Cobram and Strathmerton Asked to Reduce Water Consumption

26 March 2009 

Customers of Goulburn Valley Water in Cobram and Strathmerton are being asked to conserve water use wherever possible.  This is due to a blue-green algae alert that is currently in place for the Murray River.

Goulburn Valley Water’s Manager Operations, Mr Bruce Anderson said that the Corporation has put into place an action plan to deal with the algae.  “We have implemented a pre-treatment process for our DAFF water treatment plant and have stopped operating our direction filtration plant, he said. “However it does reduce our treatment capacity which means that we can only produce two thirds of our normal daily water production.”

“We would like to reassure our customers that these actions ensure that the water is safe to drink.”

Mr Anderson said that the DAFF plant was operating at near full capacity and has sufficient capacity to supply the normal April water consumption requirements for Cobram and Strathmerton.  “We have enough capacity for our customers.  However, if we have a few hot days and people start using more water or if we have a breakdown at the plant this will draw down our treated water storages.”

“We urge our customers to minimise their outdoor water use to help reduce demand, especially on hot days.” said Mr Anderson. “At this stage we don’t anticipate the need to increase water restrictions.  However, if consumption increases then we will have to consider increasing the level of water restrictions.”

Authorised By P.A. Quinn, 104-110 Fryers Street Shepparton