MRC Drinking Water Quality Management Plan · Drinking Water Quality Management Plan With Hazard...

DRINKING WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

with Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point Plan

September 2016

Drinking Water Quality Management Plan

With Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point Plan

DOCUMENT ISSUE RECORD

Issue Date Revision Issue Issued To Prepared By

Approved By

03/12/2010 A First Release Stephen Fernando LD SF

04/02/2011 B Working Draft Stephen Fernando LD SF

10/03/2011 C Final Draft Stephen Fernando LD SF

28/03/2011 0 First Issue Stephen Fernando LD JD

13/01/2012 1 Second Issue Megan McQuillan David Brooker

LD JD

15/06/2012 2 Third Issue Megan McQuillan LD DB

04/07/2013 3 Fourth Issue Stuart Boyd LB SB

07/09/2014 4 Fifth Issue Stuart Boyd LB SB

01/09/2016 5 Sixth Issue Stuart Boyd AS SB

Mackay Regional Council DWQMP Table of Contents

Rev 5Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................11

1.1 Purpose ......................................................................................................................11

1.2 Scope .........................................................................................................................13

1.3 Document Ownership, Approval and Review ..............................................................13

2. REGISTERED SERVICE DETAILS ...................................................................................14

2.1 Service Provider .........................................................................................................14

2.2 Schemes and Communities ........................................................................................14

2.3 Drinking Water Quality Policy ......................................................................................16

2.4 Regulatory and Formal Requirements.........................................................................16

2.4.1 Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 ....................................................16

2.4.2 Water Fluoridation Act 2008 .................................................................................17

2.4.3 Public Health Act 2005 .........................................................................................17

2.4.4 Formal Agreements .............................................................................................17

3. INFRASTRUCTURE DETAILS & ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY ..........................18

3.1 Schematic Layouts......................................................................................................18

3.2 Mackay .......................................................................................................................18

3.2.1 Catchment Characteristics ...................................................................................18

3.2.2 Source Water .......................................................................................................19

3.2.3 Treatment Process...............................................................................................22

3.2.4 Disinfection Process ............................................................................................23

3.2.5 Distribution and Reticulation ................................................................................23

3.2.6 Key Stakeholders .................................................................................................24

3.2.7 Assembly of Water Quality Data ..........................................................................25

3.2.8 Water Quality - Source Water ..............................................................................25

3.2.9 Water Quality - Process Water .............................................................................26

3.2.10 Water Quality - Treated Water .............................................................................26

3.2.11 Water Quality - Supplied Water ............................................................................26

3.3 Eton ............................................................................................................................28


3.3.2 Source Water .......................................................................................................28

3.3.3 Treatment and Disinfection Process ....................................................................28





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3.4 Marian .........................................................................................................................31


3.4.2 Source Water .......................................................................................................32





3.4.7 Water Quality – Source Water .............................................................................38


3.4.9 Water Quality – Supplied Water ...........................................................................39

3.5 Finch Hatton ...............................................................................................................40


3.5.2 Source Water .......................................................................................................40






3.6 Gargett ........................................................................................................................43


3.6.2 Source Water .......................................................................................................43






3.7 Sarina .........................................................................................................................47


3.7.2 Source Water .......................................................................................................48








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3.8 Koumala .....................................................................................................................58


3.8.2 Source Water .......................................................................................................58







3.9 Calen ..........................................................................................................................61


3.9.2 Source Water .......................................................................................................61







3.10 Bloomsbury .................................................................................................................64


3.10.2 Source Water .......................................................................................................64







3.11 Midge Point .................................................................................................................68


3.11.2 Source Water .......................................................................................................68






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3.12 Water Quality Complaints ...........................................................................................71

4. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT ....................................................73

4.1 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Team ......................................................73

4.2 Terminology ................................................................................................................75

4.3 Methodology ...............................................................................................................76

4.3.1 Source Water .......................................................................................................76

4.3.2 Treatment and Reticulation ..................................................................................76

4.3.3 Risk Scoring ........................................................................................................76

4.3.4 Corrective Actions ................................................................................................78

5. RISK MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................80

5.1 Operation and Maintenance Procedures .....................................................................80

5.2 Management of Incidents and Emergencies ...............................................................86

5.3 Risk Management Improvement Program ...................................................................87

6. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................89

6.1 Data Storage or Access ..............................................................................................89

6.2 Current Environment ...................................................................................................90

6.3 Data Categories ..........................................................................................................90

6.4 Data Repositories .......................................................................................................90

6.4.1 Intranet ................................................................................................................90

6.4.2 Statistical Data Management System ..................................................................91

6.4.3 Incident Management System ..............................................................................91

6.5 Administration .............................................................................................................91

6.6 Drinking Water Quality Information and Records Management ...................................91

6.6.1 Record Integrity ...................................................................................................92

6.6.2 Technical Records ...............................................................................................92

6.6.3 Record Information ..............................................................................................92

6.6.4 Recording ............................................................................................................92

6.6.5 Corrections to Records ........................................................................................93

6.6.6 Corrections to Electronic Records ........................................................................93

7. EMPLOYEE AWARENESS AND TRAINING .....................................................................94

7.1 Employee Awareness and Involvement ......................................................................94

7.2 Employee Training ......................................................................................................94

8. MONITORING PROGRAMS ..............................................................................................96

8.1 Operational Monitoring ................................................................................................96

8.2 Verification Monitoring ................................................................................................96


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8.3 Historical Data Analysis ..............................................................................................97

9. RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT ....................................................................................98

9.1 Investigative Studies and Research Monitoring ...........................................................98

9.2 Validation of Processes ..............................................................................................98

9.3 Design of Equipment ...................................................................................................99

10. REVIEW AND CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT .............................................................. 100

10.1 Review by Senior Executive ...................................................................................... 100

10.2 Drinking Water Quality Management Improvement Program .................................... 100

11. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 102

Mackay Regional Council DWQMP List of Appendices

Rev 5Page 6

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1 : DWQMP Amendments

Appendix 2 : Drinking Water Quality Policy

Appendix 3 : Scheme Schematic Layouts

Appendix 4 : Pioneer River Basin

Appendix 5 : Pioneer River Basin Groundwater Sub-areas

Appendix 6 : Soils of Mackay and Surrounds

Appendix 7 : MWS Asset Management Plan_Water Treatment

Appendix 8 : Nebo Road WTP - Functional Description

Appendix 9 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Nebo Rd WTP

Appendix 10 : MWS Asset Management Plan_Water Network

Appendix 11 : Mackay_FireFlowFailure

Appendix 12 : Mackay_MaximumPressureFailure

Appendix 13 : Mackay_MinimumPresureFailure

Appendix 14 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Mackay Rechlorination

Appendix 15 : DWQMP Water Quality Data Summary

Appendix 16 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure - Eton

Appendix 17 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure - Marian Bores

Appendix 18 : Marian Mirani_FireFlowFailure

Appendix 19 : Marian Mirani_MinimumPressureFailure

Appendix 20 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure - Mirani Bores

Appendix 21 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Finch Hatton

Appendix 22 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure - Gargett

Appendix 23 : WQ1251 Pioneer River Plane Creek

Appendix 24 : Plane Creek Soils

Appendix 25 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Sarina WTP

Appendix 26 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure - Sarina

Appendix 27 : Sarina_FireFlowFailure

http://bruce/Corporate%20Documents1/Water%20and%20Waste%20Services/POL-31.052.docx

https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/108756/pioneer-planning-area.pdf

https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/108760/sub-area-map.pdf

http://bruce/programs/WWS/WAT/Asset%20Management%20Plan%20Working%20Docs/MWS%20Asset%20Management%20Plan_Water%20Treatment.docx

http://bruce/CorpSystems/WWS%20Doc%20Store/WWS%20Documents/Nebo%20Rd%20WTP/Nebo%20Rd%20WTP%20Functional%20Description%20Rev%203.pdf

http://bruce/Corporate%20Documents1/Water%20Treatment/WPR-36.004.docx

http://bruce/programs/WWS/WAT/Asset%20Management%20Plan%20Working%20Docs/MWS%20Asset%20Management%20Plan_Water%20Network.docx

http://bruce/programs/WWS/WAT/Asset%20Management%20Plan%20Working%20Docs/Mackay_FireFlowFailure.pdf

http://bruce/programs/WWS/WAT/Asset%20Management%20Plan%20Working%20Docs/Mackay_MaximumPressureFailure.pdf

http://bruce/programs/WWS/WAT/Asset%20Management%20Plan%20Working%20Docs/Mackay_MinimumPressureFailure.pdf

http://bruce/Corporate%20Documents1/Water%20Network/WPR-38.003.docx



http://bruce/programs/WWS/WAT/Asset%20Management%20Plan%20Working%20Docs/Marian%20Mirani_FireFlowFailure.pdf

http://bruce/programs/WWS/WAT/Asset%20Management%20Plan%20Working%20Docs/Marian%20Mirani_MinimumPressureFailure.pdf




http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/water/policy/pdf/plans/pioneer-river-plane-creek.pdf



http://bruce/programs/WWS/WAT/Asset%20Management%20Plan%20Working%20Docs/Sarina_FireFlowFailure.pdf

