Water Quality
We are committed to ensure the continued supply of safe, healthy drinking water.
Water quality monitoring
Together with the retail water businesses, we regularly test the quality of water before it is transferred to homes and businesses. About 50,000 tests are carried out every year on samples from over 160 sites.
The samples are taken from our reservoirs, aqueducts, transfer mains, service reservoirs, and points of supply to our retail water customers.
A range of parameters is examined to determine water quality.
The indicator of health risks due to faecal contamination is E. coli bacteria. Our target is for 100% of samples of water supplied to our retail water customers to be free of E. coli bacteria. We consistently achieve our target, which is higher than the target required by the National Health and Medical Research Council. Results of water quality monitoring are published in our Social and Environment data for 2007/08.
What's in your water besides H2O?
Very little. Since the majority of Melbourne's water comes from protected catchments, most of our water requires minimal treatment before being supplied to our retail customers.
All water supplied to these water companies is disinfected to ensure the water is free from microorganisms that can cause disease. (More on Water Treatment)
Analysis of Melbourne's water 2008
Typical analysis of Melbourne's water for 2008 (Based on analyses between July 2000 and June 2008) is available from your local water retailer (City West Water , South East Water, Yarra ValleyWater) or in our Social and Environment data for 2007/08.