
Management of Water Supply and Sewerage Guidelines.
NSW Government
Division of Local
Government
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Regulatory or Formal Requirement
Relevance to Drinking Water Quality Agency
NSW Groundwater Quality Protection Policy 1998
Manages groundwater resources for sustainable economic, social
and environmental uses, with a specific principle to protect town
water supplies against contamination. A key recommendation is
to develop wellhead protection plans.
NSW Office of
Water
Protection of the Environment (Operations) Act 1997
Requires licences for activities with potentially significant
environmental impacts.
Prosecution may be carried out under this act for any chemical
leakage, spill, and disposal of wastes or similar.
NSW EPA
Public Health Act 2010 Requires all water authorities to develop Drinking Water
Management Systems.
Bestows certain powers on NSW Health with respect to
provision of safe drinking water, including ability to enter
treatment facilities, order mandatory testing or obtain
information about the drinking water and powers to close a
water supply.
Council is required to issue public advice regarding the water
supply when directed by the Chief Health Officer of NSW
Health.
NSW Health
Water Act 1912 Licences to extract water outside of areas covered by water-
sharing plans. Affecting alterations to the quantity or quality of
water in certain circumstances is an offence.
Byron Shire Council has a licence to draw water from the
Lavertys Gap Weir.
Water Act 1912 is being progressively phased out and replaced
by Water Management Act 2000.
NSW Office of
Water
Water Management Act 2000
Provides the basis for water planning, the allocation of water
resources and water access entitlements. Licences for extraction
for the three systems are governed by the provisions of this Act.
NSW Office of
Water
Work, Health & Safety Act 2011
Specifies conditions for storage and handling of chemicals on-
site at water treatment plants.
Work Cover
Authority of NSW
Guidelines and Programs
Water Supply Agreement between Rous Water and Byron Shire Council
Rous Water supplies bulk water to Byron Shire Council. This
agreement defines the roles and responsibilities for the
management of water supply within the area of operations for
both parties. The agreement also formalises the levels of service
and working relationship between Rous Water and Byron Shire
Council.
Rous Water
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011
Ensures the accountability of drinking water managers and
operators and health authorities and auditors for the supply of
safe, good quality drinking water to consumers.
NSW Health
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Regulatory or Formal Requirement
Relevance to Drinking Water Quality Agency
NSW Best-Practice Management of Water Supply and Sewerage Guidelines 2007
Provides for appropriate, affordable and cost-effective services
to meet community needs while protecting public health and the
environment and making best use of regional resources.
Requires a Strategic Business Plan (SBP), including a Financial
Plan and associated asset management plans, reviewed and
updated every four years; a 30-year Integrated Water Cycle
Management (IWCM) plan. Council has an IWCM and SBP for
their water business.
NSW Office of
Water
NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program 2005
NSW Health provides analysis of drinking water samples for
water utilities, providing an independent analysis of water at
point of supply.
NSW Health
NSW Health Response Protocol for Management of Microbial Quality of Drinking Water 2011
Guides Public Health Units and water utilities in their joint
response to rapidly changing source water quality, treatment
failure or microbial contamination.
NSW Health
NSW Health Response Protocol for Management of Physical and Chemical Quality 2004
Guides Public Health Units and water utilities in their joint
response following the detection of physical and chemical water
characteristics that exceed the Guidelines.
Aesthetic and health related guideline values are considered.
NSW Health
National Partnership Agreement on Water for the Future
The COAG Strategy on Water and Wastewater Services in
Remote Communities in New South Wales aims to provide
water infrastructure and build the capacity of the Council to
improve the management and overall security of water in
remote communities.
Australian
Government
NSW Office of
Water
Plumbing Code of Australia
Specifications for plumbing in drinking water systems, to be
complied with by administrators, plumbing Licensees,
developers and property owners/occupiers.
Office of Fair
Trading
1.4 Engaging Stakeholders The stakeholders involved in the management of drinking water in Byron Shire are listed in Table 5.
Table 5 Stakeholders in Drinking Water Management
Stakeholder Role Participation
NSW Health Provides expert advice and
support to Council in
achieving their regulatory
requirements
Provides water analysis through the NSW Health
Drinking Water Monitoring Program.
NSW Health response protocol to microbial and
physical and chemical exceedances.
NSW Office of Water Technical support on
investigations, design,
construction, operation,
maintenance and
management
Inspector visits and assesses WTPs compliance every
three months.
Technical support on investigations, design,
construction, operation, maintenance and management.
Annual Reporting on Water Supply performance.
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Stakeholder Role Participation
North Coast Local Land Service
Catchment Management
Coordinates action plans and
funding in the drinking
water catchment
It is recommended that Council liaises with LLSs
regarding the management of water quality in the
drinking water catchment.
Rous Water Water Supply Authority Supplies Byron Shire Council with bulk water. The
water supplied by Rous is distributed via Council
managed reservoirs to the Byron drinking water supply
system.
Rous water and constituent Councils operate under a
Water Supply Agreement (Jan 2014)
1.5 Scope of the Drinking Water Quality Management Plan This DWMS assesses the water systems operated by BSC with reference to the ADWG. The plan
provides recommendations for improvements in the operation and management of the catchment,
treatment processes, reservoirs, and distribution systems.
The BSC drinking water supply systems included in this DWMS are:
1. Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply - Catchment to Consumer
The Mullumbimby Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is operated by the BSC providing drinking water
that is treated, filtered, and disinfected to residents in the Mullumbimby Township. The drinking
water supply is sourced from the Wilsons Creek via the Laverty’s Gap Weir.
The scope of the DWMS is to identify water quality issues and procedures from ‘catchment to
consumer tap’ that have the potential to compromise the provision of safe potable water to the BSC
community.
2. Byron Drinking Water Supply - Reservoirs to Consumer
BSC purchases bulk water from the regional water supply authority Rous Water. Rous Water supplies
drinking water to seven reservoirs in the Byron Shire Council from the Nightcap WTP. The Nightcap
WTP is operated by Rous Water and provides treated, filtered and disinfected water for distribution to
Byron Shire residents. The drinking water supply is sourced from the Rocky Creek Dam. Under the
Water Supply Agreement BSC is responsible for maintaining water quality in the reservoirs and
reticulation system.
The scope of the DWMS is to identify water quality issues and procedures from the ‘supply reservoir
to consumer tap’ that have the potential to compromise the provision of safe potable water to the BSC
community.
A DWMS for the bulk water supplied by Rous Water covering catchment, source water, treatment
systems and distribution to reservoirs is the subject of a separate DWMS prepared by Rous Water.
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2.1 Introduction The drinking water supply systems are defined as everything from the catchment to the consumer.
This includes:
Catchments
Source water
Treatment systems
Reservoirs
Distribution Systems
This characterisation of the systems increases our understanding
of the water supply systems and assists with the identification of
hazards and assessment of risks to water quality.
BSC operates two individual water supplies for the Byron Shire:
1. Mullumbimby Water Supply: BSC manage and operate the Mullumbimby WTP, reservoirs
and Mullumbimby reticulation system
2. Byron Water Supply: BSC purchase bulk water from Rous Water. BSC manage and operate
eight supply reservoirs and the Byron reticulation system
Table 6 provides an overview of the two drinking water supply systems managed by BSC.
Table 6 Overview of Byron Shire Council Drinking Water Systems
Mullumbimby Water Supply Byron Water Supply
Drinking Water Supplier Byron Shire Council Rous Water Bulk Supply
Water Treatment Plant Mullumbimby WTP Nightcap WTP
Catchment Richmond River Richmond River
Source Water Wilsons Creek Rocky Creek Dam
System Assessment Catchment
Surface water
Treatment process
2 x Reservoirs
Reticulation Systems
8 x Reservoirs
Reticulation Systems
Points of Supply Mullumbimby Bangalow, Byron Bay, Suffolk
Park, Brunswick Heads, Ocean
Shores, New Brighton, Billinudgel
Approx. Population Serviced 3,000 17,000
2 Drinking Water Supply Systems
The drinking water system
must have, and
continuously maintain,
robust multiple barriers
appropriate to the level of
potential contamination
facing the raw water supply
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2.2 Water Supply System Analysis
2.2.1 Mullumbimby
The Mullumbimby raw water supply is extracted from Wilsons Creek at
Laverty’s Gap Weir. Water flows by gravity through a heritage listed ‘race’,
via a mountain tunnel, to the Mullumbimby Water Treatment Plant.
The Mullumbimby Water Treatment Plant is a pressure sand filtration plant,
providing drinking water that undergoes full treatment. Treatment consists
of coagulation and flocculation using aluminium sulphate. The water is then passed through the filters
and chlorine is added as it leaves the clear well, providing a two barrier protection. The Mullumbimby
water supply is not fluoridated.
The following elements make up the treatment process at the Mullumbimby WTP (HydroScience
2009). A process diagram of the Mullumbimby WTP is shown in Figure 1.
1. Combined Flow
Screening, metering (magnetic)
Soda ash dosing for pH correction
Alum dosing for coagulation
Flash mixing by static mixer
2. Flow split into 2 streams
Flocculation (retention in tanks without flocculating paddles)
Pressure sand filtration
3. Flows combined
Soda ash dosing for pH correction
Chlorine dosing for disinfection
4. Waste Handling
Settling of backwash and site water
Supernatant returned to race
Solids removed by truck
Figure 1 Mullumbimby Process Diagram
The greatest risks to
consumer of drinking
water are pathogenic
organisms
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The Mullumbimby facility may be operated conventionally or by direct filtration. The facility is fully
automated being controlled by a PLC with the overall water supply system managed by a radio
controlled SCADA system.
Treated water is distributed to two reservoirs in the Mullumbimby Township via gravity. All BSC
reservoirs are concrete and roofed. Table 7 below provides an overview of the Mullumbimby
reservoirs. The Mullumbimby Water Supply serves a population of approximately 3,129.
The distribution systems are typical of country towns. Information on BSC Water Mains and pumping
stations is tabulated in Table 8 and Table 9 respectively.
Refer to Mullumbimby process flow diagram in Figure 2. The Mullumbimby distribution system is
shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4.
Table 7 Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply Reservoirs
Points of Supply Reservoir Reservoir Capacity
(ML)
Population
(ABS, 2006)
Mullumbimby
Left Bank Rd 1.5
3,129 Azalea St 4.5
Azalea St offline 0.923
Table 8 Lengths of Water Mains in Mullumbimby Supply System
Locality Lengths of water mains (m)
Mullumbimby 57,960
Table 9 Pumping Stations in Mullumbimby Supply System
Locality Water Booster Pumping Station Street Address
Mullumbimby Gardenia Gardenia Court
Mullumbimby Creek Tristran Tristran Parade
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Figure 2 Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply Process Flow Diagram: Catchment to Consumer
CCP 1
CCP 2
CCP 3
CCP 4 CCP 4
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Figure 3 Mullumbimby WTP and Laverty’s Gap Weir
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Figure 4 Mullumbimby Town Water Supply Distribution
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2.2.2 Byron Water Supply System Analysis
The Byron drinking water supply is purchased from Rous Water. Rous
Water is the regional water supply authority providing potable bulk
water to constituent Councils. The raw water supply is extracted from
Rocky Creek Dam and treated at the Nightcap Water Treatment Plant
(WTP). The Nightcap WTP provides drinking water that undergoes full
treatment, including coagulation, flocculation, filtration and disinfection
to the residents of Byron Shire. The water supply to Byron Shire is not
fluoridated.
Rous Water is responsible for the management of the catchment,
treatment systems and supply to the inlet of the Byron Reservoirs. Byron
Shire Council is responsible for the reticulation of this water from the
reservoirs to the consumers.
Rous distributes the supply water from a Rous Water Reservoir at St
Helena, where it flows into seven regional reservoirs owned and operated by BSC. ‘Points of Supply’
for the Byron supply system and associated reservoirs are listed in Table 10. The Byron water supply
serves a population of approximately 17,373.
The Water Supply Agreement January 2014 (#769411) between Byron Shire Council and Rous Water
defines the roles and responsibilities for the management of water supply. In relation to water quality,
the following applies:
The responsibility of BSC begins at the downstream end of the Rous Water meter on the inlet
pipe of the Reservoir
Rous Water will:
Supply water to BSC of a quality that meets the Rous Water Drinking Water Management
System and Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011
Supply water which will maintain reasonable disinfection residuals
Make available any water quality test upon request
Produce a monthly water quality report for Council (commence June 2014)
Manage the drinking water supply system in accordance with NSW Health approved DWMS
Byron Shire Council will:
Manage its infrastructure to best preserve disinfection residual downstream of the supply
points
Manage the drinking water supply system in accordance with NSW Health approved DWMS
It is noted that the provision of residual disinfection is a joint responsibility of Rous Water and Byron
Shire Council.
All Byron Shire Council reservoirs are concrete and roofed. Table 10 below provides an overview of
Byron water supply reservoirs.
The distribution systems are typical of country towns. Information on BSC Water Mains and pumping
stations is tabulated in Table 11 and Table 12 respectively.
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The Byron distribution system flow diagram and drinking water reticulation have been broken down
into the main population centres of Byron Bay (Figure 5 and Figure 6), Bangalow (Figure 7 and Figure
8), Brunswick (Figure 9 and Figure 10) and Ocean Shores (Figure 11 and Figure 12).
Table 10 Byron Supply System Drinking Water Supply Points and Reservoirs
Points of Supply Reservoir Reservoir Capacity
(ML) Population
1
Bangalow (refer Figure 5 for flow diagram and Figure 6 for reticulation network)
Bangalow Granuaille Rd 0.900 1,327
Byron (refer Figure 7 for flow diagram and Figure 8 for reticulation network)
Bryon Bay Wategos 0.450 4,981
Paterson St 2.670
Suffolk Park Coopers Shoot 2.500 3,291
Broken Head 304
Brunswick Heads (refer Figure 9 for flow diagram and Figure 10 for reticulation network)
Brunswick Heads Saddle Road 2.300 1,614
Saddle Road 1.300 / offline
Ocean Shores (refer Figure 11 for flow diagram and Figure 12 for reticulation network)
Ocean Shores 2 Tongarra Dr 0.135 3,856
South Golden Beach Warrambool Rd 0.900 1,726
New Brighton Yamble Dr 6.000 274
Billinudgel -
Note: 1. ABS 20062. BSC pumps water to this reservoir from Warrambool.
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Table 11 Lengths of Water Mains in Byron Supply System
Locality Lengths of water mains (m)
Bangalow 15480
Byron Bay 56560
Suffolk Park 28400
Brunswick Heads 15550
Ocean Shores 31320
North Ocean Shores 13340
South Golden Beach 3810
New Brighton 4480
Billinudgel 2400
TOTAL 171,340
Table 12 Pumping Stations in Byron Supply System
Locality Water Booster Pumping Station
Street Address
North Ocean Shores Flinders Flinders Way
North Ocean Shores Palmer Palmer Ave
Ocean Shores Warrambool (transfer
pump)
Warrambool Road
Ocean Shores Tongarra Tongarra Drive
Ocean Shores Yamble Yamble Drive
Wilsons Creek Lavertys (raw water
pump)
Lavertys Gap Weir
Suffolk Park Corkwood Corkwood Close
Bangalow Granuaille Granuaille Road
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Figure 5 Byron Bay Drinking Water Supply Flow Diagram
CCP 1 CCP 1 CCP 1
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Figure 6 Byron Bay Drinking Water Reticulation
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Figure 7 Bangalow Drinking Water Supply Flow Diagram
CCP 1
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Figure 8 Bangalow Drinking Water Reticulation
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Figure 9 Brunswick Heads Drinking Water Supply Flow Diagram
CCP 1
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Figure 10 Brunswick Drinking Water Reticulation
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Figure 11 Ocean Shores Drinking Water Supply Flow Diagram
CCP 1 CCP 1
CCP 1
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Figure 12 Ocean Shores Drinking Water Reticulation
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2.3 Water Quality Assessment
2.3.1 Purpose
Water quality results for the Mullumbimby and Byron drinking water supply systems were assessed
in the BSC DWMS 2011. The purpose of the analysis was to provide an understanding of the water
quality performance of the system. In this review, water quality results are analysed with the purpose
of assessing the effectiveness of the DWMS in providing safe drinking water and responding to
threats to drinking water quality. The subsequent risk assessment and the Water Quality
Improvement Plan were developed based on the results of the water quality analysis.
As part of this 2013 DWMS review, both operational water quality results and the results from the
NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program were assessed.
2.3.2 Catchment Area
Byron Shire is located on the Far North Coast of New South Wales and
covers a total area of 566 square kilometres.
The Byron Shire lies within two major catchments: the Brunswick and
Richmond Catchments. The majority of the Shire is located in the Brunswick
Catchment area. The Brunswick catchment extends from Broken Head, just
south of Byron Bay, to Yelgun and is bound inland and to the south by the
Richmond catchment and to the north by the Tweed catchment.
The Mullumbimby and Byron drinking water supplies are both extracted
from the Richmond River Catchment. The Mullumbimby water supply is sourced from the upper
regions of Wilsons River sub-catchment which forms part of the upper reaches of the Richmond
Catchment. Drinking water for Byron is supplied by Rous Water and sourced from the Rocky Creek
Dam sub-catchment.
The main population centres are Byron Bay, Bangalow, Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads and Ocean
Shores.
2.3.3 Source Water
The first step in identifying monitoring and treatment requirements is an assessment of source water
characteristics including the potential for contamination.
Both Mullumbimby and Byron raw water sources are considered unprotected raw water supplies.
Unprotected supplies are impacted, or have the potential to be impacted, by human sewage and
livestock faecal material.
The most common and widespread health risk associated with drinking water is contamination, either
directly or indirectly, by disease causing micro-organisms from human or animal excreta. Unprotected
surface should be considered as being vulnerable to contamination by enteric viruses, protozoa and
bacteria.
Human sewage is generally the only source of human infective enteric viruses with the exception of
Hepatitis E, which is not endemic in Australia. Human sewage and livestock faeces are the
predominant source of human infective Cryptosporidium and Giardia. All types of faecal material can
be a source of enteric bacteria such as Campylobacter and Salmonella.
Protection of water
sources and
treatment are of
paramount
importance and
must never be
compromised
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2.3.4 Mullumbimby Water Supply
Catchment Monitoring
Council undertakes water quality monitoring at eight points
along the upper reaches of Wilson Creek. Water quality
monitoring is done monthly as routine, plus additional post
significant rainfall event monitoring (trigger 30mm / 24hr) four
times per year, endeavouring to sample one wet event once
every three months.
The monthly Wilson Creek monitoring regime sample for the
following parameters:
E. coli; Iron and Manganese; Phosphorous and Nitrogen; True colour; and Turbidity
The monitoring results indicate
E. coli contamination increases with flow through the catchment, likely due to onsite sewage
systems and livestock
Phosphorous levels are elevated, possibly due to farming practices and / or onsite sewerage
systems
Turbidity and Total Nitrogen levels are low and well within the acceptable range
The main water quality risks and hazards associated with the Wilsons River Catchment are listed in
Table 13.