Mackay Regional Council DWQMP List of Appendices

Rev 5Page 7

Appendix 28 : Sarina_MaximumPressureFailure

Appendix 29 : Sarina_MinimumPresssureFailure

Appendix 30 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure - Koumala

Appendix 31 : WQ1221 Proserpine Whitsunday Oconnell River

Appendix 32 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure - Calen

Appendix 33 : Whitsunday Coast Soils

Appendix 34 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure - Bloomsbury

Appendix 35 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Midge Point

Appendix 36 : Drinking Water Quality Risk Register

Appendix 37 : Business Continuity Management Plan

Appendix 38 : DWQM Emergency Action Plan

Appendix 39 : Drinking Water Noncompliance Reporting

Appendix 40 : Risk Management Improvement Program

Appendix 41 : Drinking Water Monitoring Program

Appendix 42 : Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Marian WTP

Appendix 43 : Fluoridation – CCP Procedure – Marian WTP

Appendix 44 : Coagulation, Sedimentation & Filtration – CCP Procedure – Marian WTP

Appendix 45 : Fluoridation – CCP Procedure – Nebo Rd WTP

Appendix 46 : Coagulation, Sedimentation & Filtration – CCP Procedure – Nebo Rd WTP

Appendix 47 : Fluoridation – CCP Procedure – Sarina

Appendix 48 : Coagulation, Sedimentation & Filtration – CCP Procedure – Sarina WTP

Note: Appendices appear as separate documents and are not contained within the DWQMP.

http://bruce/programs/WWS/WAT/Asset%20Management%20Plan%20Working%20Docs/Sarina_MaximumPressureFailure.pdf

http://bruce/programs/WWS/WAT/Asset%20Management%20Plan%20Working%20Docs/Sarina_MinimumPressureFailure.pdf


http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/water/policy/pdf/plans/proserpine-whitsunday-oconnell-river-plan.pdf




http://bruce/CorpSystems/WWS%20Doc%20Store/WWS%20Documents/WWS-Business%20Continuity%20Plan%202016%20REV%202.1.pdf








Mackay Regional Council DWQMP List of Tables

Rev 5Page 8

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1-1 MRC Schemes with the Region and Responsibilities Descriptions ............................13 Table 2-1 Schemes and Communities – Current and Future Projections ..................................15 Table 3-1 Key Stakeholders for Mackay ....................................................................................24 Table 3-2 E. coli Detections in Mackay Supplied Water ............................................................27 Table 3-3 Key Stakeholders for Eton .........................................................................................29 Table 3-4 Key Stakeholders for Marian .....................................................................................37 Table 3-5 Key Stakeholders for Finch Hatton ............................................................................41 Table 3-6 Key Stakeholders for Gargett ....................................................................................45 Table 3-7 Sarina Bores and Subartesian Systems ....................................................................47 Table 3-8 Sarina Raw Water Sources .......................................................................................48 Table 3-9 Key Stakeholders for Sarina ......................................................................................54 Table 3-10 Key Stakeholders for Koumala ................................................................................59 Table 3-11 Key Stakeholders for Calen .....................................................................................62 Table 3-12 Key Stakeholders for Bloomsbury ...........................................................................65 Table 3-13 Key Stakeholders for Midge Point ...........................................................................69 Table 3-14 Water Quality Complaints ........................................................................................71 Table 4-1 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Team.....................................................74 Table 4-2 Risk Management Terminology .................................................................................75 Table 4-3 Likelihood Descriptors ...............................................................................................77 Table 4-4 Consequence Descriptors .........................................................................................77 Table 4-5 Uncertainty Descriptors .............................................................................................78 Table 4-6 Risk Levels and Ratings ............................................................................................78 Table 4-7 Corrective Actions .....................................................................................................79 Table 5-1 General Documented Operation and Maintenance Procedures .................................81 Table 5-2 Specific Documented Operation and Maintenance Procedures .................................83 Table 5-3 CCP Procedures .......................................................................................................86 Table 5-4 Incident Response Plans ...........................................................................................87 Table 6-1 Data and Storage or Access Options ........................................................................89

Mackay Regional Council DWQMP List of Figures

Rev 5Page 9

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1 Mackay Water Services Quality Management System .............................................12 Figure 2-1 Drinking Water Management in Queensland ............................................................16 Figure 3-1 Mackay Rainfall Chart ..............................................................................................19 Figure 3-2 Mackay Bores ..........................................................................................................21 Figure 3-3 Nebo Road WTP Treatment Process Schematic......................................................22 Figure 3-4 Eton Treatment Process Schematic .........................................................................28 Figure 3-5 Mirani Rainfall Chart ................................................................................................32 Figure 3-6 Marian Bores ...........................................................................................................32 Figure 3-7 Mirani Bore ..............................................................................................................33 Figure 3-8 Marian WTP Treatment Process Schematic .............................................................34 Figure 3-9 Marian Groundwater Treatment Process Schematic ................................................36 Figure 3-10 Mirani Groundwater Treatment Process Schematic ...............................................36 Figure 3-11 Finch Hatton Bore ..................................................................................................40 Figure 3-12 Finch Hatton Treatment Process Schematic ..........................................................41 Figure 3-13 Gargett Cattle Creek Bores ....................................................................................44 Figure 3-14 Gargett Treatment Process Schematic ..................................................................45 Figure 3-15 Sarina Rainfall Chart ..............................................................................................48 Figure 3-16 Sarina Bores ..........................................................................................................51 Figure 3-17 Sarina WTP Treatment Process Schematic ...........................................................52 Figure 3-18 Koumala Bores ......................................................................................................58 Figure 3-19 Koumala Treatment Process Schematic ................................................................59 Figure 3-20 Calen Treatment Process Schematic .....................................................................62 Figure 3-21 Bloomsbury Rainfall Chart .....................................................................................64 Figure 3-22 Bloomsbury Treatment Process Schematic ............................................................65 Figure 3-23 Midge Point Treatment Process Schematic ............................................................68

Mackay Regional Council DWQMP Table of Abbreviations

Rev 5Page 10

TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviation Description

ACH Aluminium Chlorohydrate

ADWG Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

Alum Aluminium sulphate

AMP Asset Management Plan

BSES Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations

BOM Bureau of Meteorology

CBD Central Building District

CCP Critical Control Point

DEWS Department of Energy and Water Supply (QLD Government) (formerly DERM)

DEHP Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (QLD Government) (formerly DERM)

DNRM Department of Natural Resources and Mines (QLD Government) (formerly DERM)

DO Dissolved Oxygen

DWQMP Drinking Water Quality Management Plan

DWQMS Drinking Water Quality Management System

HACCP Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point

IRP Incident Response Plans

KMnO4 Potassium permanganate

MRC Mackay Regional Council

MWS Mackay Water Services

NaF Sodium Fluoride

PAC Powdered activated charcoal

PW Potable Water

QLD Queensland

RMIP Risk Management Improvement Program

SPID Service Provider Identification Number

VSD Variable Speed Drive

WTP Water Treatment Plant

WWS Water and Waste Services

Mackay Regional Council DWQMP Chapter 1

Rev 5Page 11

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

This document is the Drinking Water Quality Management Plan (DWQMP) and the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan for Mackay Regional Council (MRC).

The purpose of the Plan is to protect public health through the identification and minimisation of any public health related risks associated with drinking water.

This document:

• is a documented risk based system for managing the supply of drinking water.

• sets out the strategies to ensure that the quality of drinking water supplied meets regulatory requirements, consumer needs, and that systems and processes are in place to address any emerging water quality issues that may arise.

• provides an overview of the Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS) which sits within the Mackay Water Services Quality Management System (Figure 1-1).

• is a living document which is actioned through MRC’s Water and Waste Services (WWS) department day to day activities.


