Engineering and Commercial Infrastructure - Water Services - Monthly Review February 2021
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Engineering and
Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services
Monthly Review
February 2021Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
1
OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................... 3
SAFETY .................................................................................................................................. 4
1.1. Incident Statistics ......................................................................................................... 4
1.2. Lost Time Injuries ......................................................................................................... 5
FINANCE ................................................................................................................................ 6
2.1. Water and Wastewater Financial Report ..................................................................... 6
2.2. Operating Result for Water and Sewerage Fund ......................................................... 6
CUSTOMER SERVICES ..................................................................................................... 7
3.1. Work Requests Received............................................................................................. 7
3.2. Work Orders Completed .............................................................................................. 7
3.3. Water Requests Closed ............................................................................................... 8
3.4. Works Completed by Asset Type ................................................................................. 8
3.5. Estimated Works .......................................................................................................... 9
3.6. Plumbing Applications ................................................................................................ 10
3.7. Trade Waste Approvals.............................................................................................. 10
3.8. Annual Trade Waste Activity ...................................................................................... 11
3.9. Scientific and Analytical Services............................................................................... 11
3.10. Leak Detection Notifications....................................................................................... 12
3.11. Myh2o Registrations .................................................................................................. 14
3.12. Community Engagement - Media and Customer Survey Results .............................. 14
3.13. Facebook Feedback................................................................................................... 15
ASSET MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................... 15
4.1. Surface Water Raw Water Storage Capacities .......................................................... 15
4.2. Annual Water Consumption vs Allocation by Source ................................................. 16
4.3. Water Consumption by Locality – Residential Customers Only ................................. 16
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE ....................................................................................... 17
5.1. Drinking Water Compliance ....................................................................................... 17
5.2. Wastewater Compliance ............................................................................................ 19
5.3. Regulator Reporting ................................................................................................... 19
5.4. Backflow Prevention Device Register ........................................................................ 20
Page 2Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
OVERVIEW
This report is for Water Services activities for the period of 1 – 28 February 2021.
Significant items in this period include:
No Lost Time Injuries were recorded for the month of February 2021. There were 7 incidents
recorded for the month.
Water consumption has increased slightly in the Mackay, Sarina and Marian/Mirani communities
from January 2021 to February 2021, however, all communities remain under the residential water
consumption target of 200 litres per day.
There were 1,473 leak notifications issued for non myh2o members and 5,842 issued for registered
myh2o members during February 2021.
94% of Work Orders were completed within the allocated timeframe for January 2021 (recorded one
month in arrears) which is above the target KPI of 90%.
The Work Order breakdown provided for January 2021 (one month in arrears) shows a high number
of water-scouring requests, this was prompted by the dirty water event in the city at the start of
January 2021 together with the dirty water at Midge Point.
There were two dry weather overflow events during the month of February 2021 with the first
occurring at the inlet manhole to the Goldsmith Street Sewerage Pump Station and the second
occurring at the Schmidtkes Road Sewerage Pump Station. These events were reported to the
Department of Environment & Science (DES) with investigations undertaken to identify the cause.
Investigation works have identified opportunities for improvement in SCADA monitoring and
reporting and the completion of regular maintenance inspections.
Biosolids produced at the Mackay South Water Recycling Facility (MSWRF) continue to return high
values for chromium and nickel. Additional investigation work at individual pump stations is
progressing to determine the source/s of metal contamination.
Director Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure
Page 3Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
SAFETY
1.1. Incident Statistics
The incident statistic details a summary of the Water Services safety incident performance. Water
Services aspires to achieve zero harm with a stretch target of zero injuries.
8
7
6
Number of Incidents
5
4
3
2
1
0
Total Incidents Lost Time Injuries Total Recordable Injuries All Injuries
February 2021 Summary:
Sixteen Safety Interactions were undertaken.
Three Safety Inspections were undertaken.
92% of Monthly Action Plans activities were carried out.
There were seven incidents reported during February.
The following injuries to MRC employees were reported during February:
Minor heat stress.
Minor knee pain when getting out of truck.
Lower leg pain after climbing over retaining walls throughout the day.
The following asset damage incidents involving MRC employees were reported during February:
Truck became 'hung up’ on towbar on a steep gutter. During recovery, the lifting chain slipped
resulting in minor damage to rear truck tray.