Table 13 Water Quality Risks in the Wilsons River Catchment
Water Quality Risk Hazards
Contaminated runoff from farming Pathogens, Pesticides and Chemicals
Animal Pathogens from livestock in waterways Microbial Pathogens (virus and protozoan’s)
Pesticides and other chemicals from agricultural
activities
Pesticides and Agricultural Chemicals
Soil Erosion Turbidity, Nutrients (Phosphorous)
Human pathogens from septic system overflow Microbial Pathogens (virus and protozoan’s)
Hazardous events such as accidental spills of chemicals Pesticides and Chemicals
Algal Blooms caused by high temperatures, increased
nutrients and low flows
Toxins, Taste and Odour
Contaminated runoff from urban development Hydrocarbons - Fuels, oils,
Nutrients
Extreme weather events Turbidity, Pathogens
Any sudden or extreme
change in water quality, flow
or environmental conditions
(e.g. extreme rainfall or
flooding) should arouse
suspicion that drinking water
might become contaminated
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Baseline Data
Baseline data can assist in understanding source water characteristics and system
performance. This can aid the identification of hazards and aspects of the
drinking water supply systems which require improvement. The ADWG
recommends baseline assessment/characterisation of raw water quality for
parameters such as: microbial, radiological, pesticides, chemicals and metals.
A baseline assessment of the source water for the Mullumbimby water supply
was undertaken on 9 August 2011 at Laverty’s Gap Weir. Radiological,
pesticides, chemical, and metal parameters were tested.
All parameters sampled were under the guideline values for physical,
radiological and chemical characteristics as cited in the ADWG (refer to BSC
DWMS 2011 for results). An analysis of pesticides including OC, OP, THMs, and
PAHs was undertaken.
Laverty’s Gap Weir
With reference to the Catchment Management Plan Laverty’s Gap Catchment
(Water Futures, 2007), the water quality was found to have relatively low
turbidity, generally lower than the ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) aquatic
ecosystems trigger value of 20 NTU. This was consistent with good riparian
vegetation condition, sound road crossings and drainage works observed during
the survey.
Faecal contamination at the point of supply from the catchment indicated
elevated faecal inputs. These exceeded the triggers for irrigation for crops eaten
raw, stock watering and swimming. Elevated faecal coliforms are present even
after dry periods suggesting a continuous source; e.g. stock access to stream,
onsite sewage systems or wildlife that may inhabit the river or weir.
Raw Water Intake
Further to the baseline monitoring, BSC monitors raw water quality from the raw
water tap at the inlet to the Mullumbimby WTP. The Mullumbimby raw water
supply is monitored:
Continuously: turbidity
Weekly: pH, colour, alkalinity, faecal coliforms, total coliforms, Iron,
Hardness, manganese, and Total dissolved solids
During the reporting period, the waters of the Wilsons Creek were soft, slightly
acidic (average pH 6.7) and in periods of normal river flow, turbidity is good
(around 5 NTU). During and after heavy rain in the catchment the river can,
within a short period, have turbidity readings in excess of 42 NTU.
At Mullumbimby WTP turbidity is monitored continuously at the raw water
intake. Incoming annual average turbidity in the raw water fluctuated between
0.04 NTU to 42.0 NTU from July 2011 – 2013. The WTP will shut down if
turbidity is greater than 60 NTU.
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When turbidity exceeds a specified level, as set daily by the operator, an automatic
notification is issued to the Operations staff. This notification triggers a catchment
assessment and determines adjustment in dosing rates or plant shut down (pers.
comm. Neil Ulrick, September 2011). A fluctuation in turbidity greater than
10 NTU over a few hours would alert operators to consider management options
for potential contamination, including plant shut down.
Filtered Water
In July 2011, Mullumbimby WTP installed new continuous turbidity meters at the
filters, which have achieved an average turbidity of < 0.1 NTU since installation.
During the last reporting year the filters have maintained an average turbidity of
0.07 NTU with a range of 0.02 to 1.19 NTU
Both Filters 1 and 2 have automatic alarms that are triggered if turbidity targets are
exceeded:
Alert limit: 0.5 NTU operators are notified
Critical limit: 1 NTU Plant shut down
From July 2011 – 2013 the critical limit was exceeded on 2 occasions (both on
27 Jan 2013 NTU – 1.19 and 1.14 NTU) while the alert level of 0.5 NTU was
exceeded on 11 occasions.
If filtered water turbidity is > 0.5 NTU the WTP operator may be required to
initiate a filter backwash and/or a jar test inflow and check / adjust chemical
dosing. If the turbidity remains high the treated water is released back into the
environment. Note that if filters require backwashing more than twice a day they
must be checked for blockages.
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Following the review of the ADWG (2011) it is recommended that in order to remove waterborne
pathogens in unprotected catchments, where filtration is used as part of the water treatment process,
the turbidity leaving the filters under normal operating conditions should be < 0.2 NTU (NHMRC).
Byron Shire Council achieves optimal filtration.
Finished Water
Council monitors the treated ‘finished’ water (BY01100) after it leaves the clear water tank prior to
entering the reservoirs. Parameters monitored include:
Continuously: pH and chlorine residual
Daily: aluminium, pH, free and total chlorine, turbidity, and flow
Weekly: alkalinity, colour, total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, faecal coliforms, total
coliforms, iron and manganese
Free Chlorine residual in the finished water have automatic alarms that are triggered if targets are
exceeded:
Alert limit: < 0.8 or > 2 mg/L operators are notified
Critical limit: < 0.5 or > 5 mg/L plant shut down
From July 2011 – 2013 the critical limit was exceeded on 6 occasions while the alert level of < 0.8 NTU
was exceeded on 31 occasions.
BSC has a Chlorine target of > 0.5 mg/L with 30 minute contact time, after the clear water tank.
Consistently it appears that chlorine residual is above 1 mg/l leaving the plant (range 0.38 – 1.60 mg/L)
and with an average of 0.86 mg/L at the reticulation system (range 0.14 - 1.41 mg/L). The mean annual
results indicate that the target is being achieved.
Mullumbimby WTP disinfection achieves 42 minutes contact time equating to a CT of 21 mg/min/L. It
is noted that the CT is based on a free chlorine residual of 0.5 mg/L as a worst case scenario. Operators
at the Mullumbimby WTP target a chlorine residual of 1 mg/L which will provide an actual CT of
42 mg/min/L. Table 14 displays the simplified calculations for chlorine contact time at the
Mullumbimby WTP.
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Table 14 Mullumbimby Chlorine Contact Time
Contact Time Calculations
Value Unit Notes
Total Tank Capacity 280 kL
Available Tank Capacity 75 %
Available Tank Capacity (V) 210 kL
Estimated Baffling Factor (F) 0.3 - Assumed Baffling is Poor (Typical for
Circular/Rectangular Tanks Without Baffles)
Max Flow Rate Out (Q) 25.00 L/s
Max Flow Rate Out (Q) 90.00 kL/hr
Contact Time (T) = V/Q*F 42 min
CT Calculations
Chlorine Residual (C) 0.5 mg/L Assumed min Chlorine Residual Value at
Reservoir Outlet
CT = C x T 21 mg.min/L
Greater than 15 mg/L.min required to be
consistent with ADWG requirements of 39 mins
contact time at 0.5 mg/L
Reservoirs
The finished water from the Mullumbimby WTP is transferred to two reservoirs (refer to Table 7). The
total capacity of the two reservoirs in Mullumbimby is 6 ML. Mullumbimby WTP also has two tanks
at the WTP with a total capacity of 0.304 ML. The Mullumbimby reservoirs have 3 to 5 days storage.
Water gravitates to the storages and distribution systems. All storages are covered. BSC operators
monitor and record water quality on a weekly basis from the Azalea Street Reservoir. Parameters
sampled include Faecal Coliforms, Total Coliforms, Free Chlorine, HPC 35 and pH.
The Azalea Street reservoir maintained adequate mean chlorine residual
and pH for the reporting period.
No water quality monitoring is undertaken at the Left Bank Reservoir.
The treated water maintains adequate disinfection when distributed
through the town’s 58 km reticulation system.
System operators
must be able to
respond quickly
and effectively to
adverse monitoring
signals
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Points of Supply
BSC operators monitor the treated water on a weekly basis at a point of supply on McGoughans Lane.
The sampled water is reticulated from the Azalea Street reservoir. Parameters monitored by WTP
operators are Faecal Coliforms, Total Coliforms, Free Chlorine, HPC 35 and pH.
No reticulated water from the Left Bank reservoir is monitored.
Further to the operational monitoring, BSC Building Compliance Unit sample finished water quality
at the WTP and at the point of supply in McGoughans Lane. These samples are assessed as part of the
NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program. Note, not all points of supply are tested for all
parameters.
Parameters monitored include:
Weekly: Total Coliforms and E. coli; and
Monthly: pH, true colour, TDS, total hardness, turbidity, nitrate, nitrite, Metals (Al, Sb, As, Ba,
B, Cd, Ca, Cl2 , Cr, Cu, F,I, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Se, Ag, Na, SO4, and Zn)
The results indicate the drinking water supplied by BSC to Mullumbimby is consistently of good
quality. Chlorine residual is consistently above 1 mg/l leaving the Mullumbimby WTP. The mean
annual results indicate that the operational target is being achieved. Furthermore chlorine residual is
maintained throughout the distribution system to the end points of supply.
From the operational data for the reporting year:
pH exceedances have occurred in the high range (pH range 7.0 – 9.0). This could be attributed
to the high alkalinity characteristics of the raw water. Furthermore concrete tanks can
significantly increase pH and a value up to 9 may be tolerated. Elevated pH is not an issue
unless there is an indication of deteriorated microbial quality. This does not seem to be the
case for the Mullumbimby drinking water supply
No E. coli or total coliform exceedances have occurred
NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program
Point-of-supply data from the NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program was analysed from
1 July 2011 to 31 October 2013. For analysis of water quality results prior to this date, refer to BSC
DWQMP 2011.
Table 15 NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program Data: Mullumbimby
Parameters ADWG Value
Number Samples
Non Compliance
Min Mean 95%ile Max
E. coli (cfu/100 ml) < 1 101 0 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1
Total Coliform
(cfu/100 ml) < 1 132 8 < 1 < 1 < 1 11
Free Chlorine (mg/L) 0.2 - 5 130 Low: 2 0.15 0.9 1.32 1.44
Total Chlorine (mg/L) 5 96 0 0.24 1.04 1.49 1.65
pH (pH units) 6.5 – 8.5 106 High: 9 6.7 7.9 8.8 9.4
True Colour (HU) 15 18 0 1 1 2 2
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Parameters ADWG Value
Number Samples
Non Compliance
Min Mean 95%ile Max
Turbidity (NTU) 5 82 0 0.0 0.3 0.6 2.4
Hardness (CaCO3)
(mg/L) 200 18 0 6 16 27 83
Aluminium (mg/L) 0.2 28 2 0.00 0.05 0.19 0.30
Manganese (mg/L) 0.5 115 0 0.003 0.027 0.068 0.318
E. coli
From a total of 101 samples, no detections have occurred from 1 Jul 2011 - 31 Oct 2013.
Total Coliform
From a total of 132 samples, 8 detections occurred from 1 Jul 2011 - 31 Oct 2013. The highest total
coliform reading of 11 cfu/100 ml occurred at the McGoughans Lane, Mullumbimby monitoring
location on 5 June 2012.
The presence of these coliforms may represent release from pipe or sediment biofilms, and may be
part of the normal flora of the drinking-water distribution system. They can also indicate an increase
in chlorine demand.
Aluminium
From a total of 28 samples, two exceedances occurred in the reporting period.
Although not a health value, the ADWG strongly recommended to keep Aluminium concentrations as
low as possible, preferably below 0.1 mg/L.
Exceedances in Aluminium may be an issue for dialysis patients. Council maintains a register of
dialysis patients in the Local Government Area to be informed if Aluminium exceeds guidelines.
Currently there are no dialysis patients in the Mullumbimby supply area.
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pH
From a total of 106 samples, 9 exceedances occurred from 1 Jul 2011 - 31 Oct 2013.
The highest recorded pH was 9.4, recorded at the McGoughans Lane, Mullumbimby monitoring
location on 3 Apr 2012.
This could be attributed to the high alkalinity characteristics of the raw water. Furthermore concrete
tanks can significantly increase pH and a value up to 9.2 may be tolerated.
Although not a health value, the ADWG strongly recommend to keep pH between 6.5 and 8.5 to
minimise corrosion and encrustation of plumbing systems and water reticulation mains.
Free Chlorine
From a total of 103 samples, low concentrations of free chlorine have been detected two times from
1 Jul 2011 - 31 Oct 2013. The low residuals occurred on 4 Dec 2012 and 29 Jan 2013, with readings of
0.18 and 0.15 mg/L, respectively at the McGoughans Lane, Mullumbimby monitoring location.
Chlorine is used as a disinfectant in the water supply system, and it is recommended that drinking
water must reach the consumer with at least 0.2 mg/L of free chlorine to ensure appropriate
disinfection.
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2.3.5 Byron Water Supply
Reservoirs
Rous Water supplies drinking water into eight reservoirs in the Byron Shire (refer to Table 10). BSC is
responsible for the water quality in the reservoirs and reticulation systems.
Rous Water monitors pH and free chlorine weekly at the inlet to the BSC reservoirs. BSC operators
monitor and record water quality on a weekly basis from the reservoir outlet. BSC also samples faecal
coliforms, total coliforms, free chlorine, HPC 35 and pH from the reservoir outlet. The mean annual
results indicate that the operational targets are being reached with the systems achieving the desired
results (Refer BSC DWMS 2011).
The Byron Reservoirs maintained adequate mean chlorine residual (> 0.8 mg/L) and pH (7 – 8) for the
last reporting period. In general the Bangalow distribution system achieves the highest chlorine
residual with 1.12 mg/L (the closest reservoir to St Helena). The Byron reservoirs are maintaining an
average chlorine residual of 0.94 mg/L with the Brunswick Heads reservoirs maintaining 0.88 mg/L
and Ocean Shore reservoirs achieving 0.81 mg/L. At times the Ocean Shores reservoirs have lower
than optimal chorine residual with a minimum of 0.13 mg/L.
The total capacity of the eight reservoirs servicing Byron and surrounding villages is 15.9 ML. The
Byron and Villages reservoirs have 3 - 5 days storage. The treated water is distributed through 171 km
of mains. Water is reticulated via gravity to Byron consumers.
Points of Supply
As part of BSC monitoring procedures, reticulated water quality is sampled weekly at a point of
supply from each reservoir. Parameters monitored by WTP operators are faecal coliforms, total
coliforms, free chlorine, HPC 35 and pH.
Further to the operational monitoring, BSC Building Compliance Unit monitors water quality at the
point of supply as part of the NSW Health Monitoring Program. Eight sites are monitored in Byron
Bay. These samples are assessed by NSW Health. Note, not all points of supply are tested for all
parameters.
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The Bangalow supply site is monitored for a range of parameters including:
Total Coliforms and E. coli; pH, true colour, TDS, total hardness, turbidity, nitrate and nitrite,
Metals (Al, Sb, As, Ba, B, Cd, Ca, Cl2 , Cr, Cu, F,I, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Se, Ag, Na,
SO4, and Zn); Free chlorine, Total chlorine and Fluoride
The remaining seven supply sites test for:
Total coliforms, E. coli; pH; free chlorine and total chlorine
The mean annual results demonstrate that the operational targets are being reached with the systems
achieving the desired results. Chlorine residual is maintained throughout the distribution system to
the end points of supply.
The main issues with the water quality at supply include: (Refer to BSC DWMS 2011 for details)
pH is maintained within an acceptable range of between 7 and 8. The highest pH is found at
the point of supply in the furthest distribution system. Generally pH increases as it moves
through the distribution system. This could be attributed to the concrete pipes
Total coliforms detections have occurred although the mean results are < 1 cfu/100/ml
No E. coli detections have occurred during the last reporting period
NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program
Point-of-supply data from the NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program was analysed from
1 July 2011 to 31 October 2013. For analysis of water quality results prior to this date, refer to BSC
DWQMP 2011.
Table 16 NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program Data: Byron
Parameters ADWG Value
Number Samples
Non Compliance
Min Mean 95%ile Max
E. coli (cfu/100 ml) < 1 352 0 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1
Total Coliform
(cfu/100 ml) < 1 385 21 < 1 < 1 < 1 200
Free Chlorine (mg/L) 0.2 - 5 377 Low: 1 0.05 0.94 1.21 2.93
Total Chlorine (mg/L) 5 247 0 0.16 1.08 1.36 1.47
pH (pH units) 6.5 – 8.5 371
High: 2
Low: 1 0.9 7.7 8.1 9.2
True Colour (HU) 15 42 0 1 1 1 1
Turbidity (NTU) 5 255 1 0.1 0.3 0.5 24
Hardness (CaCO3)
(mg/L) 200 44 0 78 92 102 115
Aluminium (mg/L) 0.2 44 0 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.04
Manganese (mg/L) 0.5 42 0 0.001 0.003 0.003 0.007
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E. coli
From a total of 352 samples, no detections have occurred from 1 Jul 2011 - 31 Oct 2013
Total Coliform
From a total of 385 samples, 21 detections occurred from 1 Jul 2011 - 31 Oct 2013. The highest total
coliform reading of 200 cfu/100 ml occurred at the Byron Street, Bangalow monitoring location on
5 June 2012.
The presence of these coliforms may represent release from pipe or sediment biofilms, and may be
part of the normal flora of the drinking-water distribution system.
Free Chlorine
From a total of 377 samples, low residual occurred from 1 Jul 2011 - 31 Oct 2013. The low residuals
occurred on 4 Jun 2013, with readings of 0.05 and 0.15 mg/L, respectively at the Tweed Street,
Brunswick Heads monitoring location.
Chlorine is used as a disinfectant in the water supply system, and it is recommended that drinking
water must reach the consumer with at least 0.2 mg/L of free chlorine to ensure appropriate
disinfection.
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pH
From a total of 371 samples, 2 exceedances and 1 low residual occurred from 1 Jul 2011 - 31 Oct 2013.
The highest recorded pH was 9.2, recorded at the Bay Street, Byron Bay monitoring location on
10 Apr2012.
Although not a health value, the ADWG strongly recommend to keep pH between 6.5 and 8.5 to
minimise corrosion and encrustation of plumbing systems and water reticulation mains.
Turbidity
From a total of 255 samples, one exceedance of turbidity has occurred from 1 Jul 2011 - 31 Oct 2013.
The exceedance of 24 NTU occurred on 19 Jun 2012, at the Bay Street, Byron Bay monitoring location.
In relation to health considerations, turbidity can have a significant effect on microbial quality of
drinking water. Elevated turbidity can interfere with the detection and treatment of bacteria and
viruses. E.coli and total coliform were not detected on the days of turbidity exceedance, indicating that
disinfection was effective.
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3.1 Risk Assessment A risk assessment was carried out with Byron Shire Council, NSW Health
Public Health Unit, Rous Water and HydroScience Consulting for a number
of identified risks and hazardous events for the BSC drinking water supply.
The risk assessment includes:
Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply: Catchment, Laverty’s Gap
Weir, Race, Mullumbimby Water Treatment Plant, Reservoirs and
Distribution System
Byron Drinking Water Supply: Reservoirs and Distribution System
It is noted that the Rous Water DWMS / Risk Assessment assesses the risks for Rocky Creek
Catchment, Rocky Creek Dam, Nightcap Water Treatment Plant and distribution to inlet of
the BSC reservoirs
Set out in Table 17 is a summary of the Risk Assessment. All residual risks identified as Medium, High
and Very High are listed in the BSC Risk Assessment summary. The residual risks are determined in
conjunction with the existing multiple barriers and preventive measures and indicate the effectiveness
of existing strategies or where improvements are required. Refer to Appendix 2 for the comprehensive
BSC Water Supply Risk Assessment including the risk matrices adopted by workshop participants.