Rev 5Page 12

Corporate Plan / Operational Plan / PolicyGovernance

Business Plan(incorporating performance plan, business management plan, quality management plan mapping, strategic asset management plan)

Strategy

Drinking Water Quality Management Plan

Sewerage Management Plan

Recycled Water Management Plan

Planning and Project Development Management

Plan

Business Functions

Water Network Asset Management Plan

Water Treatment Asset Management Plan

Sewage Network Asset Management Plan

Sewage Treatment Asset Management Plan

SCADA Infrastructure Asset Management Plan

Safety Management (SafePlan)

Supporting Processes

Environmental Management

Information Management(Systems / Information Technology)

Financial Management

Human Resources / Performance Management

Business Continuity Management Plan

Site based Management Plans

Manuals and Procedures

Site based Management Plans

Master Plans and Strategy Plans

Trade Waste Management Plan

Man

agem

ent

Plan

s an

d S

trat

egie

sLi

fecy

cle

Man

agem

ent

Water Sewerage Supporting Plans and Minor Services

Figure 1-1 Mackay Water Services Quality Management System


Rev 5Page 13

1.2 Scope

This DWQMP and DWQMS applies to the operation and maintenance of the schemes tabulated below in Table 1-1. Due to the vast area under the control of MRC and for ease of operations, the schemes and responsibilities are segregated based on regional descriptions as shown below in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 MRC Schemes with the Region and Responsibilities Descriptions

Region Scheme

Central Mackay

Northern Calen

Midge Point

Bloomsbury

Western Marian

Finch Hatton

Gargett

Eton

Southern Sarina

Koumala

1.3 Document Ownership, Approval and Review

This plan is owned by the Manager Water Treatment and approved by the Chief Operating Officer Water and Waste Services.

The Manager Water Treatment is responsible for ensuring that this plan is reviewed annually.

Post the First Issue Revision 0 of this plan all amendments and changes to this plan and its associated appendices for the subsequent revisions will be recorded and captured in Appendix 1.


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2. REGISTERED SERVICE DETAILS

2.1 Service Provider

The details of the service provider are:

Service Provide Identification Number (SPID): 489 Service Provider Name: Mackay Regional Council Service Provider Contact Details: Stuart Boyd

Manager Water Treatment Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure PO Box 41, Mackay, QLD 4740 [email protected] Tel. 07 4961 9040 Mobile: 0438 388 847 Fax: 07 4944 2448

2.2 Schemes and Communities

The details of each scheme to which this plan applies and the corresponding details of the communities supplied, including the current and future populations, connections and demands are provided in Table 2-1.

Population statistics have been found to be readily available within the geographical limits of MRC, however obtaining a breakdown of these numbers to match the WWS regional descriptions and water supply schemes classifications becomes more difficult. As such different approaches were used to make an educated and reasonable estimate of the population within each water supply scheme.

Note that not all properties/households would have a water connection, particularly in rural areas where a large proportion of rural properties rely on private sources for water supply. Furthermore the growth rate and pace of development in the region, particularly in Mackay, has been above the estimations and has new uncompleted/unoccupied properties with water connections.

The estimated average annual overall population growth for the region over the next five to ten years will be between 2.3%1 to 2.7%2, with a medium estimate of 2.5%. WWS estimates that this growth rate seems ambitious in the serviced areas, and the growth in the un-serviced areas will be considerably lower.

WWS has also assumed that almost all of the growth occurring in the serviced areas will need to be provided with a water connection. It is expected that the growth in connected population will be higher than the growth in the total population. At present, there are no plans to extend a potable water service to currently un-serviced areas.

WWS is in the process of implementing a demand management program to reduce water consumption. This program involves a combination of a behavioural change within the community, reduction of network losses and reduction in the amount of non revenue water for water schemes of the Mackay region.

1 Sourced from Queensland Treasury and Trade, Queensland Regional Profiles, Mackay Regional Council Local Government Area, 6 January 2014. 2 Sourced from Queensland Treasury and Trade, Queensland Regional Profiles, Mackay Regional Council Local Government Area, 6 January 2014.

mailto:[email protected]


Table 2-1 Schemes and Communities – Current and Future Projections

Region/ Scheme

Communities

Current (2014) Future (2024)

Population Connections3

Water Demand (ML/Annum) Population Connections

Water Demand (ML/Annum)

Total4 Connected

5 Consumption6 Uptake Total Connected Consumption Uptake

Central

Mackay Mackay, Walkerston

91,960 90,015 36,028 10,727 12,904 117,717 115,227 46,119 13,732 16,000

Western

Marian Marian Mirani

4,152 4,296 1,660 439 515 5,316 5,499 2,125 499 560

Finch Hatton Finch Hatton 594 292 131 29 36 761 373 168 38 46

Gargett Gargett Pinnacle

289 235 110 20 21 369 301 141 25 27

Eton Eton 681 454 178 42 52 871 581 228 53 62

Southern

Sarina

Sarina Sarina Beach Armstrong Beach Grasstree Beach Hay Point

14,064 8,432 3,303 819 1,054 18,003 10,794 4,228 1,048 1,349

Koumala Koumala 895 165 71 12 12 1,146 211 91 15 15

Northern

Calen Calen Kolijo

338 316 146 23 63 433 404 187 29 81

Bloomsbury Bloomsbury 680 84 34 11 14 870 107 44 15 18

Midge Point Midge Point Laguna Quays

576 921 359 177 193 738 1,179 460 227 247

Total 114,229 105,208 42,020 12,299 14,864 146,224 134,676 53,791 15,681 18,405

A lower total population estimate compared to the connected population estimate was found for the water supply schemes of Marian and Midge Point (Table 2-1).

The townships of Marian and Mirani have undergone unprecedented growth in recent years. For Marian alone the 2011 census counted 836 lots however through aerial photographs from 2012 the lot count was recorded as 1012. This demonstrates that rate of growth that has occurred in both Marian and Mirani since the 2011 census which has caused the total population estimate to be lower than the connected population estimate in Table 2-1.

The discrepancy between the total population estimate and connected population estimate at Midge Point is the result of Midge Point being a location with many holiday rentals which are not permanently occupied and the closed Laguna Quays Resort.

3 Sourced from 2014 billing period data. Note billing period runs from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014. Sum of residential and non-residential connections. 4 Base data sourced from Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 census data and multiplied by the median estimate factor of 2.5% per year. 5 Calculated using factor of 2.7 x number of residential connections. 6 Sourced from 2014 billing period data. Note billing period runs from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014.


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2.3 Drinking Water Quality Policy

MRC is committed to protecting public health through the identification and minimisation of any public health related risks associated with drinking water. MRC’s senior management actively support the development and implementation of this plan and encourage an organisational philosophy and culture that supports drinking water quality.

This commitment is communicated through MRC’s Drinking Water Quality Policy (Policy No. 052). The policy was approved and adopted by Council on 14 August 2013.

The policy is freely accessible on the MRC website. The approved version of the policy has been provided as an attachment to this document in Appendix 2.

2.4 Regulatory and Formal Requirements

Figure 2-1 illustrates how drinking water is managed in Queensland and the regulatory and formal requirements applicable to this DWQMP are described below.

Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008

Minister for Energy and Water Supply

Department of Energy and Water Supply (Office of the Water Supply Regulator)

Monitoring and Reporting Requirement Notice

Drinking Water Service Providers

Monitoring and Reporting

Figure 2-1 Drinking Water Management in Queensland

2.4.1 Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008

The Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 along with the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Regulation 2011 provides the framework to deliver sustainable water planning, allocation, management and supply processes and to ensure improved security for water resources.

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Acts_SLs/Acts_SL_W.htm


Rev 5Page 17

The Department of Energy and Water Supply is a state government agency that manages and allocates the state's land and water resources. It is responsible for the oversight and implementation of the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 and administers the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Regulation 2011. It regulates urban and rural water supply functions carried out by water authorities.

The Department's Office of the Water Supply Regulator has responsibilities relating to the regulation, management, operation and efficiency of the state's water industry.

2.4.2 Water Fluoridation Act 2008

The Water Fluoridation Act 2008 along with the Water Fluoridation Regulation 2008 provide the framework for fluoridation of public potable water supplies. The Water Fluoridation Code of Practice 2013 defines the operational criteria needed to meet the requirements of relevant technical, workplace health and safety, and environmental legislation including the Water Fluoridation Regulation 2008. The Code identifies criteria to ensure that fluoridation plants are established and operated in a safe manner and applies to all new and existing plants in Queensland.

Queensland Health, a state government agency, administers the Water Fluoridation Act 2008, Water Fluoridation Regulation 2008 and Water Fluoridation Code of Practice 2013.

2.4.3 Public Health Act 2005

The Public Health Act 2005 along with the Public Health Regulation 2005 are administered by Queensland Health, a state government agency, and provide the framework for the prevention, control and reduction of risks to public health.

2.4.4 Formal Agreements

The following points list the formal agreements that relate to the MRC drinking water service:

• Customer Service Standards

• SunWater Supply Agreements

• Bore Water Licenses

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WaterSupSRA08.pdf


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3. INFRASTRUCTURE DETAILS & ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY

3.1 Schematic Layouts

Schematic layouts for each scheme are provided in Appendix 3.

