Staff Profiles

Brian Pollard

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Brian Pollard joined Goulburn Valley Water as a Water Treatment Plant operator for the Corporation’s South East District.

His main area of responsibility is the Mansfield, Bonnie Doon and Upper Delatite Water Treatment Plants and he is based at the Mansfield Water Treatment Plant. Brian’s role involves the day to day running of the three water treatment plants, including water quality testing, ordering chemicals and plant and equipment maintenance. On a daily basis Brian records necessary plant information to assist in the optimisation of the water treatment plant to produce the best quality water for distribution to the public.

Each week water quality testing is undertaken at various sites in each town. These sites include the raw water off take, the treated water storage and special sample points within the towns. The tests conducted by Brian include pH, turbidity, true colour, chlorine residuals and aluminium residuals. Additional samples are also sent to an independent laboratory for bacteriological testing. A more intensive physical analysis is undertaken quarterly and these include testing for a broad range of chemical elements such as iron, cyanide, nitrate, phosphorus, cadmium and lead. Brian’s role is not restricted to just the operation of the Water Treatment Plants.

The South East District consists of 10 employees and everyone is involved in emergency repairs. This includes repairing water mains, clearing sewer blockages and responding to customer enquiries. Every 3 weeks Brian is rostered to be available to respond to any problem that occurs outside normal working hours.

In addition to the above activities Brian is also responsible for water tappings, fitting meters and special meter readings.