Aireys Inlet to undergo mains cleaning

AIREYS Inlet will undergo a water mains cleaning program to maintain high-quality drinking water, which will begin on Monday, May 19.

Undertaken by Barwon Water, the works will not interfere with water supply and will remain safe to drink throughout the cleaning program, although water change and taste may change.

The project is expected to take up to five weeks, with mains cleaning a routine and proactive measure in protecting the water quality.

Fire hydrants will be used to flush the system, pushing water through in line with guidelines and a focus on minimising water waste.

Water quality is regularly tested across the Barwon Water network and will increase during the program to monitor its success.

Levels of disinfectant, nitrite, nitrate and pH, known as nitrification indicators, are reviewed as part of the testing process with recent testing showing a presence in the Aireys Inlet system.

To treat nitrification, the disinfect method of the water is changed temporarily to stop the nitrification process and allow the system to reset.

Switching to using chlorination, a chlorine-only process, a flushing system is then used to help move the chlorine through the system quickly.

To reduce the amount of water wasted during the process, target flushing in areas of greatest impact, flushing only for the necessary amount of time and flushing in line with environmental management guidelines will take place.

People who are sensitive to chlorine should put a jug of water in their fridge for at least 10 minutes to lessen the taste.

Community members with questions or feedback can phone Barwon Water on 1300 656 007