The treatment process schematics for each applicable scheme have been provided in the treatment process descriptions included below.

3.2 Mackay

3.2.1 Catchment Characteristics

Surface Water Catchment

Mackay sources its raw surface water from Dumbleton Weir which is on the Pioneer River. The surface water catchment for the Pioneer River is the Pioneer River basin. Refer to Appendix 47 for a map of the Pioneer River basin.

The Pioneer River basin stretches west from Mackay and contains significant human and farming activity. The majority of the basin is flat and cleared for beef cattle grazing and sugar cane cultivation. There are a number of small towns along the Pioneer River, its tributaries and the main Mackay/Eungella Road which runs roughly through the centre of the basin almost following Pioneer River.

The cane plantations are generally located on the flood plain close to Pioneer River and its tributaries, with cattle grazing on the hillier areas less suited to cane farming. The steeper sections of the upper basin tend to be more wooded with rainforest on top of Eungella Range and much of the northwest and southwest corners of the basin classified as National Park and State Forest.

Many houses are located on the banks of the water courses and the Mackay/Eungella Road crosses the water courses at several locations. The basin area is also criss-crossed by cane trains which service the sugar mills located along the Pioneer River.

Groundwater Catchment

Mackay sources its raw groundwater from the Pioneer River Alluvium subartesian system. The groundwater is recharged through water percolating into underlying aquifers from the Pioneer River which is found within the Pioneer River basin. Refer to the description above for the characteristics of the Pioneer River basin. Appendix 58 details the groundwater sub-areas of the Pioneer River basin and Appendix 6 details the soils found in the region.

Rainfall, Floods and Bushfire

Rainfall data for the previous 15.3 years for the Mackay scheme has been presented in Figure 3-1. Generally the rainy season runs from November through to March with peak rainfall falling in January to February.

The Mackay scheme has had flood and inundation issues due to Pioneer River flood events. Flood studies have been completed for Goosepond Creek / Vines Creek including the Pioneer River, the outcomes from the studies are freely available on the MRC website.

7 Sourced from QLD Department of Natural Resources and Mines website 8 Sourced from QLD Department of Natural Resources and Mines website


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Figure 3-1 Mackay Rainfall Chart9

The risk of bushfires for the Pioneer River basin is generally low due the large amount of sugar cane farms in the catchment. There appears to be a small medium risk in the upper basin around the Eungella Range. Bushfire management information is freely available on the MRC website.

3.2.2 Source Water

Mackay sources its raw water from either Dumbleton Weir or eight groundwater bores. Approximately 98% of the raw water is sourced from Dumbleton Weir and the remaining 2% is sourced from the bores. Typically the bores are used during peak wet weather events when the turbidity in the surface water increases to a level making it difficult to treat.

Dumbleton Weir is located on the Pioneer River and is fed by water collected in the Pioneer River Basin. The basin, river and weir are controlled by SunWater. The annual entitlement from Dumbleton Weir is 16,000 ML by agreement with SunWater. The raw water is drawn from the weir through an intake tower and pumped from a pumping station at the weir to Nebo Road WTP via two raw water mains.

Dumbleton Weir has four (4) intakes at various levels leading to the Dumbleton Pumping Station. As the best quality water is usually at the top of the stored supply this is the intake used. As the levels behind the weir fall, the top intake is closed and the next lowest intake is

9 Sourced from BOM website, Station: MACKAY ALERT


Rev 5Page 20

opened. To date there has not been a need to utilise the bottom two intakes. Operation of the lower intake could cause any manganese that has settled at the base of the weir to be drawn into the system.

The decision when to change the intakes is made by the Nebo Road WTP operator. The operation of the valves to select the appropriate intake is also carried out by the Nebo Road WTP operator.

There are four (4) pumps in the Dumbleton Pumping Station adjacent to the weir. The pumps are fitted with Variable Speed Drives (VSD) to enable pumping at different flow rates and are operated to ensure a set level is maintained in the Balance Tanks. The pumps are controlled through SCADA by the Nebo Road WTP operator and a minimum of two (2) pumps must run when the pump station is operational.

The groundwater bores draw water from the Pioneer River Alluvium subartesian system. The bores are located close to Nebo Road WTP and are controlled by MRC. The management of the bores falls under the Pioneer Valley Resource Operation Plan 2005. The Pioneer Valley Resource Operations Plan came into effect in June 2005 and was amended in June 2007. The second revision of the resource operations plan was released in June 2015 and commenced on 1 July 2015. On 1 February 2016, a minor amendment to the resource operations plan was undertaken to correct administrative errors that appear in the June 2015 amendment. The allocation of groundwater is managed according to the Pioneer Valley Resource Operation Plan 2005 and the bores are subject to an announced allocation on an annual basis as determined by DNRM. The announced allocation details the maximum amount of water that can be drawn from the bores as a percentage of the water licence entitlement for the Water Year (1 July to 30 June). The combined annual entitlement under licence with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) is 5,500 ML for the eight Mackay bores.

The groundwater in the Pioneer Valley has been over allocated and is subject to salt intrusion in the coastal areas. A map of the Pioneer Valley groundwater sub-areas with the extent of saltwater intrusion highlighted has been provided in Appendix 5. The Pioneer groundwater management area water sharing rules and seasonal water assignment rules 2013 describe a groundwater source as being effected by salt water intrusion if the conductivity is greater than 1,500 ms/cm.

All eight (8) groundwater bores have a cast iron casing and since construction the bores have been refurbished with a PVC liner. The bores have a standing water level between 4.5 m and 6 m below ground level. The bores have been fitted out with a cast iron bore head and transfer pump to transfer the water to the Nebo Road WTP for treatment, as shown in Figure 3-2. New switchboards were installed in early 2014 at bores 5, 6, 7 and 8 as part of the asset renewals strategy. Bore 4 is to be decommissioned due to the poor water quality and the proximity of septic tanks to the bore.

Both streams of source water are treated at Nebo Road WTP. The source water infrastructure details are captured in the Asset Management Plan (AMP) provided in Appendix 7.


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Figure 3-2 Mackay Bores

Bore 1 Bore 2 Bore 3 Bore 4

Bore 5 Bore 6 Bore 7 Bore 8


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3.2.3 Treatment Process

Nebo Road WTP is located on Nebo Road approximately three kilometres south-west of Mackay CBD and neighbouring the Lagoons Reserve in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

The design and capacity details of the infrastructure at Nebo Road WTP is captured in AMP provided in Appendix 7. The functional description that describes the detailed operation philosophy, control, duty/standby arrangement and alarms for all process units of the Nebo Road WTP has been supplied in Appendix 8. Nebo Road WTP has recently been upgraded with commissioning of the upgrades undertaken in May 2011 and the process proving being completed in June 2011. An overview of the treatment process details is summarised below and a treatment process schematic has been supplied in Figure 3-3.

The WTP runs 24 hours a day seven days a week. The two streams of source water, from Dumbleton Weir and from the bores, are initially treated separately at the WTP as described below.

Figure 3-3 Nebo Road WTP Treatment Process Schematic

Source Water from Dumbleton Weir

The source water pumped from the weir enters the WTP at the river water dosing tank where it is dosed with aluminium chlorohydrate (ACH). Caustic, potassium permanganate (KMnO4) powdered activated charcoal (PAC) and polymer may also be dosed into the raw water at the river water dosing tank. Caustic is used when pH correction is required to attain the optimum coagulation and/or oxidation pH. KMnO4 is used to oxidise and aid the removal of manganese in the raw water. PAC is used when algal and/or taste and odour issues are of concern in the raw water. The dosed water is mixed and allowed sufficient time in the river water dosing tank for coagulation and flocculation, and oxidation if required, before feeding into one of the two (2) upflow sludge blanket clarifiers. The river water dosing tank contains baffles and mechanical mixers that assist the mixing of the dosed water. Additional polymer may be dosed at the clarifiers to assist floc removal.


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The clarifiers release the supernatant to either Stage 1 (Filters 5, 6, 7 and 8) or Stage 2 (Filters 9, 10, 11 and 12) sand filters. The water released from the clarifiers may be dosed with polymer prior to entering the filters. The polyelectrolyte is used as a filter aid to condition the filter media to allow it to bind remaining floc.

The filtered water from the filters is fed into the filtered water tank where chlorine gas is dosed for disinfection and caustic is dosed for pH adjustment to optimise disinfection and the treated water quality. The water is released from the filtered water tank into three balance tanks for storage prior to distribution to the Mackay water reticulation system via the high lift pumping station. Sodium fluorosilicate is dosed into the treated water prior to the balance tanks for fluoridation.