Table 17 BSC Drinking Water Quality Risk Assessment Summary
Hazardous event / cause
Hazard / contaminants
Control Point Preventive Measures
Monitoring and Control
Residual Risk
Wilsons Creek Catchment
Onsite Sewage
Management
system
discharges /
failures
Pathogens,
nutrients
(nitrates,
nitrites)
Lavertys Gap Weir
>1000 cfu/100 ml
Filtration
Disinfection
Onsite Sewerage
Management Policy
and Strategy
Installation, design and
maintenance standards
LG Act 1993 and
Regulations
Coagulation,
Sedimentation,
Filtration
Disinfection (automatic
dosing)
Education
Landcare – Riparian
Zone
Catchment
monitoring
Operational
monitoring -
Chlorine continuous
Filtration monitoring
Supply monitoring –
Faecal coliforms
weekly /
DoH supply
monitoring E.coli
weekly or fortnightly
Medium
Chemical spill
in catchment
Pesticides,
Herbicides,
Fertilisers,
petrol
Fire Brigade spill
response
BSC Incident and
Emergency
Management Plans
Medium
3 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Ensuring drinking
water safety and
quality requires
the application of
a considered risk
management
approach
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Hazardous event / cause
Hazard / contaminants
Control Point Preventive Measures
Monitoring and Control
Residual Risk
Farming
practices
Pesticides,
Herbicides,
Fertilisers,
Nutrients,
turbidity, colour
Raw water intake:
NTU >10
Filtration
Disinfection
Raw water turbidity
monitoring
Coagulation,
Sedimentation,
Filtration
Education
Pesticides Act 1999
Prosecution /
compliance
Catchment
monitoring
Point of Supply –
monthly monitoring
Medium
Land clearing Turbidity,
nutrients, colour
NTU >10 at raw
water intake
Filtration
Automatic alarm alerts
WTP operator for
further information
about catchment
Coagulation,
Sedimentation,
Filtration
Native Vegetation Act
Tree Preservation
Order
Prosecution /
compliance
Operational
monitoring –
continuous
Medium
Natural
Disasters
All pollutants
Loss of supply
BSC Incident and
Emergency
Management Plans
Plant Shut down
Weather observations
/ predictions
Medium
Laverty’s Gap Weir
Blue green
algae outbreak
Taste , odour,
cyanotoxins,
endotoxins, &
Liposaccarides
Cyanobacteria
> 500 cells /ml
Critical levels –
boiled water alert
Education
Maintaining
environmental flows
Alternate water supply
(Rous Water) –
although major $
Catchment
monitoring –
nutrients monthly
Visual Inspections of
Coarse screen
Monthly testing: June
– Oct
Weekly testing: Nov –
May
High
Failure of weir
(loss of storage
capacity)
Physical
damage from
water flow
Loss of water
supply
Inspections of weir Alternate water supply
(Rous Water)
Periodic inspections
of weir
Dam not considered a
high risk dam
High
Race
Deliberate
contamination
Chemical,
Fertilisers,
Herbicides,
Pesticides etc
BSC Incident and
Emergency
Management Plans
Visual inspection by
operator
Visual monitoring Medium
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Hazardous event / cause
Hazard / contaminants
Control Point Preventive Measures
Monitoring and Control
Residual Risk
Mullumbimby Water Treatment Plant
No medium or high residual risks were identified for the Mullumbimby Treatment Plant – all maximum risks identified
were reduced to an acceptable level (Low) with appropriate preventive measures and controls
Mullumbimby and Byron Reservoirs
Rous Water
providing
water of poor
quality / out of
specs
Pathogens,
Chemical
contamination
Free chlorine
Min 0.5mg/L
Target 0.8mg/L
pH - 7
Reservoir Monitoring Weekly sampling at
reservoir
“Out of Specs
Report” sent to Rous
Water
Medium
Mullumbimby and Byron Distribution Systems
Unauthorised
/ authorised
access to
hydrants
Pathogens,
turbidity, colour
Authorised access –
specified hydrant for
water withdrawal
Unauthorised access –
Prosecution
Medium
3.2 Preventive Measures and Multiple Barriers BSC support a multi barrier approach for the protection of Drinking Water supplies as promoted by
ADWG. The strength of this approach is that a failure in one barrier may be compensated by effective
operation of the remaining barriers, minimising the likelihood of contaminants passing through to
consumers.
The NSW Office of Water issued Circular LWU 18 ‘Assuring the safety of drinking water supplies’,
(4 June 2014) with corresponding protocols that are to be implemented by all local water utilities
providing a drinking water supply. The Circular is available in Appendix 3. Council must meet the
minimum requirements in order to achieve the key barriers outlined below (NSW Office of Water,
2014):
Effective disinfection to kill or remove pathogens in the raw water
Ensure distribution system integrity to prevent contamination
Maintenance of free chlorine residual in the reticulation system
Council is required to ensure the SOPs meet the minimum requirement for each key barrier as
outlined by NSW Office of Water.
3.2.1 Key Barriers
Effective Disinfection
To achieve effective disinfection, NSW Office of Water recommends that Council operates the
drinking water supply systems to achieve the targets as summarised in Table 18.
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Table 18 Required Monitoring
Parameter Target Unit Notes
Chlorine
residual
≥ 0.5 mg/L Target is prior to first consumer. It is recommended that
Council monitors chlorine demand after changes in raw
water quality and adjust chlorine dosing as required. It is
recommended that free chlorine tests be performed at
representative sample points in each drinking water supply
system at least once per week.
C.t. > 15 mg/L/min C.t. is a measure of free chlorine residual concentration (C)
and contact time (t). The C.t. values can be achieved by
adjusting chlorine dose or contact time.
pH < 8.5 pH units Disinfection effectiveness is compromised at pH above 8.5,
with the desirable pH range for disinfection between 7.8-8.2
Temperature > 10 ◦C Monitoring is recommended when < 10 ◦C, as disinfection
decreases after this point
Turbidity CCP
< 0.1
NTU NSW Office of Water recommends turbidity target to be as
low as practicable, preferably below 1 NTU for filtered
systems
Distribution System Integrity
Once water is effectively disinfected, the only avenue for pathogens to enter the drinking water
supply system is through a breach in the distribution system. It is therefore extremely important for
Council to protect the integrity of their drinking water distribution system. A more detailed
description, including pictures, is available in Appendix 3.
Carry out a careful and detailed examination of each service reservoir to ensure:
Reservoir and its roof are secure from entry by birds, animals, vermin and windborne
contaminants
Rainwater cannot enter into the reservoir: no leaking roof, holes in reservoir wall or gaps
around roof opening
All inspection hatches are closed and locked at all times
Reservoir site and roof are secure from unauthorised access
Check air valves and ensure they are functioning in accordance with manufacturer’s
standards and operating procedures
Check any testable backflow prevention devices and ensure they are operating in accordance
with the manufacturer’s standard operating procedures, tested in accordance with AS3500
and there is no cross contamination
Check and ensure all potable water connections with a risk of cross contamination such as
connections to sewerage facilities (pumping stations, treatment facilities, etc.), livestock
watering and other non-drinking uses are provided with appropriate backflow prevention
devices and are regularly tested in accordance with AS3500
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Check and ensure all potable water connections to top up alternative water systems such as
rainwater tanks, automatic switching device of premises are provided with backflow
prevention devices and are operating in accordance with the manufacturer’s standard
operating procedures, tested in accordance with AS3500 and there is no cross contamination
Review the reservoir maintenance standard operating procedures to ensure they are sound
and fit for purpose
Review the standard operating procedures for repair and re-instatement of distribution
system infrastructure that comes into contact with potable water such as mains and reservoirs
to ensure the procedures are sound and fit for purpose. Thoroughly clean and super-
chlorinate before use, all new and repaired distribution system infrastructure, such as mains
and reservoirs, that is in contact with potable water
Undertake all remedial works to assure system integrity as a matter of priority
It is recommended that Council maintain records (checklists, reports, photos, etc.) of all distribution
system inspections, results, deficiencies and rectification works (NSW Office of Water, 2014).
Free Chlorine in Distribution System
Maintaining chlorine residual is important to protect drinking water from minor contamination due to
breaches in system integrity (NSW Office of Water, 2014). It is recommended by the NSW Office of
Water and ADWG that free chlorine of ≥ 0.2 mg/L be achieved at all points within the reticulation, and
that a sudden large drop in chlorine residual should be an indicator to water operators that
contamination may have occurred.
If chlorine residual at dead ends consistently remain below 0.2 mg/L but above 0.05 mg/L and no
E. coli detections have occurred, Council must perform the actions outlined in section 0 on an annual
basis. If free chlorine results are consistently below 0.05 mg/L with no E. coli detections, Council must
perform the actions in section 3.2.2 on a four-monthly basis in addition to flushing extremities and
looping dead ends.
3.2.2 Mullumbimby Supply System Key Barriers
To reduce the identified hazards to an acceptable level the following barriers are maintained in the
Mullumbimby Water Supply system:
Catchment management
Extraction management - continuous turbidity monitoring
Treatment - coagulation, flocculation and pressure sand filtration
Primary disinfection by Chlorination
Distribution system residual maintenance
Maintaining a closed system
Customer connection – backflow prevention
3.2.3 Byron Supply System Key Barriers
Rous Water has a number of preventive measures in place to ensure a multiple barrier approach to the
protection of the bulk water supply. This includes catchment management, source water control,
treatment, and disinfection. For further information refer to Rous Water DWMS.
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BSC responsibilities are to ensure the bulk water supplied by Rous Water maintains the disinfection
residual during storage and reticulation. BSC reduce the identified hazards in the Byron reservoirs
and reticulation system by ensuring the following barriers are maintained in the Byron Water Supply
system:
Distribution system residual maintenance
Maintaining a closed system
Customer connection – backflow prevention
3.3 Critical Control Points Critical Control Points (CCPs) are activities, procedures or processes where the operator can apply
control, and are essential processes in reducing risks to an acceptable level.
In order to define acceptable from unacceptable performance at each point, target levels, alert levels
and critical limits have been identified for Council’s drinking water supply systems.
Set out below in Table 19 and Table 20 are the identified CCPs, critical limits, monitoring undertaken
and corrective actions for Byron and Mullumbimby drinking water supplied, respectively.
Three different levels have been set for each CCP within Council’s drinking water supply systems:
1. Target Level Representing day to day operational limits and procedures. This is what the
WTP aims to achieve
2. Alert Level: Deviation from the Alert Limit indicates a trend towards loss of control and
corrective actions should be immediately taken to resolve the problem and restore control to
the Drinking Water Supply System
3. Critical Limit: Deviation from the Critical Limit indicates loss of control and the potential of
unacceptable health risks. If the critical limit is exceeded, incident and emergency plans
should be immediately activated
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Table 19 Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply System Critical Control Points
Parameter Frequency Target Limit
Operational Procedures Alert Limit
Corrective Actions Critical Limits Corrective Actions
CCP 1 Extraction Management
Turbidity
(NTU)
Continuous < 10 Visual inspection of plant daily
Visual check of chlorine
analyser daily
Visual check of race channel
Check pH daily
Check NTU after filtration
Weekly clean of analyser
Weekly inspection of source
water at Laverty’s Gap Weir
Calibrate turbidity meter by
external contractor 4 monthly
Clean / scour race channel
twice yearly
> 25 Visual inspection dosing
equipment
Perform Jar test - adjust alum
dose
Check pH – adjust soda ash
Visual inspection flocc
Check NTU after filtration
Perform backwash
Check Aluminium residual in
finished water
Contact supervisor
Increase monitoring until
system conforms
> 60 Shut down WTP
Contact Manger
Undertake alert limit corrective
actions
Scour race channel
Manual restart when turbidity target
reached
Increase monitoring until system
conforms
Refer to Operating Manual 7.3 Incident
Management Protocol
CCP 2 Filtration
Turbidity
(NTU)
Continuous < 0.2 Visual inspection of plant daily
Visual inspection of flocc
formation
Check raw water NTU daily
Check Aluminium residual in
finished water
Weekly clean of analyser
Calibrate turbidity meter by
external contractor 4 monthly
Refer to Planned Maintenance
Schedule
> 0.5
Perform backwash
If filters backwash >2/day
check for blockages
Investigate coagulant dose
rates – adjust accordingly
Visual inspection flocc
Check raw water NTU
Increase monitoring until
system conforms
Contact supervisor
Refer to Operating Manual
> 1 WTP automatically shuts down
Contact Manger
Undertake alert limit corrective
actions
Manual restart when turbidity target
reached
Refer to Incident Management Protocol
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Parameter Frequency Target Limit
Operational Procedures Alert Limit
Corrective Actions Critical Limits Corrective Actions
CCP 3 Disinfection at Clearwater tank
Free chlorine
(mg/L)
Daily 1 - 2 Daily monitoring of Free and
Total Chlorine
Weekly sampling of chlorine
residual in reservoirs and
reticulation system
Weekly calibration of analyser
Calibrate analyser by external
contractor 4 monthly
Check pH and NTU
Refer to Planned Maintenance
Schedule
< 0.8
OR
> 2
Investigate chlorine system
and check for possible
contaminants
Sample Chlorine Residual in
reservoirs and reticulation to
ensure adequate disinfection
Adjust dosing rate if required
Check pH and NTU
Increase monitoring until
system conforms
Contact supervisor
Refer to Operating Manual
< 0.5
OR
> 5.0
Shut down WTP
Sample Chlorine Residual in
reservoirs and reticulation to ensure
adequate disinfection
Contact Manager
Consider ‘topping-up’ disinfectant
Increase monitoring until system
conforms
Contact NSW Health
CCP 4 Reservoirs
Chlorine
residual
(mg/L)
Weekly 0.8 Chlorine residual sampling
weekly from reservoirs, and
points of supply
Calibrate chlorine analyser
Yearly
Weekly visual inspection /
observations around reservoir
Annual planned maintenance
inspection and repairs
5 yearly Inspection by external
consultants – with inspection
report
Refer to Planned Maintenance
Schedule
< 0.5 Check chlorine residual at
plant and adjust if necessary
Check pH and NTU
Repair breach within 1 week
of observation
Increase monitoring until
system conforms
Contact supervisor
Refer to Operating Manual
< 0.2
OR
> 5.0
ENSURE contaminated water does
not reach the consumer
Check chlorine at plant and adjust if
necessary
Consider “topping up “ in Reservoir
Obstruct any entry points to reservoir
until repairs can be carried out
Increase monitoring until system
conforms
Contact Manger
Contact NSW Health
Refer to Operating Manual 7.3 Incident
Management Protocol
Reservoir
integrity
Weekly No
evidence
of breach
or vermin
Visual
identificati
on of
breach or
vermin
access to
reservoirs
Visual
identification of
vermin or
contaminant in
reservoirs
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Table 20 Byron Drinking Water Supply System Critical Control Points
Parameter Frequency Target Limit
Operational Procedures Alert Limit Corrective Actions Critical Limits Corrective Actions
CCP 1 Reservoirs
Chlorine
residual
(mg/L)
Weekly 0.8 Chlorine residual sampling
weekly from reservoirs, and
points of supply
Calibrate chlorine probe
yearly
Weekly visual inspection /
observations around
reservoir
Annual planned
maintenance inspection and
repairs
5 yearly Inspection by
external consultants – with
inspection report
Refer to Planned Maintenance
Schedule
< 0.5 Check pH and NTU
Check Chlorine residual in
reticulation system
Consider ‘topping up’
reservoir with liquid
chlorine to ensure
disinfection
Repair breach within 1 week
of observation
Contact supervisor
Refer to Operating Manual
< 0.2
OR
> 5.0
ENSURE contaminated water does
not reach the consumer
Contact Rous to check chlorine at
WTP and adjust if necessary
Consider “topping up “ in Reservoir
Obstruct any entry points to
reservoir until repairs can be carried
out
Contact Manger
Contact Rous Water
Contact NSW Health
Refer to Operating Manual 7.3 Incident
Management Protocol
Reservoir
integrity
Weekly No evidence
of breach or
vermin
Visual
identification
of breach or
vermin access
to reservoirs
Visual
identification of
vermin or
contaminant in
reservoirs
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4.1 Operational Monitoring Operational monitoring is a planned sequence of measurements and
observations throughout the water supply system to ensure and
confirm performance of preventive measures and barriers to
contamination. The importance of operational monitoring to the
effective maintenance of preventive barriers to contamination cannot be
overstated.
The single most significant concern for WTP operators is to ensure effective barriers are in place to
protect the drinking water supply from waterborne microbial pathogens. Therefore the most
important monitoring activity is to ensure that microbial contamination does not cross the barriers
and enter the drinking water supply.
BSC have a Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Plan (#1121196) documenting monitoring points,
parameters, trigger levels, frequency, actions and responsibilities from catchment to consumer. The
purpose of the BSC operational monitoring regime is to assess the operational performance of the
water supply systems. The parameters and points monitored are used to reflect the effectiveness of
each process and indicate treatment performance. A detailed Monitoring Plan is in Appendix 4 and
summarised in Table 21.
The Mullumbimby WTP operational monitoring regime includes the continuous monitoring of:
Turbidity at raw water intake and filters
pH at finished water
Free Chlorine at finished water
In relation to health considerations, turbidity can have a significant effect on the microbial quality of
drinking water. High turbidity can interfere with the detection and treatment of bacteria and viruses,
and is known to protect microorganisms from the action of disinfectants. The ADWG (2011)
recommends that in order to remove waterborne pathogens in unprotected catchments, where
filtration is used as part of the water treatment process, the turbidity leaving the filters, under normal
operating conditions should be < 0.2 NTU (NHMRC).
pH is monitored at the ‘finished water’ to ensure effective disinfection. NSW Office of Water
recommends that for effective disinfection pH is maintained at 7.8 – 8.2.
WTP operators must ensure that the drinking water supply remains free from microbial
contamination as it moves through the distribution system. Typically, Chlorine residuals at a point of
supply in Australia are generally in the range of 0.1 to 4 mg/L with typical concentration at 0.2 mg/L.
Monitoring results are reviewed by WTP operators or managers on receipt and management decisions
are adjusted accordingly. Key operational parameters and management actions have been noted in
Table 22.
4 Monitoring
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Table 21 Operational Monitoring Regime for Mullumbimby Water Treatment Plant
Monitoring Source Water WTP Reservoir Reticulation
Physical and Chemical Parameters
pH Daily Continuously Weekly Weekly
Turbidity Daily Continuously Weekly
Colour Weekly Weekly
TDS Weekly Weekly
Alkalinity Weekly Weekly Weekly
Fe, Mn Weekly Weekly Weekly
Aluminum Daily Weekly
Chemical dosage Daily
Microbiological Quality
E. coli Monthly & Event Weekly Weekly Weekly
Faecal coliforms Weekly Weekly Weekly Weekly
Total coliforms Weekly Weekly Weekly Weekly
HPC 35 Weekly Weekly
HPC 20 Weekly
Cyanobacteria
Blue Green Algae at
Lavertys Gap Weir
Weekly (Nov-May)
Monthly (Jun-Oct)
Disinfection
Total Chlorine Daily Weekly Weekly
Free chlorine Daily Weekly Weekly
Other
Rainfall Daily
Weir Level Daily
Flow rate Daily & Event Daily
No. of backwashes Daily
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Table 22 Key Operational Processes and Corrective Actions
CCP, Process Step
Potential Hazard / Cause
Critical Limits Monitoring Corrective Action
Wilsons Creek Catchment
Blue Green Algae
(BGA)
Low flows, high
nutrient levels in
Wilsons Creek.