A light vehicle hit a trolley which in turn rolled into a parked truck, causing minor damage to the
truck body.
The following near miss incidents involving MRC employees were reported during February:
The driver of an MRC truck was forced to take evasive action to avoid collision with an overtaking
MRC vehicle.
The following incidents involving a contractor were reported during February:
While mowing a wasp nest was disturbed, resulting in multiple stings.
Each incident is investigated, and appropriate corrective measures implemented to reduce future risks.
Page 4Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
1.2. Lost Time Injuries
Water Services aspires to achieve zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI) by improving safety performance by
developing a proactive safety culture and implementing best practice safety management across all
business areas.
70 4
3 62
60 3
50 3
Number of Days Lost
40 2
30 2
20 1 18 1 1
13
10 1
0 0 0
0 0 0
2016‐17 2017‐18 2018‐19 2019‐20 2020‐21
Water Total Days Lost Water Total LTIs
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Department LTI Days Lost LTI Days Lost LTI Days Lost LTI Days Lost LTI Days Lost
Administration
Business Services
Water & Sewerage Infrastructure Planning
Water Network 1 13 2 35 1 18
Water Treatment
Infrastructure Delivery 1 27
Water Services 1 13 3 62 1 18 0 0
Page 5Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
FINANCE
2.1. Water and Wastewater Financial Report
Financial Performance Report % YTD Variance of YTD Budget
Commercial Infrastructure
Period Covered: 1 July 2020 to 28 February 2021 YTD Variance favourable of budget
YTD Variance unfavourable, between 0% and 5% of YTD Budget
YTD Variance unfavourable, more than 5% of YTD Budget
Revised YTD YTD YTD YTD
Budget Budget Actual Variance % Spent
Water Fund
6.01 - Commercial Infrastructure Management (14,795,820) (13,714,126) (12,981,508) 732,618 95% Revenue under budget $119,000. Bulk Water Sales under budget $55,500.
Rates under budget $111,500 due to Usage Charges under budget $165,000
and Fixed Charges over budget $54,000. Interest Received and Rental Income
are over budget $26,000 and $22,000 . Expenses over budget $613,000.
Depreciation, Finance Costs and Employee Costs over budget
$607,000,$32,000 and $17,000. Material & Services under budget by $43,000.
6.02 - Water & Sewage Infrastructure Planning 794,502 365,641 314,911 (50,731) 86% Employee Costs under budget $49,000.
6.04 - Water Networks 7,051,791 4,388,190 4,386,169 (2,020) 100% Revenue over budget $325,000 due to Fees & Charges and Recoverable Works
over budget $197,000 and $126,000. Expenses over budget $323,000.
Employee Costs over budget $30,500. Material and Services over budget
$292,500 largely due to Internal Plant Hire $46,000, Hydro Excavation $40,000,
Traffic Control $39,000, Plumbing & Fittings $32,000, Water Fittings $31,000
and Backhoes $28,000.
6.07 - Water Treatment 5,425,064 3,362,741 3,406,860 44,119 101% Revenue over budget $28,000 largely due to Laboratory External Revenue.
Expenses over budget $72,000. Employee Costs over budget $158,000.
Material & Services under budget $86,000.
Total Water Fund (1,524,463) (5,597,554) (4,873,568) 723,987 87%
Sewerage Fund
6.01 - Commercial Infrastructure Management (12,906,247) (24,222,736) (24,503,773) (281,037) 101% Revenue over budget $95,500 largely due to Rates over budget $89,500.
Expenses under budget $185,500. Depreciation and Material & Services under
budget $208,000 and $39,500. Finance Costs and Employee Costs over budget
$45,000 and $17,000.
6.02 - Water & Sewage Infrastructure Planning 950,562 377,240 332,724 (44,516) 88% Employee Costs under budget $40,000.
6.04 - Water Networks 5,485,781 3,173,992 3,142,528 (31,465) 99% Revenue over budget $201,000 largely due to Plumbing Inspection Fees over
budget $138,000. Expenses over budget $169,500. Employee Costs under
budget $209,500 and Material & Services over budget $379,000 mainly due to
MHL (Magnesium Hydroxide) $41,000, Internal Transfers $63,000, External
Labour Hire $56,000 and Internal Plant Hire $41,000.
