Water treatment

As well as oxidation and filtration, to remove iron and sediment, Busselton uses chlorination to protect the health and safety of our drinking water.

Originally, Busselton’s water delivery was relatively simple. The pipelines to homes were short and water was used quickly after treatment. So much has changed since the Busselton Water Board was established way back in 1906 that our systems have needed to change too.

Today, Busselton is a regional city with pipelines stretching over 320 kilometres to service 14,000 homes and businesses across our growing suburbs.

Our source water comes from underground. It is naturally heated and comes to the surface at temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius. The warm water can remain in our pipelines for hours or days before it is used which creates a favourable environment for germs to breed.

It’s in the pipeline system that our water is exposed to the risk of contamination with bacteria, viruses and protozoa – no matter how clean it is when it is extracted from the aquifers.

Chlorine is the most commonly used form of drinking disinfection in the Western world. It has been used for more than 100 years and is protecting all major Australian water supplies, including Perth. Bunbury’s water, also drawn from the Yarragadee aquifer, has been treated with chlorine for decades – as has the Dunsborough supply.

Busselton’s water contains less than one part chlorine for a million parts water – a fraction of the maximum safe limits set by health authorities.

The chlorination of Busselton’s water supply is strongly supported by the Department of Health, which monitors public water safety in WA.

Our water is the same high quality, but is now safer to keep our growing city safe.