Introduction of
micro hazards
(BGA), chemical
toxins and or
physical hazards
(taste and odour)
Laverty’s Gap Weir
Corrective action is
required if:
BGA Cell Count
> 500 cells/ml
Catchment nutrient
levels (monthly)
Visual inspection in
Weir pool and coarse
screen (Daily)
Weekly sampling
Nov - May
Monthly sampling
June – Oct
Shut down WTP
Refer to Blue Green
Algae Management Protocols Doc #659568
CCP 1
Turbidity at Raw
Water Intake
High flow in
Wilsons Creek
causing increased
turbidity and
organic loads.
Possible pathogen
contamination and
reduced treatment
capacity
Raw Water Intake
Corrective action is
required if:
Turbidity >10 NTU
WTP shutdown if:
Turbidity >60 NTU
Raw water intake
Turbidity
(continuous)
Adjust alum dose
Perform backwash
Shut down WTP
Refer to Operating
Manual 7.3 Incident Management Protocol
Mullumbimby Water Treatment Plant
Alum dosing Microbial, chemical
or physical
contamination due
to incorrect alum
dosing
Corrective action is
required if:
Raw Water Intake
pH < 6.0 or > 7.0
Filtered Water
Turbidity > 1.0 NTU
Finished Water
Al residual > 0.2mg/L
Raw Water Intake
Turbidity
(continuous)
Filtered water
Turbidity and pH
(continuous)
Finished Water
Al (daily)
pH (continuous)
Jar tests should be
performed to ensure
accurate dosing
Dosing equipment
should be checked
Refer to Operating
Manual7.3 Incident Management Protocol
Planned Maintenance Schedule
CCP 2
Filtration
Microbial and or
chemical
contamination due
to filter break
through
Filtered Water
Plant Auto Shutdown
Turbidity > 0.8 NTU
Operator Auto Alarm
Turbidity > 0.5 NTU
Corrective action is
required if:
Turbidity target of <0.2
NTU prior to
disinfection
> 3 backwashes daily
Filtered water
Turbidity
(continuous)
Perform backwash –
immediately after high
turbidity is detected.
If filters backwash >2/day
check for blockages in the
system
Investigate coagulant
dose rates
Refer to Operating
Manual
Incident Management Protocol
Planned Maintenance Schedule
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CCP, Process Step
Potential Hazard / Cause
Critical Limits Monitoring Corrective Action
CCP 3
Disinfection
Microbial
(pathogen)
contamination due
to inadequate
disinfection.
Chemical
contamination from
disinfection by -
products resulting
from over dosing.
Aesthetic issues due
to high chlorine
doses.
Finished Water
Corrective action
required if:
Free Chlorine Residual:
Lower limit –
0.8 -1.2mg/L
Upper limit – 5mg/L
Target – 3mg/L
pH > 8.0
Turbidity > 0.5 NTU
(Operator Alarm)
Finished Water
pH (continuously)
Free Chlorine
(continuous)
Residual (Daily)
Turbidity (Daily)
Investigate chlorine
system and check for
possible contaminants
Adjust dosing rate if
required
Refer to Operating
Manual
Planned Maintenance Schedule
Mullumbimby and Byron Reservoirs
CCP 4
Maintenance of
water quality and
Reservoir
Integrity
Microbial
(pathogen)
contamination
Due to presence of
pest or vermin in
reservoir
Reticulation
Corrective action
required if:
Free Chlorine
Residual : < 0.2mg/L
Target – 0.5 mg/L
Chlorine residual
(weekly) in
reticulation system, at
reservoirs, and points
of supply.
Visual reservoir
inspections monthly
ENSURE potentially
contaminated water does
not reach the consumer
e.g. stop supply
Check Chlorine at plant:
adjust chlorine dosing
rate
Obstruct any entry points
to reservoir until repairs
can be carried out
Refer to Operating
Manual7.3 Incident Management Protocol
Planned Maintenance Schedule
Mullumbimby and Byron Distribution Systems
Maintain water
quality
Pathogens /
Microbial regrowth
due to Inadequate
disinfection at WTP
Chemical
contamination from
disinfection by-
products as a result
of over dosing
Aesthetic issues due
to high chlorine
dosing
Reticulation system
Corrective action is
require if at the end
point of supply
chlorine residual is :
< 0.2 mg/L or
>1.5 mg/L
Reticulation system
Chlorine residual
Weekly sampling at
various locations
through the
distribution system
Refer to Planned Maintenance Schedule
Adjust dose rate if
required
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4.2 Verification of Drinking Water Quality The results of the E. coli monitoring program will not prevent unsafe
water being supplied to consumers, and drinking water quality
monitoring should not be substituted for or used in place of a well –
constructed operational risk based monitoring program.
The verification of the drinking water quality supplied to consumers is an
essential element in assessing the overall performance of the system.
Verification provides an important link back to the operation of the water
supply system and additional assurance that the preventive measures
and treatment barriers in the water supply system have worked, and are
supplying safe drinking water.
The ADWG 2011 recommends that sampling points within a distribution system are divided into
zones that are typically:
Supplied from a single source, and / or
Hydraulically separated from other zones
BSC have a Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Plan that outlines all monitoring points, parameters,
trigger levels, frequency, actions and responsibilities (refer to Appendix 4). As the priority for
drinking water quality is to confirm microbial safety, locations for verification monitoring are
strategically placed so that representative sites are monitored at the ‘end of supply’ from each
reservoir. As previously noted in Section 2.3 this DWMS has identified a zone that requires water
quality monitoring:
Mullumbimby Water Supply - Left Bank Reservoir and reticulation
BSC maintain a chlorine residual of 0.2 mg/L to 0.5 mg/L throughout the Mullumbimby and Byron
distribution system.
Byron Shire Council monitors water quality at the point of supply as part of the NSW Health Drinking
Water Monitoring Program which provides ongoing independent verification of the treatment process.
Frequency of sampling is based on population. The Program assesses 36 parameters for microbial,
physical and chemical properties of the water. These parameters and their sampling frequencies are
displayed in Table 23. The results can be accessed at www.drinkingwaterdb.nsw.gov.au.
Council’s Water and Sewerage operators are responsible for the collection of samples for the NSW
Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program. Samples are submitted in accordance with the “Guide for
Submitting Water Samples to FASS for Analysis” and the BSC water sampling procedure.
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Table 23 Verification Monitoring Regime for BSC Water Supply
Analysis Mullumbimby Reticulation Byron Reticulation
Microbiological
E. coli Weekly Weekly
Total coliforms Weekly Weekly
HPC 35 Weekly Weekly
HPC 20 Weekly Weekly
Physical / Chemical
pH Weekly Weekly
Turbidity Weekly Weekly
Alkalinity Weekly Monthly
TDS 6 Monthly Monthly
Colour 6 Monthly Monthly
Disinfection
Total Chlorine Weekly Weekly
Free Chlorine Weekly Weekly
Metals
Aluminium 6 Monthly Monthly
Iron 6 Monthly Monthly
Manganese 6 Monthly Monthly
Metals Suite 6 Monthly Monthly
Pesticides
If detected or
potential presence
Baseline assessment required
Radiological
Radionuclides New supplies should be assessed quarterly for one year, then every 5 years
Council evaluates water quality data on receipt of monitoring results. Water quality results from the
NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program are reported to the Manager of Water and Sewer
and delegated to the treatment plant operators.
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Any exceedances are recorded and acted upon immediately with the appropriate regulatory
authorities notified. All test results are recorded in the NSW Health Drinking Water Database which is
completely independent of Byron Shire Council. The NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring
Program provides the following response protocols, accessible to Council:
NSW Health Response Protocol: for the management of microbiological quality of drinking
water (November 2011)
NSW Health Response Protocol: for the management of physical and chemical quality
(January 2004)
E. coli exceedances require immediate re-testing (using the “Form for urgent sample submission to
FASS”) as stipulated in the NSW Health response protocol for the management of microbiological
quality of drinking water. Council should immediately discuss any E. coli exceedances with NSW
Health, which may result in a boil water alert.
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5.1 Operational Procedures
As part of the development of the DWMS, key operating procedures and corrective actions were
established for each Critical Control Point (CCP) within the Mullumbimby and Byron drinking water
supply systems. These included operational procedures required to achieve the target levels and
corrective actions in the event that alert or critical limits are reached.
The CCPs for each system are:
Mullumbimby – Extraction management base on turbidity, Filtered water turbidity,
Disinfection, and Integrity of Reservoirs
Byron - Disinfection and Integrity of Reservoirs
The operational procedures and corrective actions for the Mullumbimby and Byron CCPs are
available in Table 19 and Table 20, respectively. For other tasks undertaken in the water supply
systems BSC have Safe Work Method Statement that document the operational procedures.
BSC has an Operations Manual that documents procedures and equipment specifications for
operation of the Water Treatment Plant. The Manuals are kept at the Water and Sewer Operations
office in Bayshore Drive Byron Bay and at the Water Treatment Plant. The Coordinator of Reticulation
and Treatment Systems is responsible for the care and security of these manuals.
5.2 Preventive Maintenance and Calibration Preventive maintenance ensures assets are kept in good working order and therefore contamination
incidences should not result from malfunctions of important processes. Calibration of instruments
especially used to measure critical limits is required to ensure data is reliable.
Water and Sewer planned maintenance tasks are listed and managed using the schedules in the
spread sheets in Documents #448000, #468000 and #464600. The Customer Request Management
(CRM) database is used to manage the task workflows.
Tasks are automatically flagged in the schedule spreadsheets when they become due. CRMs (or
Requests) are then raised for these due tasks and the CRM numbers recorded in the schedule. All of
the Water and Sewer Assets are identified in spreadsheets which are included in the GIS system;
relevant financial schedules and the planned maintenance spreadsheets. Each asset (or group of
assets) is provided with check sheets. These include maintenance instructions with check boxes to
confirm completion and record readings.
The maintenance spreadsheets identify:
Asset or group of assets
Officers responsible for undertaking the maintenance
Frequency of maintenance activity
Last done
Next Due
5 Operational Procedures and Process Control
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The check sheet documents are printed, marked with the CRM numbers and issued. The assigned
field staff complete the work outlined on the check sheets and mark them up to provide job reports.
The checklists are then returned, the CRMs closed and the schedules updated. The spreadsheets then
recalculate the next due dates for each task. Any identified work is recorded in a planned repair
backlog by raising additional CRMs.
Customer reports of breakdowns and other issues are also recorded using CRMs. These sheets are
printed and assigned to field staff that address the problems and return the sheets so the CRMs can be
completed.
Planned maintenance completion for each asset class is reviewed weekly by the Water and Sewer
Coordinators to identify progress and priorities. See Chart below of example of data reviewed.
Figure 13 Example of Customer Request Management Database
The Water Treatment Plant has a specific instrumentation maintenance task and instructions.
Similarly all flow meters and instrumentation in the reticulation system.
The Water and Sewer Planned Maintenance manual (document #692271) is in draft form and is still to
be reviewed and finalised.
5.2.1 Unplanned Maintenance
Unplanned maintenance is identified through various sources. These are:
WTP SCADA system - The Water Treatment Plant has an SCX based SCADA system
operating the plant. The details of the system are contained in the WTP Operations Manual.
This system is monitored at the site; the Operations office at the BSC Depot; and on the
Coordinator’s notebook computers
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Water & Sewer Water Sewer Retic STP Average All Reuse Tasks
The higher the better
Start June
Reuse fasks separated
from STP tasks
Tasks that are up to date (i.e. not
overdue) as a percentage of the total
number of scheduled tasks.
Only scheduled tasks with a
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are included.
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Telemetry system - The reservoirs and water booster pump stations around the Shire are all
monitored by a telemetry system. The main parameters monitored are reservoir levels and
pump stations pump operations. This system is monitored at the Operations office at the BSC
Depot; and on all the operational computers
Planned maintenance inspections – as detailed above. This system can be viewed on all BSC
computers
Phone calls from the public – Notification from the Public are documented in the Customer
Request Management system. Members of the public can phone, fax or email any issues they
may have or see with the water system. In particular this mechanism is essential for
identifying service line breaks; main breaks; meter repairs; water quality and low flow issues.
During business hours CRMs are raised immediately the information is received. CRMs are
available on all BSC computers
Operational observations – The Water Treatment Plant has a qualified Water Operator attend
the plant on a daily basis. Daily duties include inspections of all components for correct
operation. Any observed malfunctions are either dealt with immediately or are subject of a
CRM for actioning by others
Out of specification reports from monitoring data (via the WASP data base) – This is an SQL
database system that records data collected by the site operators and all parameter data
analysed by external sources (most commonly external Laboratorys). The data is input both
manually and automatically depending on the source. All key parameters have control limits
set. If a result is outside these control limits an email is sent to the Coordinator Reticulation
and Treatment Systems and the Manager System Operations Water for action as required
During business hours calls from the public are received by Water and Sewerage staff that take details
of the caller and the problem; and raise a Customer Request in the CRM system. This CRM system
will send an email to the Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems for actioning in the field. If
the problem is of an urgent nature, the receiving officer will also telephone the Coordinator to ensure
the issue is responded to in a timely manner.
After hours, calls from the public are received by a contracted monitoring service. They have
instructions that any calls received regarding water and sewerage assets/problems are immediately
referred to the Water and Sewerage On-Call Coordinator for assessment and resourcing as required.
During business hours the Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems has specific responsibility
for ensuring any alarms from the Water System and telephone calls from the public are appropriately
resourced. After hours the Water and Sewerage On-Call Coordinator has specific responsibility for
ensuring all calls from the public and alarms are monitored and appropriately resourced.
The Manager System Operations Water has overall responsibility to ensure that there is a responsible
person at all times monitoring and resourcing alarms generated by the SCADA and Telemetry
systems or phoned in by the public.
The Water and Sewerage On-Call system operates on a rostered basis with all Water and Sewerage
operational staff required to participate. An overview of the system is as follows:
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The On-Call Roster system requires all Water and Sewerage employees to participate. This
requirement is detailed in all Position Descriptions. It is stipulated for OH&S purposes that no
employee is required to go on call more than 1 week in 4. Having all employees participate means
Council can comply with this requirement. It also means Council does not become dependent on any
one employee having "all the knowledge".
To overcome some inherent conflicts of interest an On Call Coordinator (OCC) role was created. This
is a senior employee who is the contact point for all SCADA alarms and after hour calls from the
public through a call centre. The OCC receives the call or alarm and makes a decision of what
resources are required. They then SMS or call the appropriate on call employee to attend. This
divorces the decision from the benefit. The called out employee responds to the issue and then
contacts the OCC when they are finished. This also satisfies the “working alone” OH&S requirement.
The hours are recorded by the OCC which allows for appropriate verification for Supervisors to sign
off overtime on timesheets. The senior employees performing this function are Coordinators up to
Manager.
Apart from the On-Call Coordinator we also have on call:
Water Operator (1) - for WTP operations; water main and service line breaks
STP Operator (1) - for STP alarms and computer monitoring of plants
Sewer Maintenance (1) - for sewer blockages and sewer pump stations
Fitter / Electrician (1) - for mechanical / electrical issues any area
Miscellaneous (1) - this role is open to all employees and is used as a support role when more
than 1 person is required
5.3 Materials and Chemicals Council’s objective is to ensure all equipment purchased performs adequately and provides sufficient
flexibility and process control. All work carried out in the drinking water supply systems is done in
accordance with the Plumbing Code of Australia, AUS-SPEC0071 Water Supply – Reticulation and
Pump Stations (Design) (NATSPEC) and Australian Standards in the purchasing of materials.
The use, including transport and storage, of chemicals listed as “Dangerous Goods” under the Work
Health and Safety Regulation 2012 (NSW) (WH&S Regulation), including chlorine, is dictated by the
provisions of the WH&S Regulation and Work Cover. Storages and trucks are licensed according to
the WH&S Regulation.
Council purchases water treatment chemicals through reputable suppliers. All materials, chemicals
and consultancy services are procured using Councils Purchasing and Tender Guidelines (document
#1068115). Materials are generally specified using the AUS-SPEC produced standards for Water
Supply and Reticulation.
Development Design Specification D11 Water Supply
Development Construction Specification C401 Water Reticulation
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NSW Health recommends that all chemical deliveries are attended by a trained water treatment plant
operator, and that the following procedures are followed:
A certificate of analysis is provided by the supplier at the time of delivery for each batch of
chemical supplied and that the chemical satisfies the criteria specified in Chapter 8 of the
ADWG, prior to the commencement of unloading
The operator is to check and confirm the correct chemical is being delivered into the
appropriate storage
If relevant, the operator is to check that the correct concentration has been supplied
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and appropriate chemical signs are displayed in a MSDS register
at the WTP and within the vicinity of chemical storage areas. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),
first aid kits, chemical spills kits, safety showers and eye wash stations are located at the
Mullumbimby WTP in the event of an emergency.
Chemicals used in the supply of drinking water at Mullumbimby WTP are listed in Table 24
Table 24 List of Chemicals Used in Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply System
Chemical Purpose Suppliers Dosing
Concentration Storage Details
Soda ash pH adjustment Omega 10 % Stored at WTP in:
Bunded bulk tank
Fibre glass dosing
tank
Aluminium sulphate
Coagulation Omega 43 % Fibre glass dosing
tank
Chlorine Gas Disinfection Orica 98.9 % Chlorine room in
bulk 900kl tank.
Spare cylinders
available.
Supply is alarmed,
weighed and
operated by well-
trained staff.
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6.1 Communication Byron Sire Council Water and Sewerage Operations have an Incident Management Protocol that
details how emergency situations will be managed and resolved. It also contains a list of key internal
and external contacts. It is updated annually or as required.
The BSC Incident Management Protocol (Operating Manual Edition 7.3) includes contact list of key
people, agencies and businesses; procedures for internal and external notification; responsibilities and
authorities both internal and external communication. Maintaining consumer confidence and trust
during and after an incident helps alley community concerns and restores community confidence in
the water supply.
The clearly defined BSC protocol for both internal and external communication enables Council to act
effectively in remediating the situation.
Table 25 BSC Internal Emergency Communication Details
Role Person Phone
1 Principal Engineering Systems Planning Dean Baulch 02 6626 7085
0418 463 885
2 Manger System Operations Water Peter Rees 02 6685 9306
0417 464 716
3 Director Infrastructure Services Phil Holloway 02 6626 7000
The Water Supply Agreement with Rous Water documents a communication protocol between BSC
and Rous Water. In the event of an emergency or incident BSC shall contact
Table 26 Rous Water Emergency Communication Details for Byron Supply
Role Person Phone
1 Distribution Services Manager Michael McKenzie 02 6623 3813
0407 351 731
2 Technical Services Director Wayne Franklin 02 6623 3811
0427 261 823
The Agreement stipulates that both parties shall document Emergency Management and Continuity
of Supply procedures with the intent of “ensuing structured downgrading and resumption of services
when circumstances necessitate”.