6.07 - Water Treatment 7,082,596 3,634,843 3,571,610 (63,233) 98% Revenue under Budget by $39,500. Laboratory External Revenue over budget
$41,500. Recoverable Works Income under budget $101,000. Expenses
under budget $102,500. Employee Costs over budget $85,000. Material &
Services under budget $187,500 largely due to Consultant Fees, Chlorine and
Repairs & Maintenance under budget $63,000, $40,000 and $36,000.
Total Sewerage Fund 612,691 (17,036,661) (17,456,912) (420,251) 102%
Operating (surplus) / deficit (911,772) (22,634,216) (22,330,480) 303,736 99%
2.2. Operating Result for Water and Sewerage Fund
Operating (surplus) / deficit
-
July August September October November December January February March April May June
(5,000,000)
(10,000,000)
(15,000,000)
(20,000,000)
(25,000,000)
(30,000,000)
(35,000,000)
YTD Budget YTD Actual
Page 6Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
CUSTOMER SERVICES
3.1. Work Requests Received
The following Chart details the number of Customer Requests received during the reporting period that
relate to both Water and Sewer requests. The associated Work Orders created from the Work Requests
are also displayed.
400
350
Total Client Requests
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Work Requests Received - Water Work Orders Created - Water
Work Requests Received - Sewer Work Orders Created - Sewer
February 2021 Summary:
A total of 329 Work Requests were received to 28 February 2021; i.e., 282 Work Requests related to
Water and 47 Work Requests related to Sewer. From these Work Requests, 253 Work Orders were
generated for Water and 46 Work Orders were generated for Sewer.
3.2. Work Orders Completed
The following Chart displays the number of Work Orders created during the previous reporting period.
The target is to have 90% of all customer requests closed. A summary of the performance and percentage
of Work Orders completed within that month is detailed below.
Please note, results are one month in arrears to allow for accurate reporting due the timing of completed work (i.e.,
a request received at the end of one month being actioned at the start of the next month).
450 100
400 98
350
Percentage Completed
No. of Work Orders Created
96
300
94
250
92
200
90
150
88
100
50 86
0 84
Total Work Orders % Work Orders Completed Target Completion %
Page 7Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
January 2021 Summary:
The number of Work Orders generated from Pathway requests to 31 January 2021 was 361.
94% of these Work Orders were completed within the specified target completion time.
3.3. Water Requests Closed
When a customer lodges a request via the Call Centre, it is sometimes not reflective of the actual problem.
Therefore, the following graph shows the actual work undertaken and completed. The numbers of
Customer Requests will not always match the number of actions undertaken mainly due to multiple
customers reporting the one issue.
Please note, results are one month in arrears to allow for accurate reporting due the timing of completed work (i.e.,
a request received at the end of one month being actioned at the start of the next month).
Yearly Trend Total Water Requests Closed
100 Reported Month Yearly Trend 1000
Total Water Requests Closed
50 500
0 0
3.4. Works Completed by Asset Type
The following Chart displays the work that was completed for each asset type during the reporting
period. The work that was completed includes Corrective Maintenance (reactive) works, along with
Preventative Maintenance Works.
250
200
Works Completed
150
100
50
0
AMR Sewer Sewer Sewer Sewer Sewer Water Water Water Water Water
Gravity Manhole Pump Rising Well Hydrant Main Meter Service Valve
Main Main
Asset Type
Page 8Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
January 2021 Summary:
The number of Work Orders completed for the reporting period was 808. This includes 172 Water Meter
replacements or new installations and 31 water-scouring requests. In a typical month there would be on
average 5 scouring requests. The significant increase in scouring during January 2021 was driven by the
dirty water event in the Greater Mackay Area in early January 2021 together with ongoing dirty water
issues in Midge Point throughout the month.
