New safeguard strengthens drinking water supply for Maffra and surrounds

Gippsland Water has installed a filter-to-waste system at the Maffra water treatment plant, to further safeguard drinking water for local communities.  

Managing director Sarah Cumming said the system would reduce the risk of disruptions. 

“This project was about protecting drinking water quality from upstream agricultural activities, storms and bushfire events, which had impacted the Macalister River in the last decade. 

“In December 2023, agricultural discharge into the Macalister River significantly impacted salinity, colour and turbidity of the river water, leading to increased treatment costs and supply interruptions. 

“Similar instances over the years have seen our customers ultimately bear the costs and inconveniences of service disruptions due the actions of other parties upstream, which is unacceptable.” 

Ms Cumming said the upgrade would provide an extra layer of protection for Maffra, Stratford and Boisdale customers. 

“Early identification of river water quality gives us the ability to manage the treatment process and ensure supply and quality is maintained. 

“It will also strengthen water supply continuity for customers and make it quicker to get our treatment processes back to normal during and following events.”  

The new system continuously monitors the quality of water during the filtration process and diverts water that doesn’t meet quality standards to a dedicated lagoon. 

Once filtered water quality returns to acceptable standards, flows are redirected back into the treated water storage, to be distributed to customers.  

Customers should contact Gippsland Water on 1800 057 057 if they notice any unusual activities in the Macalister River and Glenmaggie Catchment that could impact river quality and the community’s drinking water supply.