News
Water upgrade 15 months ahead of schedule
Westernport Water has fully automated seven sewer pump stations, and will complete the first part of an upgrade 15 months ahead of time.
Additional works to automate chlorinators will mean less chlorine for Phillip Island and hinterland water.“Better water quality is our big focus now that we have adequate supply,” said Westernport Water’s managing director Murray Jackson.
“The fact that the crews are finishing this initial upgrade ahead of schedule is a real bonus. It means better-tasting water sooner.
“It also means more cost efficiencies earlier; we’ll be using less chemicals, less power and less staff time.”
The upgrade was launched last year. Completing the sewer pump station and chlorinators upgrade will see the water corporation complete two years work in nine months.
The new chlorinator system will provide constant monitoring of water flow and water quality.
The next phase of works involves specialised sewer pump stations at Church St Cowes, Rhyll Rd and at Smiths Beach.
Mr Jackson explained: “At peak times, when those three stations are pumping sewerage simultaneously, they pump overflow to our wastewater treatment plant at Cowes and that could cause too much flow. We’re going to phase them so they take turns to pump. And the beauty of the system is that one pump station will control another pump station in relay.”
He said the works will reduce the risks of overflow and boost pump cycle efficiency.
“Water quality is now our primary focus since we have secured supply.”