3.5. Estimated Works
Water Services receives requests from customers for quotations to connect to Council’s infrastructure
(Estimates). It is important to note that many Estimates are requested by Developers in pre-planning of
future development stages. As a result, many of the Estimates completed do not result in requests for
immediate work to be undertaken. Also, of note is the fact that often requests are received for two block
subdivisions where clients seek to understand the total costs involved with subdivision before determining
their final course of action. In the instance where a client does not accept our initial estimate provided,
they can request a further breakdown of the fees and charges involved. On some occasions, clients may
be able to undertake certain aspects of the work themselves, however, Council always stipulates that any
live works undertaken on Council's water or sewerage infrastructure is only undertaken by Council. These
requests range from large subdivision development connections to a single service connection for a
property.
The following Chart displays the number of Estimates processed for customers for the reporting period
and the average time taken to complete. The Chart also shows the number of Estimated Works completed
and the average time taken for Water Services to complete the Estimated Works.
90 20
80 18
Number of Days to Process/Complete
Estimates Processed/Completed
16
70
14
60
12
50
10
40
8
30
6
20 4
10 2
0 0
Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20 Oct-20 Nov-20 Dec-20 Jan-21 Feb-21
Estimates Processed Estimated Works Completed
Average Days to process Estimates Average Days to complete Estimated Works
February 2021 Summary:
The number of Estimates processed for customers during the reporting period was 49 with the average
time taken to process requests being 13 days which is within the 21 working day target. The number of
Estimated Works Completed during the reporting period was 20 with an average time taken to complete
works in the field of 8 days which is within the 14-working day target.
Page 9Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
3.6. Plumbing Applications
In accordance with the Plumbing and Drainage Act, a plumbing application is required for all new or
modifications to plumbing installations. A plumbing application must be lodged to Local Government.
Water Services have a regulatory time frame of 20 business days to assess a plumbing application. An
internal target of five business days has been set for all residential plumbing applications.
200 6
Approval Time (Days)
150
4
Applications
100
2
50
0 0
Total Approved Plumbing Applications Information Requests Issued
Average Approval Time Target Plumbing Approval Turn Around Time
February 2021 Summary:
The number of Plumbing Applications approved for the period was 114, an increase of 107% over the
previous month. The Approval Turnaround Time was one day, i.e. well within the five-day target.
3.7. Trade Waste Approvals
There is an ongoing program for undertaking trade waste assessment and licensing applicable
businesses that discharge trade waste. As part of the trade waste assessment process a temporary Trade
Waste Approval is established while the formal approval process is undertaken. The table below
summarises the number of Trade Waste Approvals for the Mackay region.
Temporary New Approved
Total Approved
Approvals in Businesses for
Businesses
Place the Month
Mackay South 825 25 5
Mackay North 80 1 0
Sarina 57 0 0
Mirani/Marian 34 1 0
Total 996 27 5
February 2021 Summary:
Five new Trade Waste Approvals were provided to businesses after completion of their Trade Waste
requirements. These businesses were in the following categories: one existing business, one change of
ownership and three new businesses completed Trade Waste requirements during the month.
Page
10Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
3.8. Annual Trade Waste Activity
Annual targets are set for the Trade Waste Team with respect to licensing trade waste businesses. The
target has been set at 125 each for both new licensed businesses and audits completed by June 2021.
The following Chart shows the actual approvals, temporary approvals and audits achieved and the
number of the target remaining.
125
114
49 27
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Target Trade Waste Approvals & Audits Completed
YTD Audits Remaining Audits YTD Approvals
Temporary Approvals Remaining Approvals
February 2021 Summary:
Five approvals were issued and sixteen Audits were conducted. The annual targets for Audits and
Approvals remain at 125 each for the 2020/2021 financial year. The Trade Waste Team has conducted
an increased number of Audits as part of an ongoing investigation into metal contaminants at the MSWRF.
3.9. Scientific and Analytical Services
Scientific and Analytical Services (MRC Laboratory) is National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)
accredited (ISO 17025) to provide sampling and laboratory analysis to both Mackay Regional Council
and external customers. A summary of the laboratory activities is detailed below.
40000 1400
35000 1200
30000
1000
Test Performed
Samples
25000
800
20000
600
15000
400
10000
5000 200
0 0
Samples Analysed Tests Performed
Page
11Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
February 2021 Summary:
The number of sample batches registered during this period was 483 and the number of samples tested
was 1,167. The total number of tests performed was 33,634 for the month. Increased testing of
mechanical trade waste customers has been completed as part of an investigation into chromium and
nickel in the MSWRF catchment. There has also been an increase in testing associated with additional
raw and treated water monitoring works at Midge Point as part of the response to the dirty water issues
in the Scheme.