6 Management of Incidents and Emergencies
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6.2 Incident and emergency response protocols BSC follows the protocols developed by NSW Health for incidents relating to Microbial (#1127480)
and Physical and Chemical (#1127668) contamination. Further to the NSW Health protocols BSC has
an internal Incident Management Protocol (Operating Manual Edition 7.3) for water and recycling
services.
It is of high priority that potential incidents are defined and emergency response protocols are
developed and documented in advance to such events occurring. Following an incident or emergency
situation Council is required to investigate the incident and revise protocols if required.
Employees should be trained in emergency response to ensure they can manage any potential
incidents or emergencies.
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7.1 Training and awareness Training and awareness is essential to ensure the people that are working
within the water supply systems are not only competent with regards to their
position within the organisation, but are also aware of how their actions may
affect water quality.
As stated as a guiding principle in the ADWG (2011), “system operators must
maintain a personal sense of responsibility and dedication to providing
consumers with safe water; and should never ignore a consumer complaint
about water quality”.
Council has a training programme for all employees which is reviewed
annually. This training programme is a part of council’s overall Human
Resources management and is documented in the Human Resources
Management Manual (document #254796).
The water operations team has monthly toolbox meetings to discuss
operational issues. These meetings are minuted and reported to senior management.
The entire water and sewer operations team has quarterly production meetings with senior
management to discuss performance; operational and wider Council issues. These meetings are also
minuted.
7.2 Community Involvement and Awareness Council recognises the importance of community consultation through the Community Strategic Plan
(BSC, 2012). Council has a range of mechanisms to encourage community involvement through the
following mechanisms and initiatives:
1. Council’s Ordinary meetings: ordinary meetings of Council are held in the Council Chambers at
Station Street in Mullumbimby, with all meetings open to the public
2. Council’s website: Council maintains a “Water” section on Council’s website, which provides
information to the community in regards to plumbing, rainwater tanks, water education, water
interruptions and the water supply system. The DWMS is available through the website
3. The Lavertys Gap Catchment Management Plan (document #673411): has identified 6 actions to
implement to improve community involvement and awareness
4. Byron Shire Council partners Rous Water with various demand management programmes which
encompass
Rebates for water efficient devices
Rainwater tank rebates
Community education workshops
Business Blue and Green programme to reduce water consumption
7 Supporting Programs
System operators
must maintain a
personal sense of
responsibility and
dedication to
providing
consumers with
safe water; and
should never
ignore a consumer
complaint about
water quality
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5. The Water and Recycling Advisory Committee: this committee comprises staff and volunteers
from the community who meet every 3 months and reviews data, policies and programmes and
makes recommendations to Council
6. Complaints Management Policy (document #1154370): details the procedures for handling
complaints submitted by the community. According to the policy, complaints monitoring will be
used to identify areas for improvement in Council’s service delivery
7. Customer Request Management System: every customer request received form the community is
formerly responded to with a letter advising the customer of the outcome and also providing
some water saving information
7.3 Investigative Studies and Research Monitoring BSC undertakes investigative studies and research monitoring on a project basis as required.
Examples of research and development include:
Mullumbimby WTP Upgrade – extensive research and studies were undertaken on plant
performance and structures to determine future water requirements. Mullumbimby WTP
Concept Design
In partnership with Rous – chloramation – chlorine / analysis of rainwater tanks in area
Hydraulic modelling of whole system is currently being developed and validated
7.4 Process and Equipment Validation Validation requires the evaluation of system processes and equipment to prove the performance
under all conditions expected to be encountered during operations. Validation should be undertaken
on new processes and equipment, when upgrades occur and on a regular basis to ensure continual
performance.
Validation should be undertaken when there is a:
Change in raw water quality
Modification to the water treatment processes
Change to the delivery, storage and distribution systems of treated and untreated water
Change in the use of treated water
Change in water quality standards
New research or understanding of water quality issues
Receipt of information that indicates a health risk associated with the quality of the drinking
water
Validation of new or upgraded processes and equipment is undertaken by qualified, experienced
engineers and operators through:
System design according to industry guidelines and standards
Individual process and equipment specification against CCP target limits
Procurement of equipment/chemicals from approved suppliers
Market pre-validation by suppliers, particularly associated with water treatment chemicals
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Ongoing validation processes to ensure safe and acceptable drinking water is supplied to the
customer are:
Review of scientific literature on treatment processes and industry best practice
Evaluation of the effectiveness of CCPs in eliminating or controlling risks
Assessment of research and development work to ensure CCP limits remain appropriate
7.5 Documentation and Reporting
7.5.1 Management of Documentation and Records
Council maintains all documents in the TRIM document management system. All documents are
maintained in accordance with the state government guidelines.
The DWMS documents information pertinent to all aspects of drinking water quality management for
the Byron and Mullumbimby drinking water supply systems. The DWMS is a living document and
should be maintained in-line with actual operations and management. Any changes to the drinking
water supply systems should be updated and documented within this DWMS.
7.5.2 Reporting
Water quality monitoring results are recorded both manually and electronically on the Council server
at the Byron STP. These results are reported to the Water and Sewerage Manager monthly, unless
specifically requested, as in the event of an incident.
As required by the Water Supply Agreement with Rous Water:
BSC will provide quarterly Reports to Rous Water – to be submitted two weeks prior to the
Rous Water Regional Water Supply Agreement Committee meeting for inclusion in the
business paper
Rous Water will provide monthly and annual Reports to BSC
Council undertakes reporting as required by NSW Health and NSW Office of Water including:
NSW Health compliance reporting for drinking water quality monitoring: drinking water
quality within BSC is monitored and the results are recorded in the NSW Health Drinking
Water Database. Water quality reports can be produced from the database, which is located at
the following web page: http://www.drinkingwaterdb.nsw.gov.au
NSW Health also analyses drinking water samples in accordance with the minimum
requirements of the ADWG 2004. These results are recorded in the NSW Health Drinking
Water Database. Reports are issued annually on compliance
Water Supply and Sewerage NSW Performance Reporting: Council’s water supply service
performance is detailed in the NSW Water Supply and Sewerage Performance Monitoring
Report annually. This report is available for public access from the NSW Office of Water
Data is supplied annually to the NSW Office of Water and through them, reported federally as
part of the National Water Initiative. As part of this process, there is an external audit of the
data collection and reporting systems every 3 years. This is also reported to the NSW Office of
Water
In line with Council’s responsibilities the following reports are maintained:
Council Annual Report: available electronically on Council’s website
Byron Shire Council Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan
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In addition to the above reports, Byron Shire Council Water Operations prepare monthly reports on
the status of the water operations. These reports are reviewed by BSC Manger System Operations
Water and issued to staff for information.
The following items are reviewed:
Financial position
Water Quality Issues
Water Main Breaks
Water Service Breaks
Low pressure/no pressure water issues
Quantity of water supplied
Water system losses
Number of Customer Requests received
Safety Incidents
7.6 Review and Audit
7.6.1 Evaluation and Audit
Water quality results within the Byron and Mullumbimby drinking water supply systems are
recorded and stored in the electronic database on the server at the Byron STP.
Council reviews this data regularly to observe, identify and analyse trends. The Water and Sewer Co-
ordinator reviews data on a daily basis. The Manger System Operations Water reviews the data on a
monthly basis or if they receive an alarm.
This is the first review and audit of the Byron Shire Council DWMS, two years after its initial
publication in 2011. This is an external review conducted by HydroScience, focussing on assessing
Council’s performance in relation to:
CCPs and their exceedances
Improvement Plan
Record keeping
NSW Performance Monitoring
It is recommended that Byron Shire Council internally review and audit the DWMS annually.
External audit of the DWMS is recommended every three years in the NSW Guidelines for Drinking
Water Management Systems. Council is fulfilling its external review obligations through this
document.
NSW Office of Water Inspector carries out external assessment of the WTP on quarterly basis. NSW
Office of Water and the NSW Health Public Health Unit may check key elements of the DWMS such
as whether CCPs are implemented correctly and whether the improvement plan is being
implemented. The NSW Health Regulation allows NSW Health to review a DWMS at any time.
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Byron Shire Council Water Operations prepare monthly reports on the status of the water operations.
The following items are reviewed:
Financial position
Water Quality Issues
Water Main Breaks
Water Service Breaks
Low pressure/no pressure water issues
Quantity of water supplied
Water system losses
Number of Customer Requests received
Safety Incidents
These reports are reviewed by BSC Water and Recycling Senior Management and issued to staff for
information.
This and additional data is supplied annually to the NSW Office of Water and through them, reported
Federally as part of the National Water Initiative. As part of this process, there is an external audit of
the data collection and reporting systems every 3 years. This is also reported to the NSW Office of
Water.
7.6.2 Review by Senior Management
As part of the requirements of Council’s reporting procedures, the Manger System Operations Water
will review the effectiveness of the management system and the underlying policies. This review will
be undertaken annually and will focus on reviewing of effectiveness and implementation of the
DWMS.
A complete review of the DWMS will take place every four years in line with the review of the
Strategic Business Plan.
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Table 27 lists prioritised actions to improve water quality from catchment to tap for the Byron Shire
Council water supply areas. The Manager Systems Operation Water and Wastewater is responsible for
implementing the following improvement action plan.
Table 27 Byron Shire Council Water Quality Improvement Action Plan
Priority Objective Action Required Timeframe /
targets
2013 Review
High Align key Operational
Procedures with
Council SCADA /
database
Update WASP database with the CCP monitoring limits
and corrective actions
2014
Medium In consultation with Rous Water, review sampling
parameters reported to BSC at the inlet to each Reservoir.
Currently free chlorine and pH are the only parameters
reported.
2014
2011
High Reservoirs maintain
the recommended
disinfection levels for
adequate pathogen
removal
Council to expand monitoring regime to include:
Mullumbimby water supply - Left Bank Reservoir
Byron water supply – Tongarra Reservoir at Ocean
Shores
2014
Review and update Drinking Water Quality Monitoring
Plan (#1121196)
Completed
High Water quality
sampling regime is
representative of all
hydraulically
separated zones
Council to include monitoring of reticulated water
quality at a point of supply point along:
Left Bank distribution system
Tongarra distribution system
2014
Review and update Drinking Water Quality Monitoring
Plan (#1121196)
2014
High Protection of source
water in Upper
Wilsons Creek
Catchment
Liaise with CMA on catchment improvement initiatives
e.g. Septic systems; Agricultural practices; Riparian
rehabilitation; Land clearing
Ongoing
Ongoing Increase inspection of Onsite Sewage Management
systems within Upper Wilsons Creek Catchment or close
to weir / race
High Emergency contact for
contamination event
or incident
Visible emergency phone number to report incidences in
the Wilson Creek Catchment e.g. signage, letter/magnet
drop off
2014
Medium Procedures
documented for
Update emergency contact details and protocols
Annually and after any incidents or emergencies
Ongoing
8 Drinking Water Quality Improvement Plan
July 2014 HydroScience
B827_Byron Drinking Water Quality Management System_Rev3.doc Page 75
Priority Objective Action Required Timeframe /
targets
Incidences and
Natural Disasters
Preparation of Business Continuity Plan for BSC Water
and Wastewater Services
2016
Medium Reduce potential for
Blue green algae
outbreak in Laverty’s
Gap weir
Liaise with CMA on catchment improvement initiatives:
Educate landholders on fertiliser use to reduce
phosphorous in catchment
Increase environmental flows in Wilsons River
catchment
Ongoing
Refer #659568 Blue Green Algae Management Protocols
Medium System in place for
failure of weir
Council to develop a response plan if weir fails (Drought
Management Plan)
Completed
Medium Maintain high level
training for WTP
Operators and staff
Document a system to ensure appropriate operator
training and education
Document specific water operator qualification criteria to
ensure consistency in approach
Completed
Medium Endorsement of DWQ
Policy by Council
Council to endorse Draft Drinking Water Quality Policy Completed
Medium Effective community
involvement and
awareness
Update Council Website with information on Drinking
Water Management System
Completed
Medium DWMS reflected in
BSC regulatory and
formal requirements
Review Rous Water Supply Agreement (2008) in line
with BSC revised monitoring regime
Completed
High Operational
monitoring
undertaken in
accordance with the
ADWG (2011)
Review trigger alarms targets for turbidity at the filters in
response to the 2011 ADWG recommendation.
Calculate C.t (free chlorine / contact time)
Completed
Investigate the addition of the following parameters into
the BSC monitoring regime:
Disinfection by-products (THM)
Radionuclides
2014
Medium Ensure all operating
procedures are
documented
Review Operations Manual and Safe Work Method
Statements to identify any procedural gaps that may exist
in current operational practice.
Review and finalise the Water and Sewer Planned
Maintenance Manual (document #692271)
Identify and adopt appropriate specifications for
procurement of materials and services for Water
Treatment Plant operations and engagement of
consultants for water supply
Ongoing
Medium Continual Review and
Audit DWMS
Annual review /audit compliance with Drinking Water
Quality Management Plan
Ongoing
June 2014 HydroScience B827_Byron Drinking Water Quality Management Plan Review_Rev2.doc Page 76
Appendices
June 2014 HydroScience B827_Byron Drinking Water Quality Management Plan Review_Rev2.doc
Reticulated / Town Drinking Water Quality Policy
Appendix 1:
BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL
POLICY 12/017
RETICULATED/TOWN DRINKING WATER QUALITY
E2013/1621
Policy –Reticulated/Town Drinking Water Quality
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
Date Adopted by Council 12/12/2012 Resolution No. 12-805
Policy Responsibility Manager Operations Water
Review Timeframe As required
Last Review Date: Next Scheduled Review Date
Document History
Doc No. Date Amended Details Comments eg Resolution No.
E2012/11334 25/10/2012 Draft Reported to Council
E2013/1621 12/12/2012 Adopted after close of exhibition - No submission received Res 12-805 of 25/10/2012
Further Document Information and Relationships
Related Legislation* Local Government Act 1993
Public Health Act 2010
Water Management Act 2000
Protection of the Environment (Operations) Act 1997
Work, Health and Safety Act 2011
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
Related Policies Asset Management Policy 07/104
Building over pipelines and other underground structures Policy 4.20
Climate Change Strategic Planning Policy 09/010
Complaints Management Policy 3.22
Filling of Water Tankers from Council Water Mains: Fees and conditions of use Policy 4.21
Inspection, Evaluation and Maintenance of Public Infrastructure Policy 4.24
Lavertys Gap Weir Catchment Management Policy 07/105
Liquid Trade Waste Policy 4.23
Local Approvals Policy (2009) for activities under Section 68 of LGA (1993)
Occupational Health and Safety Policy 3.6
Management of Contaminated Land Policy 5.61
Procurement and Purchasing Policy 2.6
Public Consultation – Proposed Works Policy 4.3
Rainwater Tanks in Urban Areas Policy 5.48
Water Conservation Policy 4.1
Related Procedures/ Protocols, Statements, documents
DM1238463 Byron Shire Council Drinking Water Quality Management Plan Rev 5
Note: Any reference to Legislation will be updated in the Policy as required. See website http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/ for current Acts, Regulations and Environmental Planning Instruments.
Policy –Reticulated/Town Drinking Water Quality
E2013/1621 Page (i)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................ 1
2. POLICY STATEMENT............................................................................................................... 1
Policy –Reticulated/Town Drinking Water Quality
E2013/1621 Page (ii)
This Page has been intentionally left blank.
Policy –Reticulated/Town Drinking Water Quality
E2013/1621 Page 1 of 1
Policy No. 12/017
POLICY TITLE RETICULATED/TOWN DRINKING WATER QUALITY POLICY 1. OBJECTIVES
Byron Shire Council is committed to managing its water supply catchment, treatment and supply assets to provide safe, high quality drinking water, which consistently meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011), other regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.
2. POLICY STATEMENT
2.1 To achieve this commitment, and in partnership with the community, other stakeholders and relevant agencies, Byron Shire Council will:
a. Manage water quality from catchment to tap: at all points along the delivery
chain, from the source water to the consumer’s tap
b. Adopt a risk-based approach: in which potential threats to water quality are identified and managed in accordance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines to minimise any threat to drinking water quality
c. Integrate the needs and expectations: of our consumers, stakeholders, regulators and employees into our planning
d. Establish effective monitoring programs: systematically monitor the quality of drinking water and ensure effective reporting mechanisms to provide relevant and timely information that promotes confidence in the water supply and its management to consumers
e. Develop Contingency and Incident Response plans: that will be regularly reviewed and updated.
f. Participate in research and development: Maintain awareness of current research and development activities to ensure that Byron Shire Council is up to date with current industry standards.
g. Contribute to setting industry regulations and guidelines: be an active participant in the development of industry regulation and guidelines relevant to health and the broader water cycle.
h. Adopt best practice water quality management: align our water quality systems and processes with the framework’s proactive and multi-barrier approach to best practice water uality management
i. Continually improve our management practices: by assessing performance against industry standards, corporate commitments and stakeholder expectations
j. Continually improve the capability of our staff: by encouraging and supporting participation in training and professional development and ensure all employees are aware of and actively seek to achieve the aims of this policy
Policy –Reticulated/Town Drinking Water Quality
E2013/1621 Page 2 of 2
k. Maintain a long term and sustainable water supply: which recognises global and
regional priorities in the management of water
2.2 Byron Shire Council will implement and maintain a drinking water quality management system consistent with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality to effectively manage risks to the drinking water quality.
2.3 All managers and employees involved in the supply of drinking water are responsible for understanding, implementing, maintaining and continuously improving the drinking water quality management system.
2.4 Byron Shire Council will communicate to the public its reticulated/town drinking water quality policy and its implementation.
June 2014 HydroScience B827_Byron Drinking Water Quality Management Plan Review_Rev2.doc
Drinking Water Quality Risk Assessment
Appendix 2:
July 2014 HydroScience B827 Appendix2_BWMP Risk Assessment REV 2.Doc Page 1
Byron Shire Council
Drinking Water Quality Management Plan
Technical Note 4
Risk Assessment and Critical Limits, Monitoring and Corrective Action HydroScience Consulting
A.B.N. 79 120 716 887
Email: [email protected]
Sydney Office
Level 1, 189 Kent Street
Sydney, NSW, 2000
Telephone: 02 9249 5100
Facsimile: 02 9251 4011
Byron Bay Office
6/64 Centennial Circuit
Byron Bay, NSW, 2481
Telephone: 02 6639 5600
Facsimile: 02 6680 9319
July 2014 HydroScience B827 Appendix2_BWMP Risk Assessment REV 2.Doc Page 2
© HydroScience Consulting 2014
This document shall remain the property of HydroScience Consulting.
Unauthorised use of this document in any form is prohibited.
Document Control
Approved for Issue
Issue Author Reviewer Name Signature Date
2 JHU MTR Jessica Huxley 22 July 2014
July 2014 HydroScience B827 Appendix2_BWMP Risk Assessment REV 2.Doc Page 3
A Risk Assessment Workshop was held at the Byron Bay Integrated Water Management Reserve on 5 September 2011, 11am and 5pm. Workshop participants adopted the risk assessment tables and matrix in line with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2004, as shown in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3. Table 4 documents the Risk Assessment for the Mullumbimby and Byron drinking water supplies.
Note that the Byron water supply risk assessment was covered for the Reservoirs and Distribution Systems only – all other aspects of risk assessment is undertaken by Rous Water.