Source Water from Bores

The source bore water is pumped to Nebo Road WTP where aerated for the removal of carbon dioxide. The aerated water is stored in the relift tank where oxidation is provided through KMnO4 dosing for the removal of manganese and pH correction is also undertaken through caustic dosing. From the relift tank the water is pumped to the bore filters (Filters 1, 2, 3 and 4). The filtered water is released to the Filter Water Tank where it mixes with filtered river water stream and the final treatment processes are undertaken as described above.

3.2.4 Disinfection Process

The treated water produced at Nebo Road WTP is disinfected through dosing chlorine gas at the treated water balance tank. The balance tanks provide 3 hours contact time at maximum output. This provides sufficient contact time for adequate disinfection before the water is released to the distribution network.

Residual chlorine levels are measured in the pipework on the discharge side of the high lift pump station which transfers treated water from the balance tank to the high level reservoirs and directly to customers.

Infrastructure details of the chlorine gas dosing systems at Nebo Road WTP are captured in the AMP provided in Appendix 7. The target residuals for disinfection can be found in the CCP Procedure provided in Appendix 9.

3.2.5 Distribution and Reticulation

The treated water is pumped from the balance tanks at Nebo Road WTP into the Mackay reticulation system. Within the reticulation system there are reservoirs for potable water storage and pump stations to aid the movement of water and maintain the pressure in the reticulation system. The details of the reservoirs and pump stations in the Mackay reticulation system are captured in the AMP provided in Appendix 10. Network maps demonstrating the fire flow and pressure within the Mackay reticulation system are provided in Appendix 11, Appendix 12 and Appendix 13.

There are seven (7) re-chlorination systems in the Mackay network, as detailed in Appendix 10, which assist in the maintenance of free chlorine residual and disinfection in the potable water. The target residuals for disinfection can be found in the CCP Procedure provided in Appendix 14.

Manual application of slow dissolving chlorine tablets to reservoirs in the reticulation system is used periodically. The chlorine tablets boost the free chlorine residual in the potable water and maintain the disinfection of the potable water as required.


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3.2.6 Key Stakeholders

Table 3-1 Key Stakeholders for Mackay

Stakeholder Relevance Contact Details

SunWater Catchment manager and upstream supplier

13 15 89

Ergon Electricity supplier 13 10 46

24 hr emergency 13 22 96

DEWS Office of the Water Supply Regulator

13 74 68

DEHP Environmental Regulation 13 74 68

Environmental Disasters Pollution Hotline 1300 130 372

DNRM Groundwater allocation 13 74 68

BSES Raw water customers 07 4963 6800

Islander Hut Raw water customers 07 4953 2413

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Raw water customers 07 4952 7300

North QLD Bulk Ports Large industrial client 1300 129 255

Mackay City Community served

Sarina Township (when required)

Community served

Seaforth Community served

Bakers Creek Community served

McEwens beach Community served

Ixom Chemical supplier (chlorine gas, sodium hydroxide and ACH)

1300 55 175

Emergency all hrs 1800 033 111

Hardman Australia Chemical supplier (ACH) 02 9624 1333

Clearwater Solutions Chemical supplier (Polyelectrolyte)

0417 761 723

Activated Carbon Technologies

Chemical supplier (PAC) 07 3209 6759

Bisley and Co Chemical supplier (Sodium silicofluoride)

02 9413 1333

Redox Chemicals Chemical supplier (KMnO4) 07 3268 1555


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Palintest Chemical supplier (Chlorine tablets)

1300 131 516

Thermo Fisher Scientific Hach Mobile Testing Bench Testing Reagent Supplier

1300 735 292

Rowe Scientific Fluoride Analysis Supplies 07 3376 9411

JJ Richards Sludge transport 07 4952 3555

Coates Hire Services Generator Hire 07 4963 9000

Chaffey Power Generator Hire 07 4959 5685

3.2.7 Assembly of Water Quality Data

Water quality data assembled and analysed for the Mackay scheme included:

• source water from Dumbleton Weir;

• process water from Nebo Road WTP;

• treated water from Nebo Road WTP; and

• supplied water from the reticulation system.

The results from the statistical analyses on the water quality data have been tabulated and presented in Appendix 15. The statistical analysis was performed on data collected from January 2009 through to December 2015. The microbiological results analysed were collected from testing that was undertaken on a weekly basis for raw and treated water to monthly basis in the distribution system.

Summaries of the risk factors for source, process, treated and supplied water quality for the Mackay scheme have been presented in Sections 3.2.8 - 3.2.11.

3.2.8 Water Quality - Source Water

The raw water sources are monitored both from the weir and the bores on a weekly basis. There are raw water sample taps located in the laboratory. There has not been any significant bore water usage at WTP since 2005, so the raw bore water quality data is limited.

If required, sampling is performed by boat on the weir itself. The purpose is to depth profile the weir to estimate the depth to the hypolimnion where there are high concentrations of manganese. The weir acts as a large silt trap, so in the dry years, a blanket of manganese accumulates which can cause water quality issues when the weir stratifies. In previous years there have been considerable wet seasons, resulting in the river being well mixed, which has minimised this problem.

Dumbleton Weir

The raw water sourced from Dumbleton Weir can have significant temperature variations which have been associated with seasonal changes and stratification in the weir. During storm events the raw water sourced from the weir may contain high levels of organics, turbidity and colour. When there is thermal stratification in the weir the raw water has been found to have low dissolved oxygen and alkalinity and high levels of soluble and total iron and manganese. Raw water sourced from Dumbleton Weir at times has been found to contain notable levels of


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microorganisms, including pathogenic species; herbicides; pesticides; petroleum products and molybdenum. This is potentially related to upstream contamination. Organic contamination from algae and algal toxins has also been seen in the raw water and is mainly related to high growth events in the Pioneer River and Dumbleton Weir.

Bores

There is currently limited groundwater quality data available for analysis due to the infrequency of bore water use. However the following paragraph summarises the main concerns relating to this water source.

The raw groundwater sourced from the bores has demonstrated significant variations in alkalinity and has been found to contain high levels of iron and manganese. There is also potential that the groundwater may be contaminated with herbicides, pesticides and petroleum products from surrounding land use activities, however the limited data available to date has not confirmed this.

The measured conductivity of all bores is currently well below the 1,500 ms/cm threshold for salt water intrusion and therefore are not at risk of being shut down.

As a component of the Risk Management Improvement Program (RMIP) (Appendix 40) a review of the raw groundwater quality monitoring will be investigated and after further raw groundwater quality data is collected the assumptions regarding raw groundwater quality will be confirmed or amended as required.

3.2.9 Water Quality - Process Water

Process water at Nebo Road WTP has been found to have low alkalinity and pH and high turbidity and colour during storm events, when the same characteristics are found in the raw water. High levels of iron and manganese have been found in the process water at times, related to high levels of the metals, particularly in the soluble form, in the raw water.

3.2.10 Water Quality - Treated Water

The treated water produced at Nebo Road WTP during the occasional poor raw water quality events, such as during storm events or stratification in Dumbleton Weir, has been found to have low pH, alkalinity and dissolved oxygen and high levels of colour, iron and manganese. High levels of aluminium have occasionally been detected in the treated water and were associated with the dosing of the coagulant aluminium sulphate (alum). Nebo Road WTP has converted to the use of the coagulant ACH and since changing coagulant high levels of aluminium have not been detected in the treated water. High and low levels of chlorine have been found on occasion in the treated water at Nebo Road WTP. High chlorine levels have been related to dosing errors while low chlorine levels have been associated with high chlorine demand in the treated water. E. coli testing of the treated water was implemented in March 2008 in line with the changes in public health legislation. Previously faecal coliform testing was undertaken to estimate potential faecal contamination. No E. coli has been detected to date.

3.2.11 Water Quality - Supplied Water

Supplied water has been found to have low pH, alkalinity and dissolved oxygen and high levels of chlorine, colour, aluminium, iron and manganese during storm events or stratification in Dumbleton Weir, due to the release of treated water with these issues. Low levels of dissolved oxygen may also be attributed to biofilm activity. Occasional elevated chlorine levels in the reticulation system would be due to the rechlorination undertaken in the reticulation system particularly in reservoirs. Low consumption periods especially during summer contribute to the low chlorine levels as well as biofilm activity through either uptake of components or release of


Rev 5Page 27

components and can contribute to high colour, turbidity and metals levels in the reticulation system. High pH levels have been found to occur in the reticulation system and have been attributed to leaching of lime in concrete lined reticulation pipes. Ingress in the reticulation system in conjunction with low chlorine levels may result in high levels of microorganisms detected.

