Kilmore Water Treatment Plant Repairs Completed

20 February 2009 

A temporary electrical control system and chemical dosing system has been completed for the Kilmore water treatment plant. This system replaces components destroyed by fire on the Saturday 7 February.

Goulburn Valley Water’s Managing Director, Mr Peter Quinn, said that the Corporation’s staff and contractors have been working virtually non stop since last Monday to repair the plant.  “We are now producing good quality water at the treatment plant and transferring it to the Kilmore and Wandong storages.”

Initially the plant was powered by a diesel generator, but a mains power supply has now been provided to the site.

Stage 4 water restrictions which were imposed immediately after the fire are to be reduced back to Stage 2 restrictions for Kilmore and Wandong/Heathcote Junction residents as from Tuesday 24 February 2009.

Mr Quinn thanked residents for their assistance in reducing water consumption while the treatment plant was being repaired.

The fires will have a major impact on water quality over the next few months as the catchment for Sunday Creek Reservoir has been fully burnt and severe erosion is expected after any heavy rainfall event.

“Our team is currently working on a strategy to deal with rainfall events and to ensure that water quality impacts are minimised,” said Mr Quinn. In the event that rainfall causes contamination to the raw water supply the Corporation will have additional treatment processes in place.  “Our customers should rest assured that our water quality specialists have considered the potential risks and have suitable plans in place to minimise the impact on our customers.”

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