3.10. Leak Detection Notifications
Potential leak notifications are sent to customers when the leak is identified as greater than 10 litres per
hour (L/h). Notifications are sent by email, SMS and by post to those owners who have not signed up to
the myh2o portal and cease after three consecutive months of notification. Property owners signed up to
myh2o also receive notifications by email and/or SMS.
3000
2500
Number of Leaks
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Meters with Leaks (End of Period) - Res Meters with Leaks (End of Period) - Non Res
New Leaks in Period - Res New Leaks in Period - Non Res
Leaks Ceased During Period - Res Leaks Ceased During Period - Non Res
Potential Leak Notifications Sent
Via Aqualus
Via myh2o
(those not registered to myh2o)
Email SMS Letters Email & SMS
660 195 618 5,842
Page
12Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
140
120
Number of Days
100
80
60
40
20
0
Average Leak Days (Current Leaks) - Res Average Leak Days (Current Leaks) - Non Res
Average Leak Days (Ceased Leaks) - Res Average Leak Days (Ceased Leaks) - Non Res
February 2021 Summary (25 January 2020 – 25 February 2021):
2,315 leaks were ceased for residential properties during the reporting period having an average of 10
days for the leak to cease (i.e. for the leak to be addressed by the property owner). However, there have
been leaks that commenced prior to 25 January 2021 that are still ongoing with an average of 61 leak
days.
2,356 residential property leaks commenced during the period.
The number of average leak days for residential properties decreased to 61 in February 2021. This could
have resulted from numerous factors; however, a significant contributing factor is the number of AMRs
replaced during the month (198); i.e. we are now receiving data for these replaced meters whereas data
was not being received previously and leaks were not being identified/reported.
492 leaks were ceased for non-residential properties during the reporting period having an average of 20
days for the leak to cease (i.e., for the leak to be repaired by the property owner). However, there have
been leaks that commenced prior to 25 January 2021 that are still ongoing with an average of 101 leak
days.
493 non-residential property leaks commenced during the period.
Considerable effort is devoted towards encouraging non-residential customers to fix the identified leaks,
however, some of these leaks are difficult to track down due to the size and complexity of the property.
Page
13Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
3.11. Myh2o Registrations
The following chart shows the cumulative number of myh2o registrations for the reporting period.
Please note: MiWater relaunched as Aqualus in May 2020, with a new user interface – there has been no change to
the public portal name ‘myh2o’.
17,000
Number of myh20 Registrations
16,000
15,000
14,000
13,000
12,000
11,000
10,000
myh2o registrations
February 2021 Summary:
There were two new registrations during February 2021 bringing the total number of myh2o registrations
to 16,307 including property owners, tenants, and real-estate agents.
3.12. Community Engagement - Media and Customer Survey Results
Water Services engagement with the community is monitored; the following Chart shows the number of
Media Releases, Media Updates and the number of people reached by Media Releases on Facebook.
Community engagement also includes registrations to myh2o, and leak detection notifications identified.
Please note: The January and February Customer Survey Results will be finalised for the March Monthly Review.
5 60,000
50,000
4
40,000
Releases
3
30,000
2
20,000
1
10,000
0 0
Media Releases Media Update Facebook People Reached
February 2021 Summary:
There were no Media Updates and no Media Releases for the reporting period:
Media Releases Media Updates
N/A N/A
Page
14Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
3.13. Facebook Feedback
The following Chart shows the number of likes and positive comments, the number of neutral comments
and the number of other comments received from Facebook posts, media releases and/or media
updates for Water Services.
900
800
Facebook Feedback
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Likes Neutral Negative
Facebook Likes
1 for Steen Street water interruption 4 for Denman Avenue Shoal Point water
interruption
6 for Water leaks can occur at any time - with video 5 for Sarina Beach Road water interruption
about Myh2o
2 for Hay Point water interruption 18 for Myh20, permanent water
conservation measures
Negative Comments
n/a
ASSET MANAGEMENT
4.1. Surface Water Raw Water Storage Capacities
Water is sourced from a combination of surface and groundwater sources. With the exception of Middle
Creek Dam, the storage facilities are owned and operated by SunWater. Middle Creek Dam is under
Council’s control. The water stored in each of the storages is detailed below.