E. coli testing of the supplied water was implemented in March 2008 in line with the changes in public health legislation. Previously faecal coliform testing was undertaken. E. coli has been detected in eleven samples as shown in Table 3-2. These events were found to be individual and not related to each other.

Table 3-2 E. coli Detections in Mackay Supplied Water

Sample Point Date of Detection

Eimeo 29/07/2010

The Leap View Estate 08/01/2010

24/02/2010

McEwens Beach 19/01/2015

Seaforth 26/02/2009

24/01/2012

25/02/2013

Shoal Point 21/01/2009

Slade Point 29/01/2009

5/03/2013

Lead has been detected in the supplied water from time to time due to lead solders that have been used in joints within the reticulation system.


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3.3 Eton


Eton sources its raw water from rural groundwater bores which draw water from the Pioneer River/Sandy Creek Alluvium subartesian system. The groundwater is recharged through water percolating into underlying aquifers from the Pioneer River and its tributaries which are found within the Pioneer River basin. Refer to the description in Section 3.2.1 for the characteristics of the Pioneer River basin.

3.3.2 Source Water

Eton is able to source its water from four rural groundwater bores however only two are operational and used to draw water. The bores have a combined annual entitlement of 62 ML under licence with DNRM. The management of the bores falls under the Pioneer Valley Resource Operation Plan. The allocation of water is managed according to the Pioneer Valley Resource Operation Plan and the bores are subject to an announced allocation on an annual basis as determined by DNRM. The announced allocation details the maximum amount of water that can be drawn from the bores as a percentage of the water licence entitlement for the Water Year (1 July to 30 June).

The source water infrastructure details are captured in the Asset Management Plan (AMP) provided in Appendix 7.

3.3.3 Treatment and Disinfection Process

The bore water is pumped directly into Eton reticulation system. Sodium hypochlorite dosing is provided on the raw water pipeline for disinfection. Sufficient contact time for disinfection is provided in the reticulation system. Refer to Figure 3-4 for a schematic of the Eton treatment process.

Raw Groundwater(Eton Bores)

Sodium Hypochlorite

ETON TREATMENT

Reticulation

Figure 3-4 Eton Treatment Process Schematic

Infrastructure details of the sodium hypochlorite dosing system at Eton are captured in the AMP provided in Appendix 7. The target residuals for disinfection can be found in the CCP Procedure provided in Appendix 16.


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Due to age and safety concerns the Eton treatment facility was replaced and the disinfection chemical changed from chlorine gas to sodium hypochlorite. The new facility came on line in August 2013 and the old facility was decommissioned.


The water is pumped from the bores into Eton reticulation system. There is an offline reservoir that provides water storage as required. The details of the reservoir and pipes in the reticulation system have been provided in Appendix 10.


Table 3-3 Key Stakeholders for Eton



13 74 68






Eton Township Community served


1300 131 516

Elite Chemicals Chemical supplier (sodium hypochlorite)

0421 393 000




1300 735 292


At Eton the treatment process is limited oxidation and disinfection through chlorination; therefore source water, process water and treated water is assumed to be similar in quality to supplied water with the exception of chlorine and the ratio of soluble to total metals. Water quality data assembled and analysed for the Eton scheme was therefore supplied water from the reticulation system. A review of the monitoring undertaken at Eton has been incorporated as a task within the improvement program and will include an investigation on the possibility of raw bore water monitoring. After further water quality data is collected the assumptions regarding water quality will be confirmed or amended as required.

The results from the statistical analyses on the water quality data have been tabulated and presented in Appendix 15. The statistical analysis was performed on data collected from


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February 2009 through to December 2015. The microbiological results analysed were collected from testing that was undertaken on a monthly basis in the supplied water.

A summary of the risk factors for supplied water quality for the Eton scheme has been presented in Section 3.3.7.


The water analyses of supplied water in the reticulation system of the Eton scheme found there was high conductivity which may be indicative of salt intrusion into the aquifer. Low dissolved oxygen has been detected in the supplied water along with high levels of iron and microorganisms. These parameters would be related to the quality of the water being drawn from the aquifer. Furthermore iron may be found in the supplied water due to releases from biofilm activity and the presence of microorganisms may be the result of ingress. E. coli testing of the supplied water was implemented in April 2008 and E. coli has been detected in the water on three occasions, the first in October 2010 and the second and third in January 2011 (at two sample points ‘Eton’ and ‘Eton Reservoir’ on the same day of sampling). High levels of chlorine have been detected in the supplied water and relate to water demand changes and variability in the chlorine demand of the raw groundwater.


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3.4 Marian



The Marian water scheme (which incorporates the suburbs of Marian and Mirani) sources its raw surface water from Marian Weir which is on the Pioneer River. The surface water catchment for the Pioneer River is the Pioneer River basin. Refer to the description in Section 3.2.1 for the characteristics of the Pioneer River basin.


Marian and Mirani source raw groundwater from the Pioneer River Alluvium subartesian system. The groundwater is recharged through water percolating into underlying aquifers from the Pioneer River which is found within the Pioneer River basin.

Rainfall

Rainfall data for the previous 15.3 years for Mirani has been presented in . Generally the rainy season runs from November through to March with peak rainfall falling in January to February. It is noted that in 2007 and 2008 extreme rainfall events occurred.


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Figure 3-5 Mirani Rainfall Chart10

3.4.2 Source Water

Marian and Mirani source raw water from either Marian Weir or 3 groundwater bores. The primary raw water source is surface water from Marian Weir which is treated at the Marian WTP. Prior to commissioning of the Marian WTP in February 2015 the sole source of raw water for Marian and Mirani was from groundwater bores. The groundwater bores are now only used as an emergency backup during high demand or event circumstances.

Marian Weir is located on the Pioneer River and is fed by water collected in the Pioneer River Basin. The basin, river and weir are controlled by SunWater. The annual entitlement from Marian Weir is 460 ML by agreement with SunWater. The raw water is drawn from the weir by a pump station.

The emergency backup raw groundwater source for Marian is from two groundwater bores next to the Pioneer River. The bores are operated in a duty/standby configuration and have a combined annual entitlement of 95 ML under licence with DNRM. The management of the bore falls under the Pioneer Valley Resource Operation Plan 2005. The allocation of water is managed according to the Pioneer Valley Resource Operation Plan 2005 and the bores are subject to an announced allocation on an annual basis as determined by DNRM. The announced allocation details the maximum amount of water that can be drawn from the bores as a percentage of the water licence entitlement for the Water Year (1 July to 30 June).

The condition of the Marian bores has been displayed in Figure 3-6.

Figure 3-6 Marian Bores

The emergency backup raw groundwater source for Mirani is from one rural groundwater bore. The bore has an annual entitlement of 100 ML under licence with DNRM. The management of the bore falls under the Pioneer Valley Resource Operation Plan 2005. The allocation of water is managed according to the Pioneer Valley Resource Operation Plan 2005 and bores are subject to an announced allocation on an annual basis as determined by DNRM. The announced allocation details the maximum amount of water that can be drawn from the bores as a percentage of the water licence entitlement for the Water Year (1 July to 30 June).

The condition of the Mirani bore has been displayed in .

10 Sourced from BOM website, Station: MIRANI MARY STREET

Bore 1Bore 2


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Figure 3-7 Mirani Bore

Source water from Marian Weir is treated at Marian WTP. The emergency backup raw groundwater sources can be treated at Marian WTP or can be treated separately as described in Section 3.4.3 below when Marian WTP is offline. Groundwater and surface source water infrastructure details are captured in the Asset Management Plan (AMP) provided in Appendix 7.


Marian WTP Treatment and Disinfection Process

Marian WTP is located on Anzac Avenue approximately 30 kilometres west of Mackay

The design and capacity details of the infrastructure at Marian WTP is captured in AMP provided in Appendix 7. An overview of the treatment process details is summarised below and a treatment process schematic has been supplied in Figure 3-8.

