Chlorination Update
Busselton Water has awarded the chlorination contract for works to be carried out to Westwater Enterprises Pty Ltd. A local Western Australian company, Westwater is well skilled in the manufacture and installation of the highest quality equipment.
Work is anticipated to begin late October/early November 2011 with an end date proposed of February/March 2012.
The cost of the project will be $1,694,586 (gst excl.), however some variations may arise during the course of the contract.
The work to be carried out will involve the placement of steel frame and metal clad pre-fabricated chlorination buildings with associated works including valves, meters, concrete valve pits, electrical connections, control systems, switchgear and lighting.
The integrated chlorination equipment, including storage, control, monitoring and safety systems will be placed at Plant 1(Lot 411 Kent Street, Busselton), Plant 2 (Lot 4 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Busselton), and Plant 3 (Lot 16 Hobson Street, Busselton).
Works at Plant 4 (Lot 5 Bussell Highway, Busselton) will only be constructed if it is determined that the required chlorine residual cannot be maintained west of Plant 4.
Busselton Water staff will undergo special training and will have full qualifications to manage and operate the chlorine systems.
Busselton Water has been managing the water supply in Busselton for over 100 years and we are dedicated to continue to deliver high quality water, while ensuring the safety of our operators and the community.
Temporary (Spot) Chlorination
In response to an advisory notice issued by the Department of Health to all water service providers, as well as an approved Response Protocol between the Department and Busselton Water modelled on that notice, Busselton Water is required to implement spot chlorination whenever Naegleria is detected within the water supply. Read more...
Department of Health's Amoeba Response Protocol
Areas that may be affected by 'Spot Chlorination'
Nil at present.
Permanent Chlorination
Thank you to residents surrounding the water treatment plants that participated in the consultation process prior to advertising the proposed chlorination works and to residents participating in the formal statutory approval process.
The works have been approved by the Minister for Water and full-time chlorination is scheduled for approximately February 2012 with contracts having been awarded.
As they come to hand updates on the project will be provided on Busselton Water's website and through our customer newsletter, WaterSource.
Landowners/residents adjoining the water treatment plants are being encouraged to take part in a Reference Group. This group will be asked to provide feedback to Busselton Water following the implementation of full-time chlorination. Should there not be sufficient interest in a Reference Group then a simple questionaire will be sent to adjoining properties to ascertain your experiences with the implementation of chlorination. If you would like to express an interest in the Reference Group click here for the 'Expression of Interest' form.
If you have any questions in relation to full-time chlorination or the Reference Group please call Customer Service on 9781 0500.
Background on the decision to implement fulltime chlorination
At its meeting on 15th February, 2010 the Board of Busselton Water resolved to implement full-time chlorination to protect the Busselton community from the growing risk of a water quality problem.
As our population has grown over the years, so too has our distribution network. We currently have nearly 300kms of mains which extend further each year. This leads to a significant increase in the risk of harmful organisms growing within the distribution network.
While we have not detected any serious health risk to date, all indications suggest that it may only be a matter of time. Implementation of full-time chlorination is expected in February 2012.
A range of information to assist customers with any concerns they may have has been provided for download on this page.
Should you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Busselton Water by email at admin@busseltonwater.wa.gov.au or call Customer Service on 9781 0500.
Click here for information relating to Naegleria Fowleri
Click here for the Letter from the Department of Health
Click here for Media Announcement - Disinfection process to change
Click here for Media Announcement - Facts on why the decision was made
Click here for Media Announcement - Public Information on Chlorination June 2010
Click here for information relating to Amoebic Meningitis
Click here for Information relating to Water Filters, published by the Department of Health WA.
Click here to read a Statement by Busselton Water in relation to the front page article published in the "Busselton Dunsborough Times" on 1st October 2010, titled "Chlorination Delay".