Participants in the workshop are noted below:
Byron Shire Council Peter Rees (Manager Systems Operations Water); Neil Ulrick (Distribution Coordinator), John Rushfoth (Environmental Health Officer)
HydroScience Consulting Joanne Walsh (Regional Manager), Jessica Huxley (Environmental Planner)
North Coast Public Health Geoff Sullivan (Public Health Officer)
Rous Water Belinda Fayle (Dams and Treatment Operations Manager)
Table 1 Likelihood or Probability
Level Descriptor Description Time frame
E Rare May occur in exceptional circumstance Less than once every 10 years
D Unlikely Could occur at some time At least once every five years
C Possible Might occur at some time At least once a year
B Likely Will probably occur in most circumstances At least once per quarter
A Almost Certain Expected to occur in most circumstances At least once per month
1 Risk Assessment
July 2014 HydroScience B827 Appendix2_BWMP Risk Assessment REV 2.Doc Page 4
Table 2 Consequence or Severity
Level Descriptor Description Example
1 Insignificant Insignificant impact, little disruption to normal operation, low increase in normal operation costs
Aesthetic e.g.; Colour, pH
2 Minor Minor impact for small population, some manageable operation disruption, some increase in operating costs
Total coliforms, HPC
Identified
3 Moderate Minor impact for large population, significant modification to normal operation but manageable, operation costs increased, increased monitoring
Confirmed E.coli
Boiled Water Notice
4 Major Major impact for small population, systems significantly compromised and abnormal operation if at all, high level of monitoring required
Reported illnesses
Boiled water notice >3days
5 Catastrophic Major impact for large population, complete failure of systems
Unable to supply water of adequate quality or quantity
Table 3 Risk Ranking Matrix
Likelihood or Probability
Consequence or Severity Legend
1. Insignificant
2. Minor
3. Moderate
4. Major
5. Catastrophic
A
Almost certain
Moderate High Very
High Very High
Very High Very High Risk: Senior Management advised. Immediate action taken.
High Risk: Senior Management attention needed.
Moderate Risk: Management responsibility must be specified.
Low Risk: Responsibility to be recorded, actioned when able.
B
Likely
Moderate High High Very High
Very High
C
Possible
Low Moderate
High Very High
Very High
D
Unlikely
Low Low Moderate
High Very High
E
Rare
Low Low Moderate
High High
July 2014 HydroScience B827 Appendix2_BWMP Risk Assessment REV 2.Doc Page 5
Table 4 Byron Shire Council Drinking Water Quality Risk Assessment
Hazardous event / cause
Hazards (Contaminants)
Maximum Risk with no
Preventative Measures
Control point
Preventative/Treatment Measure
What control measures are currently in place?
Residual Risk with
Preventative Measures
Monitoring and Control
Unc
erta
inty
Res
pons
ibili
ty
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Max
imum
risk
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Res
idua
l Ris
k
Catchment High flows in Wilsons Creek
Turbidity, pathogens
A 3 VH Raw water intake: NTU >10 alarm NTU >30 - Plant shut down
Automatic alarm alerts WTP operator for further information about catchment Chemical dosing Calibration and maintenance Plant shut down Turbidity >30NTU Heavy Rainfall – top up all Reservoirs prior to plant shut down
D 2 L Catchment monitoring Online monitoring of turbidity Weather Observations /predictions Visual monitoring of rubbish and debris
Onsite Sewage Management system discharges / failures
Pathogens, nutrients (nitrates, nitrites)
A 5 VH Lavertys Gap Weir >1000cfu/100ml
Filtration
Disinfection
Onsite Sewerage Management Policy and Strategy
Installation, design and maintenance standards
LG Act 1993 and Regulations
Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration
Disinfection (automatic dosing)
Education
Landcare – Riparian Zone
Council OSMS inspection regime (inadequate)
D 3 M Catchment monitoring
Operational monitoring - Chlorine continuous
Filtration monitoring
Supply monitoring – Faecal coliforms weekly /
DoH supply monitoring E.coli weekly or fortnightly
OSMS program when introduced
Unrestricted livestock
Pathogens , nutrients (nitrates, nitrites), turbidity, colour
A 3 VH Lavertys Gap Weir >1000cfu/100ml
Filtration Disinfection
Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration
Disinfection
Education
Landcare – Riparian Zone rehab
D 1 L Catchment monitoring
Laverty Gap Weir (DWMURW) – Faecal coliforms monitored
Operational monitoring - Chlorine continuous
Supply – Faecal coliforms monitored weekly
July 2014 HydroScience B827 Appendix2_BWMP Risk Assessment REV 2.Doc Page 6
Hazardous event / cause
Hazards (Contaminants)
Maximum Risk with no
Preventative Measures
Control point
Preventative/Treatment Measure
What control measures are currently in place?
Residual Risk with
Preventative Measures
Monitoring and Control
Unc
erta
inty
Res
pons
ibili
ty
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Max
imum
risk
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Res
idua
l Ris
k
Chemical spill in catchment
Pesticides, Herbicides, Fertilisers, petrol
E 3 M Fire Brigade spill response BSC Incident and Emergency Management Plans
E 3 M
Farming practices Pesticides, Herbicides, Fertilisers, Nutrients, turbidity, colour
A 3 VH Raw water intake: NTU >10 Filtration Disinfection
Raw water turbidity monitoring Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration Education Pesticides Act 1999 Prosecution / compliance
C 2 M Catchment monitoring Point of Supply – monthly monitoring
Land clearing Turbidity, nutrients, colour
B 2 H NTU >10 at raw water intake Filtration
Automatic alarm alerts WTP operator for further information about catchment Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration Native Vegetation Act Tree Preservation Order Prosecution / compliance
B 1 M Operational monitoring –continuous
Major bushfire Turbidity, nutrients
E 3 M Raw water intake: NTU >10 Filtration
Automatic Turbidity alarm alerts WTP operator to investigate catchment Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration Chemical dosing BSC Incident and Emergency Management Plans
E 2 L Raw water intake monitoring Operational monitoring – turbidity continuous Communication network with local Fire Brigade
Increased population development and density
All pollutants B 2 H LG Planning Controls Compliance – prosecutions
C 1 L Catchment monitoring
Low river flows Reduced water supply
E 5 H Measured inflow to weir <5ML/day (30 day average) 280 mm depth measured at V Notch Weir
Implementation of Level 1 Water Restrictions for Mullumbimby – Drought Management Plan activated Alternate water supply (Rous Water)
E 2 L Depth measured monthly at WC8, with increased frequency to daily when depth measured falls below 380mm
July 2014 HydroScience B827 Appendix2_BWMP Risk Assessment REV 2.Doc Page 7
Hazardous event / cause
Hazards (Contaminants)
Maximum Risk with no
Preventative Measures
Control point
Preventative/Treatment Measure
What control measures are currently in place?
Residual Risk with
Preventative Measures
Monitoring and Control
Unc
erta
inty
Res
pons
ibili
ty
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Max
imum
risk
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Res
idua
l Ris
k
Natural Disasters All pollutants Loss of supply
E 5 H BSC Incident and Emergency Management Plans Plant Shut down
E 3 M Weather observations / predictions
Weir
Blue green algae outbreak
Taste , odour, cyanotoxins, endotoxins, & Liposaccarides
E 4 H Cyanobacteria
> 500 cells /ml Critical levels – boiled water alert
Education
Maintaining environmental flows
Alternate water supply (Rous Water) – although major $
E 4 H Catchment monitoring – nutrients monthly
Visual Inspections of Coarse screen
Monthly testing: June – Oct
Weekly testing: Nov - May
Swimming and primary contact
Pathogens B 1 M Filtration
Disinfection
Education / Signage
Surveillance
Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration
Disinfection
D 1 L Raw water monitoring
Failure of weir (loss of storage capacity)
Physical damage from water flow
Loss of water supply
E 5 H Inspections of weir
Alternate water supply (Rous Water) E 5 H Periodic inspections of weir
Dam not considered a high risk dam
Weir Level low (inflow into the weir is less than water taken out through the race)
Reduced water supply / drought
E 2 L Weir level:
< 160 mm below the weir
Implementation of Level 1 Water Restrictions for Mullumbimby – Drought Management Plan activated
Alternate water supply (Rous Water)
E 1 L Monthly inspections increased to daily inspections once critical limit is reached
July 2014 HydroScience B827 Appendix2_BWMP Risk Assessment REV 2.Doc Page 8
Hazardous event / cause
Hazards (Contaminants)
Maximum Risk with no
Preventative Measures
Control point
Preventative/Treatment Measure
What control measures are currently in place?
Residual Risk with
Preventative Measures
Monitoring and Control
Unc
erta
inty
Res
pons
ibili
ty
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Max
imum
risk
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Res
idua
l Ris
k
Race
Negligent contamination
Herbicide E 2 L Operator training E 1 L Visual monitoring
Deliberate contamination
Chemical, Fertilisers, Herbicides, Pesticides etc
E 4 H BSC Incident and Emergency Management Plans
Visual inspection by operator
E 3 M Visual monitoring
Coarse screen failure / blockage
Debris E 1 L Visual inspection
Weekly cleaning
E 1 L Weekly cleaning
Overland stormwater flow / runoff
Turbidity, Colour, Pathogens, Fertilisers, Herbicides, Pesticides.
A 3 VH NTU >10 at raw water intake
Automatic alarm alerts WTP operator for further information about catchment
Chemical dosing
Calibration and maintenance
Plant shut down Turbidity >30NTU
D 2 L Online monitoring of turbidity
Event monitoring – high rainfall
Build-up of sediment and slimes
A 3 VH Removal of scum around entry to race
Planned Maintenance Schedule
E 1 L Visual monitoring
6 monthly cleaning schedule
Failure of Race (80 years old)
D 3 M Switch to pump mode D 2 L Visual monitoring – weekly (min)
Bats (microbats live in covered part of race)
Pathogens A 3 VH Inlet to plant
Filtration
Disinfection
Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration
Disinfection
D 1 L Laverty Gap Weir (DWMURW) – Faecal coliforms monitored
Operational monitoring - Chlorine continuous
Supply weekly – Faecal coliforms
July 2014 HydroScience B827 Appendix2_BWMP Risk Assessment REV 2.Doc Page 9
Hazardous event / cause
Hazards (Contaminants)
Maximum Risk with no
Preventative Measures
Control point
Preventative/Treatment Measure
What control measures are currently in place?
Residual Risk with
Preventative Measures
Monitoring and Control
Unc
erta
inty
Res
pons
ibili
ty
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Max
imum
risk
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Res
idua
l Ris
k
Treatment systems
Incorrect dosing rates of alum
Turbidity C 2 M Raw water intake: >10 NTU Filter: >1 NTU
Continuous monitoring Jar Test if high turbidity Drop tests Alum adjustments Plan Maintenance Schedule Operator training
D 1 L Raw water intake continuous monitoring Operational monitoring –continuous
Incorrect dosing rates of soda ash
Ineffective flocculation
C 2 M Dosed water pH: 6 - 7
pH sampling D 1 L Operational monitoring –continuous
Filters 1 and 2 Ineffective pollutant removal
Pathogen, metals, colour, turbidity
C 4 VH Filters monitoring Turbidity > 1NTU pH 6 - 7 Backwashes >3/d
Backwash cycling (monitor number of backwashes) Filter maintenance (monitor filter effluent turbidity) Automatic plant shut down on high turbidity Coagulant dosing
D 1 L Finished water monitoring If backwashing more than twice/day – check system for blockage
Chlorine Gas dose failure causing overdosing
Elevated Chlorine / illness
E 2 L Post Dose Point > 3mg/L
Chlorine testing pH adjustment Automatic alarm and plant shutdown
E 1 L Operational monitoring - continuous Supply monitoring weekly – free chlorine
Chlorine Gas dose failure causing ineffective disinfection
Pathogens C 3 H Post Dose Point - 0.8 - 1.2 mg/L pH 7 - 8
Chlorine testing pH adjustment Automatic dosing Automatic alarm and plant shutdown
D 1 L Operational monitoring - continuous Weekly Supply – chlorine monitored
Disposal of backwash supernatant
B 2 H >50 NTU Supernatant tested daily – Turbidity Alternate discharge to sludge waste tanks Planned maintenance Schedule
D 1 L Supernatant tested daily
July 2014 HydroScience B827 Appendix2_BWMP Risk Assessment REV 2.Doc Page 10
Hazardous event / cause
Hazards (Contaminants)
Maximum Risk with no
Preventative Measures
Control point
Preventative/Treatment Measure
What control measures are currently in place?
Residual Risk with
Preventative Measures
Monitoring and Control
Unc
erta
inty
Res
pons
ibili
ty
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Max
imum
risk
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Res
idua
l Ris
k
Chemical shortages
E 4 H Supply contract with Reputable suppliers Chemical storage onsite alarmed for low level Alternative supply available at STP Well stocked supply
E 1 L Alum and soda supplies monitored on SCADA
Materials used (pipe work, chemicals, linings of valves, pumps, oils)
D 3 M Procurement practices and procedures E 1 L Councils process monitoring (rec- test monitoring from suppliers – each batch)
Power failure C Plant Automatically down Generator available
E
Reservoirs
Sabotage / Vandalism at reservoir
Chemical contamination
E 5 H Covered reservoirs
Secured access
Planned Maintenance Schedule
E 2 L Weekly sampling at reservoir
Annual maintenance
Faecal contamination (access by birds, rats)
Pathogens B 3 H 0 cfu/100 ml Covered reservoirs
Planned Maintenance Schedule
Secured access
Process monitoring
NSW Health Microbial Response
D 1 L Reservoir monitoring - Weekly
Supply monitoring - Weekly
Inadequate maintenance of chlorine residuals
Pathogens C 3 H Free chlorine 0.1 – 1.5 mg/L
Total chlorine 0.5 – 5 mg/L
Reservoir monitoring (chlorine in and out)
Chlorine Dosing
NSW Health Microbial Response
Manage reservoir levels
Manage dose levels seasonally
D 2 L Reservoir monitoring - Weekly
Supply monitoring - Weekly
July 2014 HydroScience B827 Appendix2_BWMP Risk Assessment REV 2.Doc Page 11
Hazardous event / cause
Hazards (Contaminants)
Maximum Risk with no
Preventative Measures
Control point
Preventative/Treatment Measure
What control measures are currently in place?
Residual Risk with
Preventative Measures
Monitoring and Control
Unc
erta
inty
Res
pons
ibili
ty
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Max
imum
risk
Like
lihoo
d
Con
sequ
ence
Res
idua
l Ris
k
Distribution systems
Main and service breaks
Pathogens, metals
A 2 H Mains Replacement Program (includes services) Maintenance Response and Procedures (flushed with chlorinated water)
E 2 L
Back flow Pathogens, chemicals
D 4 H Procedures – withdrawal of water from main Integrated dual check valves in water meters Connections as per Australian Standards – Plumbing Code Risk rate connections Register of testable backflow devices
D 2 L
Cross connections (trunk mains)
Pathogens, chemicals
C 4 VH Planned Maintenance Schedule Construction inspections Standard specifications (north coast councils)
D 2 L Annual maintenance
Maintenance of water quality (Biofilms, sludge, scaling, scouring)
Pathogens, metals
A 3 VH Planned Maintenance Schedule Hydrant, scour valve maintenance Air scouring program Mains flushed Maintenance of residual chlorine
D 2 L Air scouring program (5 yearly) Flush mains (6 monthly)
Unauthorised / authorised access to hydrants
Pathogens, turbidity, colour
A 3 VH Authorised – specified hydrant for water withdrawal Unauthorised - Prosecution
C 2 M
New installations – mains extensions
All pollutants A 3 VH Standard specifications – Design and Construction of Water and Sewer Infrastructure DA approval process
E 2 L Council inspections
Byron Shire Council – Drinking Water Management Plan
July 2014 HydroScience B827 Appendix2_BWMP Risk Assessment REV 2.Doc Page 12
Figure 1 Critical Control Point Decision Tree Source: ADWG 2004
June 2014 HydroScience B827_Byron Drinking Water Quality Management Plan Review_Rev2.doc
NSW Office of Water: Circular LWU 18 Assuring the Safety of drinking water supplies
Appendix 3:
Level 18, 227 Elizabeth Street, Sydney| GPO Box 3889 Sydney NSW 2001 t (02) 8281 7777 | f (02) 8281 7799 | www.water.nsw.gov.au
WS14/109 Circular No. LWU 18 Date 4 June 2014 Contact Bill Ho Phone 8281 7326 Fax 8281 7351 E-mail [email protected]
Assuring the safety of drinking water supplies
This Circular has been prepared to advise NSW local water utilities (LWUs) of an important new protocol for assuring the safety of all drinking water supplies in regional NSW. The protocol is robust and cost-effective and must be implemented by all LWUs providing a drinking water supply.
Protocol Following its review of a number of recent boil water alerts1 in regional NSW, the NSW Office of Water, in consultation with NSW Health and the NSW Water Directorate, has developed the new protocol, which is set out in Attachment 2 – Appendix E of the 2012-13 NSW Water Supply and Sewerage Benchmarking Report (www.water.nsw.gov.au). Appendix E documents the minimum requirements for ensuring each potable water supply is safe from microbial contamination. Under this protocol, each LWU will need to ensure that the standard operating procedures (SOP) for its water supply systems meet these requirements in order to achieve the following three key barriers:
Barrier 1 – Effective disinfection to kill, inactivate or remove pathogens in the water supply prior to distribution. Barrier 2 – Ensure distribution system integrity to prevent contamination.
Barrier 3 – Maintain free chlorine residual in the water in the distribution system to help protect against minor contamination and as an indicator of a potential breach in distribution system integrity.
Together, these 3 barriers operate to assure the safety of each water supply and to prevent microbial contamination.
The Public Health Act (2010) requires each LWU to develop and implement a risk based Drinking Water Management System in accordance with the NSW Guidelines for Drinking Water Management Systems, NSW Health and NSW Office of Water, 2013. Activities related to disinfection and distribution system integrity should be clearly defined in each water utility’s Drinking Water Management System, in accordance with the above Appendix E.
1 Attachment 1 is a copy of page 10 of the 2012-13 NSW Water Supply and Sewerage Benchmarking
Report which provides examples of recent failures of integrity of water supply distribution systems.
2012-13 NSW Benchmarking Report ATTACHMENT 1 4. Best-practice management
10 | NSW Office of Water, April 2014
Examples of Failure of Integrity of Distribution Systems Photo 1 (right) shows the hatch of a 20m high service reservoir, which has inadvertently been left open for a few weeks. The result was repeat detections of E. coli in the reticulated water supply and the need to issue a boil water alert.
Photos 2 and 3 below are underwater photos in the above service reservoir showing evidence of contamination by birds – bird eggs (left) and dead birds (right).
Photo 4 (below left) is a service reservoir where the mesh openings are too large and the roof design is deficient, allowing the entry of small birds, rainwater and windblown material to contaminate the stored water. The reservoir roof needs to be modified so that roof runoff and windblown material cannot contaminate the stored water. Photo 5 (below right) shows mesh openings that are also too large, allowing entry of vermin, such as wasps and windblown material.