Bore 1 Bore 1


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Figure 3-8 Marian WTP Treatment Process Schematic

The WTP is divided into the following seven (7) sections:

• Raw Water Intake and Pre-Treatment o Raw water intake o Pre-dosing o Storage o Flow control / monitoring systems

• Flocculation, Clarification and Filtration Systems o Flocculation o Clarification o Filtration o Filtered water storage o Pumping systems o Backwash pump station o Air scour blower system

• Clear Water System o Dosing o Storage o Pumping o Flow control systems

• Residual Handling System o Wash water system o Sludge system o Storage o Flow control / monitoring systems


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o Pumping stations o Supernatant system

• Chemical Dosing Systems o Chemical Buildings o Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) dosing system o Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4) dosing system o Aluminium Chlorohydrate (Al2Cl(OH)5) (ACH) dosing system o Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) (caustic soda) dosing system o Polyacrylamide (polymer) dosing system o Sodium Fluoride (NaF) dosing system o Chlorine Gas (Cl) dosing system

• Service Water Systems o Service Water systems o Process Water system

• Water Analyser Wet Racks

Raw water is pumped into the WTP from the catchment. This raw water passes through several processes (mixing / agitation, flocculation, settling, and filtration) over the course of this process the raw water is treated with seven (7) different chemicals at various stages (each chemical performing a different function). The level of chemical added (dosed) to the raw water stream is dependent on the volume and makeup of the water passing through the WTP at any one time. At critical points along the treatment process water analysis (automatic) and samples (manual) can and are taken. The results of this continual analysis provide critical information to the treatment systems allowing correct and timely adjustments (automatic and manual) and/or warnings.

The separated residual materials (organic and non-organic) are collected and dewatered using flocculation, settling and geobag processes. The collected water is pumped back to the head of the WTP for treatment. Whilst the coagulated sludge is pumped into geobags for final dewatering and transformation (drying) to a dry particulate.

Infrastructure details of the chemical dosing systems in the Marian scheme are provided in

Appendix 7 and Appendix 10. The target residuals for disinfection can be found in the CCP

Procedures provided in Appendix 42.

Marian and Mirani Groundwater Treatment and Disinfection Process

When Marian WTP is offline Marian’s only treatment process for groundwater is sodium hypochlorite dosing for disinfection as presented in the treatment process schematic in . The sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the main prior to the reservoir. Sufficient contact time for disinfection is provided by the storage time in the reservoir.

Infrastructure details of the sodium hypochlorite dosing system have been provided in Appendix 7. The target residuals for disinfection can be found in the CCP Procedure provided in Appendix 17.


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Raw Groundwater

(Marian Bores)

Sodium

Hypochlorite

MARIAN TREATMENT

Reservoir

Marian

Reticulation

Mirani

Reservoir

Marian Booster

Pump Station

Mirani Transfer

Pump Station

Figure 3-9 Marian Groundwater Treatment Process Schematic

When Marian WTP is offline Mirani’s only treatment process for groundwater is sodium hypochlorite dosing for disinfection as presented in the treatment process schematic in . The sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the main prior to the reservoir. Sufficient contact time for disinfection is provided by the storage time in the reservoir.


MIRANI TREATMENT

Raw Groundwater

(Mirani Bore)

Sodium

Hypochlorite

Reservoir

Mirani

Reticulation

Mirani Booster

Pump Station

From Marian

Figure 3-10 Mirani Groundwater Treatment Process Schematic


Treated water from the Marian WTP is stored at the Marian ground level reservoir before being distributed to the reticulation system.

Similarly disinfected groundwater from Marian bores is pumped from the Marian reservoir into the Marian reticulation system by the booster pump station. The details of the reservoir and pipes in the reticulation system have been provided in Appendix 10. Network maps demonstrating the fire flow and pressure within the Marian reticulation system have been provided in Appendix 18 and Appendix 19.

The disinfected water from the Mirani bores is pumped into the Mirani reticulation system by the Mirani booster pumps. The details of the pumps, reservoir and pipes in the reticulation system


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have been provided in Appendix 10. Network maps demonstrating the fire flow and pressure within the Mirani reticulation system have been provided in Appendix 18 and Appendix 19.

Marian has an interconnecting pipeline with Mirani that allows disinfected water from Marian bores to supply Mirani when required. The disinfected water from the Marian reservoir is pumped via the interconnecting pipeline into the Mirani reservoir.


Table 3-4 Key Stakeholders for Marian



13 74 68






SunWater (for surface water allocations)

Catchment manager and upstream supplier

13 15 89

Marian Township Community served

Mirani Township Community served

Ixom Chemical supplier (chlorine gas, sodium hydroxide and ACH)

1300 55 175



BTF Group Pty Ltd Chemical supplier (Polyelectrolyte)

07 49531152

Activated Carbon Technologies

Chemical supplier (PAC) 07 3209 6759

BTF Group Pty Ltd Chemical supplier (Sodium fluoride)

07 49531152

BTF Group Pty Ltd Chemical supplier (KMnO4) 07 49531152

Dowdens Chemical supplier (Chlorine tablets)

07 49694949

HACH Hach Mobile Testing Bench Testing Reagent Supplier

0410508732


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Haber Excavations Sludge transport (geo bags) 0418185055

Coates Hire Services Forklift Hire 07 4963 9000


Dowdens Cheetham Water Softener Salt

07 49694949


Water quality data assembled and analysed for the Marian scheme included:

• source water from Marian Weir;

• source water from Marian and Mirani bores;

• treated water from Marian WTP; and

• supplied water from the reticulation system.

The results from the statistical analyses on the water quality data have been tabulated and presented in Appendix 15. The statistical analysis was performed on data collected from January 2009 through to December 2015. The microbiological results analysed were collected from testing that was undertaken on a weekly basis for raw and treated water to monthly basis in the distribution system.

Summaries of the risk factors for source, treated and supplied water quality for the Marian scheme have been presented in Sections 3.4.7 - 3.4.9.

3.4.7 Water Quality – Source Water

To date the only treatment process for groundwater from Mirani and Marian bores (now only utilised as an emergency backup) was disinfection through chlorination. Therefore source water is assumed to be similar in quality to treated water with the exception of chlorine. After further water quality data is collected the assumptions regarding water quality will be confirmed or amended as required.

The raw water source for Marian WTP (i.e. Marian Weir) is monitored on a weekly basis. The raw water sourced from the Marian Weir is of similar quality to the raw water sourced from Dumbleton Weir, with both weirs being located on the Pioneer River. The raw water sourced from Marian Weir can have significant temperature variations which have been associated with seasonal changes and stratification in the weir. Raw water sourced from Marian Weir at times has been found to contain notable levels of microorganisms, including pathogenic species; herbicides and pesticides. This is potentially related to upstream contamination. Organic contamination from algae and algal toxins has also been seen in the raw water and is mainly related to high growth events in the Marian Weir.


The treated water produced at Marian WTP during the occasional poor raw water quality events, such as during storm event. High and low levels of chlorine have been found on occasion in the treated water at Marian WTP. High chlorine levels have been related to dosing errors while low chlorine levels have been associated with high chlorine demand in the treated water. No E. coli has been detected to date.


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3.4.9 Water Quality – Supplied Water

Supplied water quality for water distributed to the Marian and Mirani reticulation network is described below. The statistical analysis was performed on data collected from January 2009 through to December 2015 and therefore includes water supplied pre and post Marian WTP commissioning.

Marian Supplied

Supplied water has been found to have low dissolved oxygen and high levels of conductivity, hardness, chlorine and microorganisms, due to the presence of the compounds in the raw water. A high count of microorganisms was attributed to potential contamination of the sample taps. The low levels of dissolved oxygen and low pH levels detected in the supplied water is associated with the high free carbon dioxide in the source groundwater. High turbidity levels detected in the supplied water may be related to biofilm activity and/or water ingress. There has been E. coli detected in testing of the supplied water on one occasion in March 2013.

Mirani Supplied

Supplied water has been found to have low dissolved oxygen and pH and high levels of chlorine, conductivity, hardness and microorganisms, due to the raw water quality. A high count of microorganisms was attributed to potential contamination of the sample taps. The low levels of dissolved oxygen and low pH levels detected in the supplied water is associated with the high free carbon dioxide in the source groundwater. There has been no E. coli detected in testing of the supplied water. High turbidity levels detected in the supplied water may be related to biofilm activity and/or water ingress.


Rev 5Page 40

3.5 Finch Hatton


Finch Hatton sources its raw water from Cattle Creek; which lies in the Pioneer River basin. Refer to the description in Section 3.2.1 for the characteristics of the Pioneer River basin.

3.5.2 Source Water

Finch Hatton sources its raw water from one groundwater bore located at the Finch Hatton Show Grounds (Figure 3-11). Finch Hatton is able to draw water directly from Cattle Creek, however this water source has not been used due to poor water quality and is currently maintained as an alternative source awaiting further testing and investigation.

Figure 3-11 Finch Hatton Bore

The groundwater bore is controlled by MRC and draws water from the Cattle Creek Alluvium with an annual entitlement of 46 ML under licence with DNRM. The management of the bore falls under the Pioneer Valley Resource Operation Plan 2005. The allocation of water is managed according to the Pioneer Valley Resource Operation Plan 2005 and the bores are subject to an announced allocation on an annual basis as determined by DNRM. The announced allocation details the maximum amount of water that can be drawn from the bores as a percentage of the water licence entitlement for the Water Year (1 July to 30 June). Due to the distance from the coast the bores are not at risk from salt water intrusion.