120% 2730 ML 3985 ML 6108 ML 147556 ML
1120 ML
491490 ML
100%
% Volume Stored
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Mirani Weir Marian Weir Dumbleton Middle Creek Peter Faust Teemburra
Weir Dam Dam Dam
Volume Stored
Page
15Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
February 2021 Summary:
Dumbleton, Marian and Mirani Weirs are all at or above 100% capacity. Teemburra Dam is at 98%
capacity, Middle Creek Dam is at 90% capacity with the water level in Peter Faust Dam being the lowest
of all storage dams, currently sitting at 63% capacity.
4.2. Annual Water Consumption vs Allocation by Source
Water Services has an annual water allocation or water license for each water source. The water
allocation and year to date water consumption for each of the water source is detailed below.
Marian Weir 368.13 ML
Gargett Bores 18.65 ML
Finch Hatton Bore 17.9 ML
Armstrong Beach Bore 0.05 ML
Koumala Bores 13 ML
Bally Keel Bore 0 ML
Eton Bores 26 ML
Proserpine River 198.67 ML
Bloomsbury Bore 7.6 ML
Marwood Bores 0 ML
Marian Bores 25.23 ML
Mirani Bore 0.08 ML
Sarina Bores 0.15 ML
Plane Creek 0 ML
Nebo Rd Bores (Zone 15B) 268.87 ML
Nebo Rd Bores (Zone 12A) 97.43 ML
Dumbleton 8573 ML
Calen Water Usage ** 29 ML
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
** Calen Water Usage figures are not based on Water Allocation but show the amount of water usage for
the area to date.
4.3. Water Consumption by Locality – Residential Customers Only
Water Services supplies potable water to both residential and commercial customers throughout the
Mackay region. The average water consumption in each of the three major community centres is detailed
below for residential customers only. The water consumption is presented as litres per equivalent
population per day (L/p/d).
350 350
Residential Water Consumption (l/p/d)
300 300
250 250
200 200
Rainfall (mm)
150 150
100 100
50 50
0 0
Rainfall Mackay Sarina Marian/Mirani Target
Page
16Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
February 2021 Summary:
Water consumption has increased in the Mackay, Sarina and Marian/Mirani communities from January
2021 to February 2021, however, all communities remain under the daily residential water consumption
target for the reported month. Rainfall received during February 2021 (100.8mm) has decreased from
January 2021 (325.8mm).
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
5.1. Drinking Water Compliance
Potable water is provided in accordance with the requirements of the Water Supply Safety and Reliability
Act, measured against the Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines. Drinking Water samples are
taken at the outlet of Water Treatment Plants and at various locations within the reticulation network.
Please note, results are one month in arrears to allow for accurate reporting.
Health Parameter Test Results
160 100
140 95
120 90
Samples Analysed
Compliance (%)
100 85
80 80
60 75
40 70
20 65
0 60
Drinking Water Samples Analysed Non Compliant Health Parameter Tests % Compliance Target
January 2021 Summary:
There were seven drinking water samples above the recommended health based ADWG levels during
January 2021.
The Midge Point Water Supply Scheme recorded one result for E.coli during January 2021. This result
was reported to the Water Regulator. All follow up samples taken have been complaint with no further
instances of E.coli recorded in the Midge Point Water Supply Scheme.
The Bloomsbury Water Supply Scheme has recorded a total of six samples where the Chlorate levels
have exceeded the proposed Queensland Health Guideline Limit during the month. These exceedances
relate to the supply of out of specification Sodium Hypochlorite at the start of the month. The Sodium
Hypochlorite was replaced towards the end of the month resulting in an improvement to the Chlorate
levels.