The continued detection of E. coli in reticulated water supplies and boil water alerts in the last 2 years have highlighted the need for a strategic approach for assuring the integrity of the distribution system to prevent contamination of a water supply that has been effectively disinfected. The recommended approach in Appendix E on page 277 was developed by the NSW Office of Water and NSW Health in consultation with the NSW Water Directorate and LWUs to provide a robust basis for assuring the safety of a water supply. As noted in the box on page 9, each LWU needs to review its present standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure they address the minimum requirements in Appendix E for achieving safe water supplies:
Barrier 1 – Effective disinfection to kill, inactivate or remove pathogens in the water supply prior to distribution.
Barrier 2 – Ensure distribution system integrity to prevent contamination.
Barrier 3 – Maintain free chlorine residual in the water in the distribution system where practicable, to help protect against minor contamination and as an indicator of a potential breach in distribution system integrity.
2012-13 NSW Benchmarking Report ATTACHMENT 2 Appendix E
277 | NSW Office of Water, April 2014
Appendix E: Effective disinfection of a potable water supply and assuring integrity of the distribution system to prevent contamination of the supply
E1 Overview This appendix highlights the key requirements for ensuring the effective disinfection1 and assuring the safety of a potable water supply. Each NSW Local Water Utility (LWU) needs to ensure that the standard operating procedures (SOP) for its water supply systems meet these minimum requirements, in order to achieve the following three key barriers:
Barrier 1 – Effective disinfection to kill, inactivate or remove pathogens in the water supply prior to distribution.
Barrier 2 – Ensure distribution system integrity to prevent contamination.
Barrier 3 – Maintain free chlorine residual in the water in the distribution system to help protect against minor contamination and as an indicator of a potential breach in distribution system integrity.
Guiding principle 1 of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (below1) highlights the risks to consumers from pathogenic organisms and the paramount importance of protecting water sources and water treatment.
For free chlorine disinfection, Figure 1 on page 283 shows how the above 3 barriers work together to provide a safe water supply.
In addition, as indicated in the 2012-13 NSW Water Supply and Sewerage Benchmarking Report (page 9) each utility needs to develop and implement a risk based Drinking Water Management System in accordance with the NSW Guidelines for Drinking Water Management Systems, NSW Health and NSW Office of Water, 2013. These systems should include reference to sound standard operating procedures (SOP) in accordance with this Appendix and are required from 1 September 2014 under the Public Health Act 2010. Activities related to disinfection and distribution system integrity need to be clearly defined in each water utility’s Drinking Water Management System (DWMS).
The NSW Guidelines for Drinking Water Management Systems is based on the Framework for the Management of Drinking Water Quality outlined in the 2011 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) to assure the safety and quality of the water supplied to the consumers.
Effective disinfection of the source water and ensuring the integrity of the distribution system with or without a residual disinfectant are separate barriers (ADWG and above).
Effective disinfection of a water supply is essential to kill, inactivate or remove any pathogens in the water supply prior to distribution (Barrier 1 above). This could be achieved through a number of disinfection systems. Disinfection is a critical control point and must be appropriately monitored (ADWG).
1 Guiding principles 1 to 6 in Chapter 1 of the 2011 ADWG are listed below to provide an overall context to this Appendix:
• The greatest risks to consumers of drinking water are pathogenic microorganisms. Protection of water sources and treatment are of paramount importance and must never be compromised.
• The drinking water system must have, and continuously maintain, robust multiple barriers appropriate to the level of potential contamination facing the raw water supply.
• Any sudden or extreme change in water quality, flow or environmental conditions (e.g. extreme rainfall or flooding) should arouse suspicion that drinking water might become contaminated.
• System operators must be able to respond quickly and effectively to adverse monitoring signals. • System operators must maintain a personal sense of responsibility and dedication to providing consumers with safe water,
and should never ignore a consumer complaint about water quality. • Ensuring drinking water safety and quality requires the application of a considered risk management approach.
2012-13 NSW Benchmarking Report Appendix E
278 | NSW Office of Water, April 2014
Preventing ingress of contaminants at vulnerable points within the distribution system is a key system integrity barrier (Barrier 2). Service reservoir integrity is a critical control point for water supply that has been effectively disinfected and should be appropriately monitored (section E3).
Maintaining a disinfectant2 residual throughout the distribution system (Barrier 3) helps protect the reticulated water against minor contamination, and is an indicator of a potential breach in distribution system integrity.
Sound operational monitoring and verification monitoring3 programs are needed to assure that the minimum requirements in sections E2, E3 and E4 below for these three barriers4 are met. The monitoring frequency for each water supply system is dependent on its key characteristics identified through analysis and should be reviewed as part of a comprehensive risk assessment. The guidance in sections E2, E3 and E4 provides the minimum requirements for each barrier for inclusion in each LWU’s standard operating procedures (SOP) for its water supply systems. Following risk assessment for its systems, a LWU should include additional requirements in its SOP where warranted.
E2 Barrier 1 – Effective Disinfection Disinfection is the single process that has had the greatest impact on drinking water safety. In Australia the common disinfection systems used include chlorination, chloramination, ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation and ozonation. The advantages and disadvantages for each of these systems are discussed in detail in ADWG.
When chlorination is used, a water supply is effectively disinfected when the required C.t values have been achieved (ADWG 2013, page 186). However, the C.t values used in the design of chlorine disinfection systems in Australia are generally higher than those required for effective disinfection (ADWG and WHO general recommendation is 0.5 mg/L of free chlorine residual after 30 minutes). The C.t values can be achieved by adjusting the chlorine dose or the contact time to provide a minimum C.t value of 15 mg/L/minute. The LWU should check and document the contact times for its systems for setting appropriate chlorine doses to achieve the required C.t values.
To achieve effective disinfection of a water supply with free chlorine, monitoring of the following parameters prior to the distribution of the water should be included in your LWU’s SOP, as some variations in these parameters could affect disinfection efficiency and/or effectiveness:
• Maintain appropriate levels of free chlorine residual above 0.5 mg/L5 prior to the first consumer for the available6 contact time to provide a C.t value greater than 15 mg/L/minute.
• pH, temperature7 and turbidity.
2 Refer to page 186 of ADWG (Version 2.0, December 2013), under ‘managing water supplies with no disinfection residual’. 3 Each LWU’s drinking water monitoring program testing for E. coli (i.e. sampling location, frequency and number of samples tested)
needs, as a minimum, to be in accordance with the NSW Health requirements. These requirements are consistent with ADWG and the number of annual samples allocated for each LWU is shown in Appendix D1, 2012-13 NSW Water Supply and Sewerage Benchmarking Report. Appendix D1 shows that the required number of samples has been collected and tested for almost all LWUs. Each water utility should assess its monitoring requirements to determine whether additional monitoring above this minimum is needed.
4 For very small communities, typically serving a population of about 30, with a high quality source water such as groundwater from a confined aquifer, it may be cost-effective for the LWU to complete the actions outlined in section E3 on page 279 at 4-monthly intervals, rather than consistently maintaining a positive free chlorine residual disinfectant as long as the regular E. coli tests results continue to comply with ADWG. Refer also to the 4th paragraph of section E4 on page 281.
5 Part IV Information Sheet 1.3, Disinfection with Chlorine, ADWG. 6 If the source water does not contain pathogens (e.g., a good quality groundwater from a confined aquifer), no chlorine contact time is
required. 7 Efficiency of chlorine disinfection increases with increasing temperature. Monitoring of temperature is warranted for water of
temperature < 10o C.
2012-13 NSW Benchmarking Report Appendix E
279 | NSW Office of Water, April 2014
• For a filtered supply, keep turbidity as low as practicable as defined in the filtration critical control point (generally <1 NTU8 is desirable for effective disinfection). Turbidity higher than 1 NTU is acceptable for unfiltered systems where the source water is free from faecal contamination or where the effectiveness of chlorination has been validated9.
• Keep pH <8.510
Disinfection is a critical control point and must be adequately monitored, preferably continuously, to ensure effective disinfection (refer section E1). For free chlorine disinfection, in addition to an appropriate operational monitoring program, the minimum requirements to be included in the SOP are as follows:
1. For a filtered water supply, check that turbidity of the water being disinfected remains below the critical limits for the system. Take appropriate corrective actions if the critical limits are exceeded.
2. Check the chlorine demand of the water supply being chlorinated as the raw water quality changes and adjust the chlorine dose rate accordingly to achieve effective disinfection.
3. Check the pH of water to be disinfected where a pH correction facility has been provided.
4. Confirm correct functioning of each chlorination plant.
5. Verify that the required chlorine dose rate has been added to the water supply11.
6. Provide continuous monitoring and/or daily testing of free chlorine residual at representative sampling points after the appropriate chlorine contact time.
For other types12 of disinfection systems appropriate SOPs need to be developed to ensure effective disinfection.
E3 Barrier 2 - Distribution System Integrity Once a water supply is effectively disinfected (Barrier 1), enteric pathogens should not reappear within the distribution system unless there is a failure of the integrity of the distribution system (ADWG 2013, page 186). Maintaining the integrity of the distribution system (Barrier 2) is therefore the most important barrier to prevent contamination of a disinfected water supply. To verify and maintain integrity of all its distribution systems, each LWU must carry out the following actions as a matter of priority within the next 12 months. Thereafter, repeat these actions at frequencies appropriate for each system but no less than every four (4) years.
a. Carry out a careful and detailed examination13 of each service reservoir to ensure: 8 Table 10.5, ADWG. 9 Implementation of the requirements of this Appendix and monitoring test results which consistently find no E. coli in a water supply
would validate the safety of the supply. 10 For efficient disinfection pH should be as low as possible, but this needs to be tempered by the need for corrosion control. In most
cases a pH of 7.8 to 8.2 is desirable. 11 Check to ensure the storage tanks or cylinders have adequate chlorine. For sodium hypochlorite dosing plants complete a drop test to
verify the accuracy of the chlorinator dosing rate as in some instances the released oxygen could interfere with the actual dosage rate. Also check the concentration of the sodium hypochlorite solution in the storage tank and adjust the dosage rate to allow for any loss of chlorine strength.
12 Refer to Part IV Information Sheets 1.4 to 1.8 of ADWG. 13 Note that the careful and detailed examination of each service reservoir in steps (1) to (5) on page 280 should be carried out in
addition to the routine inspections identified in LWU Drinking Water Management Systems. The process described here is a detailed examination of each reservoir to detect and rectify any breaches of reservoir integrity that may not be identified during routine inspections.
It is essential all service reservoirs are designed and constructed to prevent ingress of contaminants. Additionally, for each service reservoir, a careful examination of the reservoir roof, wall and mesh is essential in order to detect any breaches to the reservoir’s
2012-13 NSW Benchmarking Report Appendix E
280 | NSW Office of Water, April 2014
(1) the reservoir and its roof are secured from entry by birds, animals, vermin and windborne contaminants;
(2) rainwater cannot enter into the reservoir (i.e., no leaking roof or holes in the reservoir wall or gaps around the openings on the roof);
(3) roof is adequately drained especially near the openings and landings. The roof should extend beyond the reservoir wall;
(4) all inspection hatches are closed and locked at all times; and
(5) the reservoir site and roof are secured from unauthorised14 access.
Where reservoir cleaning has been a routine activity for a water utility, reports from past cleaning episodes should be reviewed to find any reservoir integrity problems that have been identified but not corrected. Recent reports from experienced reservoir cleaners may satisfy the requirement for a detailed examination.
Any deficiency in the roof or mesh design needs to be rectified by the LWU following such examination.
b. Check the air valves and ensure they are functioning in accordance with the manufacturer’s standard operating procedures.
c. Check any testable backflow prevention devices15 and ensure they are operating in accordance with the manufacturer’s standard operating procedures, tested in accordance with AS3500 and there is no cross contamination.
d. Check and ensure all potable water connections with a risk of cross contamination such as connections to sewerage facilities (pumping station, treatment works, etc.), livestock watering and other non-drinking uses are provided with appropriate backflow prevention devices and are regularly tested in accordance with AS3500.
e. Check and ensure all potable water connections to top up alternative water systems such as rainwater tanks/automatic switching device on premises are provided with backflow prevention devices (refer to Circular LWU 17) and are operating in accordance with the manufacturer’s standard operating procedures, tested in accordance with AS3500 and there is no cross contamination.
f. Review the reservoir maintenance standard operating procedures to ensure they are sound and fit for purpose14, 16.
g. Review the standard operating procedures for repair and re-instatement of distribution system infrastructure that comes into contact with potable water such as mains and reservoirs to ensure the procedures are sound and fit for purpose16. Thoroughly clean and super-chlorinate before use, all new and repaired distribution system infrastructure, such as mains and reservoirs, that is in contact with potable water.
h. Undertake all remedial works to assure system integrity as a matter of priority.
integrity. In most cases the breach of reservoir integrity has been found to be not visible from ground level and required use of mobile lifting equipment in order to detect the breach.
A confirmed detection of E. coli in a microbiological test sample should trigger a careful review by the LWU of whether the requirements of section E3 above have been met.
14 Where access to third parties (e.g., telephone companies, SES, NSW Police, etc.,) has been given to install equipment, appropriate written reinstatement and communication protocols need to established between the LWU and each third party to ensure the reservoir integrity is not compromised. The LWU must conduct regular audits to ensure the protocols are being effectively implemented. Similar protocols should also be effected between the LWU and any service providers authorised by the LWU to access its service reservoir. A financial penalty should be imposed for any failures to comply with the protocol as these may breach the distribution system integrity and result in contamination of the supply and the need for a boil water alert. A model ‘service reservoir integrity protocol’ will be prepared by the NSW Office of Water to assist LWUs.
15 Annual testing of any testable backflow devices such as a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) device or a double check valve assembly is required in accordance with section 4.4.6 of AS3500. Such testing does not generally apply for a household rainwater tank, where a standard air gap is generally used for backflow prevention (section 4.4.6 of AS3500).
16 As noted in section E2 on page 278, ensure your LWU’s standard operating procedures including contracts with service providers include super chlorination and effective disinfection of any new and repaired or replaced water mains and other distribution system infrastructure that is in contact with potable water before the infrastructure is commissioned or the water service is reinstated.
2012-13 NSW Benchmarking Report Appendix E
281 | NSW Office of Water, April 2014
A LWU should maintain records (including photos) of all distribution system examinations and inspections undertaken, the results obtained, any deficiencies identified, and the rectification works implemented.
E4 Barrier 3 – Maintain a Free Chlorine Residual in the Water in the Distribution System
A residual disinfectant such as chlorine is maintained in the water within the distribution system to help protect against minor contamination due to a breach in the distribution system integrity. Where there is a significant risk of Naegleria fowleri and water temperature exceeds 30oC, a free chlorine residual of 0.5 mg/L or higher will control N. fowleri, provided the disinfectant residual persists throughout the distribution system (ADWG ‘Disinfection with Chlorine’ Information Sheet, page 191). Monitoring of free chlorine residual of the water in a distribution system on at least a weekly basis provides one of the key indications of the proper operation of the chlorination system, of system integrity, and provides data to help the utility to carry out timely corrective action. More frequent monitoring will provide more information to make better and timely decisions on changes to chlorine dosage required to protect public health. On-site testing of free and total chlorine residual (and if possible pH and turbidity) should be carried out and recorded each time a microbiological sample is collected for testing by the NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program. The ADWG suggests that:
• a minimum free chlorine residual of about 0.2 mg/L17 be maintained in the water throughout the distribution system. Re-chlorination may be necessary to achieve this chlorine residual in very extensive water supply distribution systems with long detention times.
• a sudden large drop in free chlorine residual in water in the distribution system may be an indicator of an increase in the chlorine demand of the water, a major breach in distribution system integrity, or a fault in the chlorination system,
When it is difficult to maintain the desired target free chlorine residual level of ≥ 0.2 mg/L at the extremities of your system, your LWU should using a trial and error process, increase the free chlorine concentration at the dosing points. Increased chlorine concentration can lead to community complaints about taste and odour. Advice can be given to community members about storing water in clean vessels before use so that the chlorine taste dissipates. Increased chlorine concentrations in systems that have routinely experienced low concentrations may lead to marked biofilm sloughing, leading to dirty water complaints. These problems should not last for long, especially if adequate chlorine concentrations are maintained and some flushing is carried out.
Once the desired free chlorine residual of the dosed water has been achieved and if the free chlorine residual at the extremities of the distribution system continues to consistently remain below 0.2 mg/L but not less than 0.05 mg/L with E. coli test results showing 100% compliance3, then the LWU should undertake the actions outlined in section E3 on an annual18 basis.
If however, the free chlorine residual level is consistently below 0.05 mg/L at the extremities of the distribution system, with E. coli test results showing 100% compliance3,19 and the LWU can demonstrate the continuous integrity of the water supply distribution system, the LWU should then undertake the actions outlined in section E3 on a four monthly18 basis and should also complete the following:
1. inspect and flush as needed the extremities of the system to remove ‘stagnant’ water.
17 Example in Table A1.10 on page A-20, ADWG. Such a chlorine residual can normally be achieved for the vast majority of consumers
supplied by a water supply distribution system. However, as noted in the 2nd paragraph of section E4 above, it may be difficult to maintain such a residual at the extremities of a distribution system.
18 The first action in section E3 [action ‘a. (1)’ on page 280] may be undertaken from ground level using a telescope, binoculars, etc. 19 If the microbiological test samples regularly fail for E. coli then the LWU must investigate the reasons for the failures and consider
maintaining a free chlorine residual of about 0.2 mg/L on a consistent basis. This could be achieved by one of many options such as early warning control/communication systems, secondary chlorination plants, sub-system cleaning including air scouring/swabbing of the pipeline, super chlorination, etc. It is expected the preferred option would be chosen on the basis of a cost-benefit analysis.
2012-13 NSW Benchmarking Report Appendix E
282 | NSW Office of Water, April 2014
2. opportunistically install pipe loops to any existing dead-end mains (i.e. as part of your LWU’s repair and/or renewal work).
The measures in the 2 preceding paragraphs are warranted in order to minimise capital and operating expenditure, while assuring safety of the water supply.
E5 Develop a Verification Monitoring Program Water Utilities should comply with the sampling frequency and sample site advice set out in the NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Documents/october-2011-dwmp-booklet.pdf The verification monitoring program developed by a LWU for each distribution system should include the following:
• Parameters to be monitored (e.g. disinfectant residual, pH and turbidity)20.
• Sampling frequency.
• Sampling locations including system extremities21.
• Sampling methods and equipment.
• Schedules for sampling.
• Methods for quality assurance and validation of sampling results.
• Requirements for checking and interpreting results.
• Responsibilities and necessary training22 of staff including induction of contractors.
• Requirements for documentation and management of records, including how monitoring results will be recorded and stored.
• Requirements for reporting and communication of results.
E6 Field Tests • Test kits for measuring chlorine residual, pH and turbidity are available.
• Chlorine residual, pH and turbidity measurements need to be done in the field.
• Ensure the operators have a thorough understanding of the field test kits, especially the range they can measure, detection limits, error and interference tolerances.
If you wish to discuss any aspects covered in this Appendix, please contact the Manager Water and Sewerage, NSW Office of Water on telephone: (02) 8281 7326 or email: [email protected].
20 All filtered water supplies should meet the filtration critical control point target for the supply (generally <1 NTU is desirable for
effective disinfection). 21 Each LWU’s sampling locations for monitoring microbiological water quality for reporting in the NSW Water Quality Database would
be suitable for this purpose. 22 LWU water treatment operators need to have appropriate skills and qualifications in accordance with page 23 of the NSW Guidelines
for Drinking Water Systems, 2013. Refer also to page 35 of the 2012-13 NSW Water Supply and Sewerage Benchmarking Report (www.water.nsw.gov.au) in regard to National Certification of Water Treatment Operators.
2012-13 NSW Benchmarking Report Appendix E
283 | NSW Office of Water, April 2014
Figure 1 – Effective disinfection1 of a potable water supply and assuring integrity of the distribution
system to prevent contamination of the supply
Barrier 3 – Distribution System Chlorine Residual
Barrier 2 - Distribution System Integrity
Free Chlorine Residual Testing
Is Free Chlorine level at extremities
of distribution system ≥0.2 mg/L?
Is Free Chlorine level at extremities
of distribution system consistently
<0.2 mg/L and≥0.05 mg/L?
Is Free Chlorine level at extremities
of distribution system consistently
<0.05 mg/L?
Complete a comprehensive+++
examination & review of distribution system integrity (section E3 on page 279)
Integrity Good?
Complete an Annual examination & review of
distribution system integrity (Section E4+ on page 281)
Complete a 4-monthlyexamination & review of
distribution system integrity (Section E4+ page 281)
Integrity Good?
Integrity Good?
Safe Drinking Water
No
Yes
Investigate and rectify Distribution
System Breach
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Barrier 1 – Effective Disinfection of Source Water
Target Disinfection Residual and C.t Achieved? Rectify Issue
No
Yes
100% E. coliCompliance++
Achieved?
No
Yes
(
Yes
(No (
+++ The first comprehensive examination and review of water supply system integrity should be completed within 12 months in
order to assure system integrity. ++ The 100% E. coli compliance requirement refers to test results where any failures in distribution system integrity have been
detected and rectified by the LWU. + The actions in the 3rd and 4th paragraphs of section E4 on page 281 should be undertaken by the LWU over the next 12 months
or 4 months respectively in order to assure continuing distribution system integrity. These actions are only applicable for the extremities of a distribution system where the free chlorine residual is consistently below 0.2 mg/L.
1 Figure 1 is on the basis of disinfection with free chlorine.
ATTACHMENT 3
SUMMARY REPORT1 ON ASSURING INTEGRITY & SAFETY OF WATER SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
LWU - Date - Contact Officer - Phone -
Email -
• Water Supply Distribution System -
• Detailed examination of service reservoirs :
• Date completed -
• Key Deficiencies Identified -
• Rectification Works Completed -
• Addressed all the requirements of Circular LWU 18? Y/N Date -
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) updated to address the requirements of Circular LWU18? Y/N Date -
1 This summary report has been prepared in response to NSW Office of Water Circular LWU18 of 4 June 2014 and
is to be retained in your LWU’s records.
The first Summary Report prepared by a LWU for each of its water supply distribution systems is to emailed to: [email protected]
June 2014 HydroScience B827_Byron Drinking Water Quality Management Plan Review_Rev2.doc
Monitoring Plan
Appendix 4:
July 2014 HydroScience B827_BSC_Appendix4_DWQMP_Rev3.Doc 1
DRINKING WATER QUALITY MONITORING PLAN
POINT REF DOCUMENTS PARAMETERS TRIGGER LEVELS FREQUENCY ACTIONS / DECISIONS RESPONSIBILITY
WC1 to WC7 #673411 Lavertys Gap Weir Catchment Management Plan
#811264 Test Program Initiation
#794419 Wilsons Ck Monitoring Plan Proposal
E Coli
Total N
Total P
Turbidity
Total Fe
Total Mn
Colour
pH
Temp
Monthly
Testing at these points to be undertaken monthly with additional testing after significant rainfall events.
The data to be analysed annually to identify trends in the catchment.
All data entered into the WASP data system
Location: Wilsons River Catchment
Manager System Operations Water
WC8 #673411 Lavertys Gap Weir Catchment Management Plan
#811264 Test Program Initiation
#794419 Wilsons Ck Monitoring Plan Proposal
#388717 Drought Response Plan
E Coli
Total N
Total P
Turbidity
Total Fe
Total Mn
Colour
pH
Temp
Monthly
Testing at these points to be undertaken monthly with additional testing after significant rainfall events.
The data to be analysed annually to identify trends in the catchment.
All data entered into the WASP data system
Location: Wilsons River Catchment
Manager System Operations Water
Turbidity > 10 NTU Event Operator will check Turbidity at this location if a high turbidity alarm is received at the WTP and operator requires further information of what is happening in the catchment.
Water Operators
Flow Rate 30 day average measured inflow to the
Weir < 5 ML/day
(280 mm depth measured at the V Notch
Weir)
Event This initiates the implementation of Level 1 Water Restrictions for Mullumbimby. The Water Operator will measure this depth routinely at least once per month with frequency increasing gradually to daily when the depth measured falls below 380 mm. Once Level 1 Water Restrictions triggered, the requirements of the Drought Management Plan are implemented.
Data entered into WASP.
Water Operators to record data
Manager System Operations Water to implement Drought Response Plan
July 2014 HydroScience B827_BSC_Appendix4_DWQMP_Rev3.Doc 2
POINT REF DOCUMENTS PARAMETERS TRIGGER LEVELS FREQUENCY ACTIONS / DECISIONS RESPONSIBILITY
MUWTP09 Coarse Screen Lavertys Gap Weir
#673411 Lavertys Gap Weir Catchment Management Plan
#811264 Test Program Initiation
#794419 Wilsons Ck Monitoring Plan Proposal
#659568 Blue Green Algae Management Protocols
#419581 Dam Emergency Action Plan Lavertys Gap Weir
#770424 & 497987 Lavertys Gap Weir Low Level Pump Emergency Installation
#1127667 NSW Health Crypto & Giardia Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Cynobacteria > 500 cells/mL Monthly June – Oct
Weekly Nov – May
Refer to page 45 of document #659568. If at critical levels a Boil Water alert may be required. Refer #1127667.
Manager System Operations Water
Weir Level
Temperature
Depth
< 116.0 Daily This is 160mm below the weir and indicates that inflow to weir is less than the water being taken out through the race. Potential drought watch. Weir inspections to be increased gradually up to daily. Inspection to check water level in weir; build up of scum around entry to race. Observations are to be recorded in the WASP diary system.
Water Operators
DWMURW Operating Manual;
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Alkalinity
Colour
Faecal Col
Fe
Hardness
Mn
pH
TDS
Total Coliforms
Turbidity
< 12; > 200 mg/L
> 45 PtCo Units
> 1000 cfu/100 mL
> 1 mg/L
> 20 mg/L
> 0.2 mg/L
< 6; > 7.5
> 100 mg/L
> 15000 cfu/100 mL
> 15 NTU
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
pH
Turbidity
< 6; > 7.5
> 15 NTU
Daily All data entered into the WASP data system.
Refer MUWTP04 below.
Water Operator
MUWTP04 Inlet to Plant
Operating Manual;
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Daily Flow
Flowrate
Operating Hours
pH
Rainfall
Raw Water Inflow
Turbidity
Daily All data entered into the WASP data system.
pH and Turbidity are monitored to calculate dosing rates for alum and soda ash. Refer operations manual and operator training notes. General principles are Jar testing is done to confirm alum dose; soda ash dosing is done to get water pH at a suitable level for effective flocculation. Generally below 15 NTU turbidity is stable water. Above 15 NTU, jar testing must be undertaken to determine optimum dose rate.
Water Operator
July 2014 HydroScience B827_BSC_Appendix4_DWQMP_Rev3.Doc 3
POINT REF DOCUMENTS PARAMETERS TRIGGER LEVELS FREQUENCY ACTIONS / DECISIONS RESPONSIBILITY
MUWTP07 (Pre Dose Point)
Operating Manual;
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Alum Pre Dose Rate mg/L
Soda Ash Dose Rate mg/L
Daily All data entered into the WASP data system.
Dosing rates are as determined from Jar testing.
Water Operator
MUWTP04.1 Clarified Water
Operating Manual;
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Turbidity
pH
< 6; > 7
Daily All data entered into the WASP data system.
This is a minor feedback loop for the alum and soda ash dosing. Settings may be twigged to fine tune dosing.
Water Operator
MUWTP04.2 Clarified Water
Operating Manual;
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Turbidity
pH
< 6; > 7
Daily All data entered into the WASP data system.
This is a minor feedback loop for the alum and soda ash dosing. Settings may be twigged to fine tune dosing.
MUWTP05 Filtered Water
(Filter 1)
Operating Manual;
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Daily Flow
Number of Backwashes
pH
Turbidity
> 3
< 6; > 7
> 1 NTU
Daily All data entered into the WASP data system.
If pH outside range, may need to adjust alum and/or soda ash dosing.
If turbidity > 1 mg/L; may need to initiate a filter backwash and/or jar test inflow and check/adjust chemical dosing.
If filters are backwashing more than twice daily there may be a blockage in control system. Check operating manual.
Water Operator
MUWTP06 Filtered Water
(Filter 2)
Operating Manual;
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Daily Flow
Number of Backwashes
pH
Turbidity
> 3
< 6; < 7
> 1 NTU
Daily All data entered into the WASP data system.
If pH outside range, may need to adjust alum and/or soda ash dosing.
If turbidity > 1 mg/L; may need to initiate a filter backwash and/or jar test inflow and check/adjust chemical dosing.
If filters are backwashing more than twice daily there may be a blockage in control system. Check operating manual.
Water Operator
MUWTP08 (Post Dose Point)
Operating Manual;
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Chlorine Gas Dose
Soda Ash Dose
Daily All data entered into the WASP data system Water Operator
BY01100 (Finished Water)
Operating Manual
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and
Aluminium
Alkalinity
Colour
> 0.2
<15; > 200
> 15
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
July 2014 HydroScience B827_BSC_Appendix4_DWQMP_Rev3.Doc 4
POINT REF DOCUMENTS PARAMETERS TRIGGER LEVELS FREQUENCY ACTIONS / DECISIONS RESPONSIBILITY
Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Faecal Coliforms
Iron
Free Chlorine
Hardness
Manganese
pH
TDS
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
Turbidity
Daily Flow
> 0
> 0.3
< 0.3; > 3
> 200
> 0.1
< 6.5; > 8.5
> 500
< 0.5; > 3
> 0
> 1
failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Al
Free Chlorine
Total Chlorine
Turbidity
pH
> 0.2
< 0.3; > 3
< 0.5; > 3
> 1
< 6.5; > 8.5
Daily Al – jar test; adjust alum to remove Al residual
Chlorine – adjust chlorine gas dosage
Turbidity – Jar test and check/adjust alum dose and/or backwash filters
pH – adjust post soda ash dose rate
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed
Water Operator
BY01400 Mullum Azalea St Reservoir Outlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
FC
Free Chlorine
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
> 0
< 0.5; > 1.5
> 100
< 7; > 8.5
< 0.5; > 3
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
Left Bank Reservoir Outlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Al
FC
Fe
Free Chlorine
Mn
pH
Total Chlorine
> 0.2
> 0
> 0.2
< 0.5; > 1.5
> 0.2
< 7; > 8.5
< 0.5; > 5
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
BY01200 Mullum
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Al > 0.2 Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system. Coordinator Reticulation and
July 2014 HydroScience B827_BSC_Appendix4_DWQMP_Rev3.Doc 5
POINT REF DOCUMENTS PARAMETERS TRIGGER LEVELS FREQUENCY ACTIONS / DECISIONS RESPONSIBILITY
McGougans Lane
Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Alk
FC
Fe
Free Chlorine
Hardness
HPC 20
HPC 35
Mn
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
< 30; > 200
> 0
> 0.3
< 0.1; > 1.5
> 200
> 100
> 100
> 0.1
< 7; > 8.5
< 0.5; > 3
> 0
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Treatment Systems
Granuaille St Reservoir Inlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#769411 Rous Water Service Level Agreement
Free Chlorine
pH
< 0.5; > 1.5
< 7; > 8
Weekly Data supplied by Rous Water and entered into WASP.
If parameters are outside limits, Rous Water to be advised and corrective action requested. If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Rous Water
BY02110 Granuaille St Reservoir Outlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
FC
Free Chlorine
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
> 0
< 0.5; > 1.5
> 100
< 7; > 8.5
< 0.5; > 3
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
BY02100 Market St Bangalow Primary School
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Al
Alk
FC
Free Chlorine
Hardness
HPC 20
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
> 0.2
< 30; > 200
> 0
< 0.1; > 1.5
-
> 100
> 100
< 7; > 8
< 0.5; > 5
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
July 2014 HydroScience B827_BSC_Appendix4_DWQMP_Rev3.Doc 6
POINT REF DOCUMENTS PARAMETERS TRIGGER LEVELS FREQUENCY ACTIONS / DECISIONS RESPONSIBILITY
Coopers Shoot Reservoir Inlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#769411 Rous Water Service Level Agreement
Free Chlorine
pH
< 0.5; > 1.5
< 7; > 8
Weekly Data supplied by Rous Water and entered into WASP.
If parameters are outside limits, Rous Water to be advised and corrective action requested. If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Rous Water
BY02210 Coopers Shoot Reservoir Outlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
FC
Free Chlorine
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
> 0
< 0.5; > 1.5
> 100
< 7; > 8.5
< 0.5; > 3
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
BY02300 Suffolk Park Beech Drive
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Alk
FC
Free Chlorine
Hardness
HPC 20
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
< 30; > 200
> 0
< 0.1; > 1.5
-
> 100
> 100
< 7; > 8
< 0.5; > 5
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
BY02800 Broken Head Beach Rd
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Alk
FC
Free Chlorine
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
< 30; > 200
> 0
< 0.1; > 1.5
< 7; > 8
< 0.5; > 5
> 0
Monthly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
Paterson St Reservoir Inlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#769411 Rous Water Service Level Agreement
Free Chlorine
pH
< 0.5; > 1.5
< 7; > 8
Weekly Data supplied by Rous Water and entered into WASP.
If parameters are outside limits, Rous Water to be advised and corrective action requested. If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Rous Water
July 2014 HydroScience B827_BSC_Appendix4_DWQMP_Rev3.Doc 7
POINT REF DOCUMENTS PARAMETERS TRIGGER LEVELS FREQUENCY ACTIONS / DECISIONS RESPONSIBILITY
BY02280 Paterson St Reservoir Outlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
FC
Free Chlorine
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
> 0
< 0.5; > 1.5
> 100
< 7; > 8.5
< 0.5; > 3
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
BY02200 Byron Bay Middleton Street Sample Tap
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Alk
FC
Free Chlorine
Hardness
HPC 20
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
< 30; > 200
> 0
< 0.1; > 1.5
-
> 100
> 100
< 7; > 8
< 0.5; > 5
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
Wategos Reservoir Inlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#769411 Rous Water Service Level Agreement
Free Chlorine
pH
< 0.5; > 1.5
< 7; > 8
Weekly Data supplied by Rous Water and entered into WASP.
If parameters are outside limits, Rous Water to be advised and corrective action requested. If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Rous Water
BY02420 Wategos Reservoir Outlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
FC
Free Chlorine
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
> 0
< 0.5; > 1.5
> 100
< 7; > 8.5
< 0.5; > 3
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
BY02400 Watego Marine Pde SPS Tap
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Alk
FC
Free Chlorine
Hardness
HPC 20
HPC 35
< 30; > 200
> 0
< 0.1; > 1.5
> 100
> 100
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
July 2014 HydroScience B827_BSC_Appendix4_DWQMP_Rev3.Doc 8
POINT REF DOCUMENTS PARAMETERS TRIGGER LEVELS FREQUENCY ACTIONS / DECISIONS RESPONSIBILITY
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
< 7; > 8
< 0.5; > 5
> 0
Saddle Rd Reservoir Inlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#769411 Rous Water Service Level Agreement
Free Chlorine
pH
< 0.5; > 1.5
< 7; > 8
Weekly Data supplied by Rous Water and entered into WASP.
If parameters are outside limits, Rous Water to be advised and corrective action requested. If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Rous Water
BY02510 Saddle Rd Reservoir Outlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
FC
Free Chlorine
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
> 0
< 0.5; > 1.5
> 100
< 7; > 8.5
< 0.5; > 3
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
BY02500 Brunswick Heads Tweed St Pilgrim Park
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Alk
FC
Free Chlorine
Hardness
HPC 20
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
< 30; > 200
> 0
< 0.1; > 1.5
-
> 100
> 100
< 7; > 8
< 0.5; > 5
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
BY02610 Warrambool Rd Reservoir Outlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
FC
Free Chlorine
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
> 0
< 0.5; > 1.5
> 100
< 7; > 8.5
< 0.5; > 3
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
BY02660 Tongarra Rd Reservoir Inlet/Outlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and
FC
Free Chlorine
HPC 35
> 0
< 0.5; > 1.5
> 100
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
July 2014 HydroScience B827_BSC_Appendix4_DWQMP_Rev3.Doc 9
POINT REF DOCUMENTS PARAMETERS TRIGGER LEVELS FREQUENCY ACTIONS / DECISIONS RESPONSIBILITY
Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
< 7; > 8.5
< 0.5; > 3
> 0
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Yamble Drive Reservoir Inlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#769411 Rous Water Service Level Agreement
Free Chlorine
pH
< 0.5; > 1.5
< 7; > 8
Weekly Data supplied by Rous Water and entered into WASP.
If parameters are outside limits, Rous Water to be advised and corrective action requested. If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Rous Water
BY02680 Yamble Drive Reservoir Outlet
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
FC
Free Chlorine
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
> 0
< 0.5; > 1.5
> 100
< 7; > 8.5
< 0.5; > 3
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
BY02600 Ocean Shores Jarrah Cres
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Alk
FC
Free Chlorine
Hardness
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
< 30; > 200
> 0
< 0.1; > 1.5
-
< 7; > 8
< 0.5; > 5
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
BY02620 New Brighton Sports Oval Byron St Sample Point
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Alk
FC
Free Chlorine
Hardness
HPC 20
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
< 30; > 200
> 0
< 0.1; > 1.5
-
< 7; > 8
< 0.5; > 5
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
July 2014 HydroScience B827_BSC_Appendix4_DWQMP_Rev3.Doc 10
POINT REF DOCUMENTS PARAMETERS TRIGGER LEVELS FREQUENCY ACTIONS / DECISIONS RESPONSIBILITY
BY02630 South Golden Beach Jack Lane Sample Point
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Alk
FC
Free Chlorine
Hardness
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
< 30; > 200
> 0
< 0.1; > 1.5
-
< 7; > 8
< 0.5; > 5
> 0
Weekly All data entered into the WASP data system All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems
BY02700 Billinudgel Fire Station Wilfred St
#1127480 NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol
#1127668 NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol
Edition 7.3 Incident Mgt Protocol
Alk
FC
Free Chlorine
Hardness
HPC 35
pH
Total Chlorine
Total Coliforms
< 30; > 200
> 0
< 0.1; > 1.5
-
> 100
< 7; > 8
< 0.5; > 5
> 0
Monthly All data entered into the WASP data system.
If a faecal or total coliform count is recorded the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol must be followed.
If there is a treatment plant failure and/or disinfection failure, the NSW Health Microbial Response Protocol and/or the NSW Health Physical and Chemical Response Protocol must be followed.
Coordinator Reticulation and Treatment Systems