Page
17Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
Aesthetic Parameter Sample Results
8000
7000
6000
Samples Analysed
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
Drinking Water Samples Analysed Non-Compliant Aesthetic Parameter Tests
January 2021 Summary:
There were nine drinking water samples above the recommended aesthetic ADWG levels for January
2021. The Midge Point Water Supply Scheme recorded two separate exceedances. The first for ‘True
Colour’ was where the result of 40 Hazen Units (HU) exceeded the Guideline Limit of 15 HU. The second
for ‘Manganese’ was where the result of 0.442 mg/L exceeded the Guideline Limit of 0.1 mg/L. These
exceedances are interrelated with the high manganese levels in the water causing a discoloration of the
water. The Midge Point water supply is sourced from Peter Faust Dam which contains naturally occurring
high levels of iron and manganese. The discolouration of the water is caused by a reaction between
these contaminants and chlorine resulting in the formation of particulates that can be seen in the water
as discolouration. These particles settle and form sediments in the pipes. Water turbulence caused by
periods of high demand in the Network can stir up the sediments resulting in bouts of dirty water. For this
reason, scouring of the Kelsey Creek to Midge Point Trunk Main will be undertaken during March 2021
which will help to remove sediments that have built up in the trunk main over time. This will reduce the
risk of future dirty water events. Unfortunately, dirty, or discoloured water may continue for a short period
of time following the completion of the Scouring Program as remaining sediment is flushed from the
system.
The Mackay and Sarina Water Supply Scheme had one exceedance with an ‘Iron’ result of 0.438 mg/L
exceeding the Guideline Limit of 0.3 mg/L.
There were three results for ‘Hardness’ which exceeded the Guideline Limit of 200 mg/L.
The first was in the Calen-Kolijo Water Supply Scheme where a result of 249 mg/L was recorded. Process
reviews are continuing at the aged Calen-Kolijo Water Treatment Plant to optimise water softening.
The other two results are attributed to the Koumala Water Supply Scheme with results of 353 mg/L and
394 mg/L recorded. At this stage, the Water Softening Plant at the Koumala Water Treatment Plant is
still expected to be completed by the end of the 2021 calendar year.
The Eton Water Supply Scheme also had three ‘Sodium’ results during January 2021 which exceed the
Guideline Limit (of 180 mg/L) these being 197 mg/L, 203 mg/L and 200 mg/L. These results are only
marginally above the aesthetic guideline and are related to the plant's softening process. No follow up or
action is deemed warranted at this stage as the results are within the operating range of Water Softening
Plant.
Page
18Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
5.2. Wastewater Compliance
The discharges from wastewater treatment facilities are regulated by Development Approvals issued by
the Department of Environment and Science (DES). The licence requirements differ based on the year
the Development Approval was issued and the receiving environment associated with discharges.
Please note results are one month in arrears to allow for accurate reporting
30 Wastewater Test Results
Tests Conducted
20
10
0
Samples Tested Non Compliant tests
January 2021 Summary:
All wastewater tests were compliant in January 2021.
5.3. Regulator Reporting
There were three incidents reported to the Department of Environment and Science (DES), the
Environmental Regulator, during the month of February 2021 for a breach to Council's Environmental
Authority Conditions.
The first incident relates to a dry weather sewerage overflow. This incident was reported to the Regulator
on 3 February 2021 with the Part B Report submitted on 23 February 2021.
The second incident relates to the discharge of non-compliant effluent from the Sarina Water Recycling
Facility. This incident was reported to the Regulator 5 February 2021 with the Part B Report submitted on
1 March 2021.
The third incident, relating to a sewerage pump station dry weather overflow, was reported to the
Regulator on 15 February 2021. This incident is not a breach of the Environmental Authority and was
reported to the Regulator under the General Environmental Duty requirements. The Part B Incident
Report is due to the Regulator on 12 March 2021.
Page
19Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure -
Water Services Monthly Review > February 2021
5.4. Backflow Prevention Device Register
Backflow prevention devices are designed to protect the town’s drinking water supply from contamination
by acting as a barrier, keeping contaminated water separate from the drinking water supply. Local
Governments have a legislative requirement in accordance with the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation
2019 to implement and maintain a register of all devices in the municipality.
50 800
No of Test Results Processed
45 700
No of Devices Registered /
40
600
Decommissioned
35
30 500
25 400
20 300
15
200
10
5 100
0 0
Devices Registered Devices Decomissioned Test Results Processed
February 2021 Summary:
Thirteen new devices were registered, fourteen devices were decommissioned, and 217 tests were
processed on backflow devices for February 2021.
Page
20You can also read