Water can also be sourced from Cattle Creek. Water is drawn through a stainless steel wedge wire screen installed under the bed of Cattle Creek. The source water is drawn from Cattle Creek via pumps that discharge into a rising main that feeds the concrete reservoir. Water is allocated from Cattle Creek through a SunWater agreement. This system has been decommissioned since 2008.

The source water infrastructure details have been provided in Appendix 7.


Finch Hatton’s only treatment process is sodium hypochlorite dosing for disinfection as presented in the schematic in Figure 3-12. The sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the rising main prior to the reservoir. Sufficient contact time for disinfection is provided by the storage time in the reservoir.


Rev 5Page 41


Figure 3-12 Finch Hatton Treatment Process Schematic


The disinfected water is gravity fed from the concrete reservoir into the Finch Hatton reticulation

system. The details of the reservoir and pipes in the Finch Hatton reticulation system have been

provided in Appendix 10.


Table 3-5 Key Stakeholders for Finch Hatton


SunWater (when applicable) Catchment manager 13 15 89




13 74 68





Rev 5Page 42


Finch Hatton Township Community served


1300 735 292




0421 393 000


At Finch Hatton the only treatment process is disinfection through chlorination; therefore source water, process water and treated water is assumed to be similar in quality to supplied water, with the exception of chlorine. Water quality data assembled and analysed for the Finch Hatton scheme was therefore supplied water from the reticulation system. After further water quality data is collected the assumptions regarding water quality will be confirmed or amended as required.

The results from the statistical analyses on the water quality data have been tabulated and presented in Appendix 15. The statistical analysis was performed on data collected from July 2009 through to December 2015. The microbiological results analysed were collected from testing that was undertaken on a monthly basis.

A summary of the risk factors for supplied water quality for the Finch Hatton scheme has been presented in Section 3.5.7.


The water analyses of supplied water in the reticulation system of the Finch Hatton scheme found there was low dissolved oxygen along with high levels of conductivity, iron and microorganisms. These parameters would be related to the quality of the water being drawn from the aquifer. Furthermore iron may be found in the supplied water due to releases from biofilm activity and the presence of microorganisms may be the result of ingress. There has been no E. coli detected in testing of the supplied water. Low dissolved oxygen in supplied water may also be related to biofilm activity. High levels of chlorine have been detected in the supplied water and relate to changes in chlorine demand of the raw groundwater.


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3.6 Gargett


Gargett sources its raw water from groundwater bores next to Cattle Creek and next to the Mackay/Eungella Road. The groundwater is drawn from the Pioneer River Alluvium subartesian system. The groundwater is recharged through water percolating into underlying aquifers from Cattle Creek and Pioneer River which are both found within the Pioneer River basin. Refer to the description in Section 3.2.1 for the characteristics of the Pioneer River basin.

3.6.2 Source Water

Gargett sources its raw water from groundwater bores, either two bores next to Cattle Creek or one bore next to the Mackay/Eungella Road. The two Cattle Creek bores are the main raw water sources used while the Mackay/Eungella Road bore is only used when extra supply is required.

The bores have a combined annual entitlement of 60 ML under contract with SunWater. The condition of the Gargett bores has been displayed in Figure 3-13 and the source water infrastructure details have been provided in Appendix 7.


Gargett’s only treatment process is sodium hypochlorite dosing for disinfection as depicted in the schematic provided in Figure 3-14. The sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the main prior to the reticulation and reservoir. Sufficient contact time for disinfection is provided by the time in the reticulation and storage time in the reservoir.



The disinfected water is gravity fed into the Gargett and Pinnacle reticulation systems from the reservoir. The details of the reservoir and pipes in the Gargett and Pinnacle reticulation systems have been provided in Appendix 10.


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Figure 3-13 Gargett Cattle Creek Bores

Bore 1 Bore 1

Bore 1 Bore 1

Bore 2 Bore 2


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Figure 3-14 Gargett Treatment Process Schematic


Table 3-6 Key Stakeholders for Gargett



13 74 68




13 15 89



Gargett Township Community served

Pinnacle Township Community served


1300 735 292




0421 393 000


Rev 5Page 46


At Gargett the only treatment process is disinfection through chlorination; therefore source water, process water and treated water is assumed to be similar in quality to supplied water with the exception of chlorine. After further water quality data is collected the assumptions regarding water quality will be confirmed or amended as required. Water quality data assembled and analysed for the Gargett scheme was therefore supplied water from the reticulation system.

The results from the statistical analyses on the water quality data have been tabulated and presented in Appendix 15. The statistical analysis was performed on data collected from July 2009 through to December 2015. The microbiological results analysed were collected from testing that was undertaken on a monthly basis.

A summary of the risk factors for supplied water quality for the Gargett scheme has been presented in Section 3.6.7.


Low dissolved oxygen and pH has been detected in the supplied water along with high levels of turbidity, colour, manganese and microorganisms. These parameters would be related to the quality of the water being drawn from the aquifer. Furthermore manganese may be found in the supplied water due to releases from biofilm activity and the presence of turbidity, colour and microorganisms may be the result of ingress. There has been no E. coli detected in testing of the supplied water. Low dissolved oxygen in supplied water may also be related to biofilm activity. High levels of chlorine have been detected in the supplied water and relate to changes in chlorine demand of the raw groundwater.


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3.7 Sarina



Sarina sources its raw surface water from Plane Creek Weir located on Plane Creek and fed by releases from Middle Creek Dam. Middle Creek Dam and Plane Creek Weir are situated within the Plane Creek basin.

Plane Creek basin lies south of Mackay along a narrow coastal plain and contains significant human and farming activity. The majority of the basin is occupied by beef cattle grazing with the other dominant land use being sugar cane cultivation. State forests and timber reserves occupy small areas along Conners Range on the western boundary of the basin area and a small region on the eastern border of the basin area is classified as protected wetlands.

Four sugar mills lie within the basin and the area is criss-crossed by cane trains which service the mills. Also there is a high thoroughfare of coal trains transporting coal through the basin to the port for shipping. Refer to Appendix 2311 for a map of the Plane Creek basin.


Sarina sources its raw groundwater from the bores and subartesian systems listed in Table 3-7.

Table 3-7 Sarina Bores and Subartesian Systems

Bores Subartesian System

Sarina Campwyn Beds

Marwood Sandy Creek Alluvium - South

Bally Keel Sandy Creek Alluvium - South

Armstrong Beach Cattle Creek – South Rocks

The groundwater bores are all found within the Plane Creek basin. The groundwater is recharged through water percolating into underlying aquifers from Plane Creek and its tributaries which are found within the Plane Creek basin. Appendix 24 details the soils found in the Plane Creek area.

Rainfall, Floods and Bushfire

Rainfall data for the previous 15.3 years for the Sarina scheme has been presented in Figure 3-15. Generally the rainy season runs from November through to March with peak rainfall falling in January to February.

11 Sourced from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection website


Rev 5Page 48

Figure 3-15 Sarina Rainfall Chart12

MRC currently does not have on record historical flood information for the Plane Creek Basin however with the recent flood events Sarina and other schemes within the Plane Creek Basin were not affected.

The risk of bushfires for the Plane Creek basin is generally low due the large amount of sugar cane farms in the catchment. Bushfire management information is freely available on the MRC website.

3.7.2 Source Water

Sarina has several raw water sources that contribute various amounts to the scheme as listed in Table 3-8.

Table 3-8 Sarina Raw Water Sources

Raw Water Source Average Proportion of Flow

Plane Creek Weir 32 %

Sarina Bores 17 %

12 Sourced from BOM website, Station: PLANE CREEK SUGAR MILL


Rev 5Page 49

Raw Water Source Average Proportion of Flow

Marwood Bores 38 %

Bally Keel Bore 8 %

Armstrong Beach Bore 3 %

Plane Creek Weir, located on Plane Creek, is supplied with water by releases from Middle Creek Dam which is under MRC control. MRC is currently licensed to draw 236 ML per annum from Plane Creek.

When water is at a reduced level at the Plane Creek Weir, it is restored by the Sarina WTP operator opening an outlet valve at the base of the Middle Creek Dam. This valve is closed when the required levels are achieved at Plane Creek Weir. The Middle Creek Dam valve is also operated prior to the wet season to lower the level of the dam.

The two Sarina bores (Figure 3-16) draw groundwater with a combined annual entitlement of 300 ML under licence with DNRM.

The five Marwood bores (Figure 3-16) draw groundwater with a combined annual entitlement of 700 ML under licence with DNRM. Marwood Bores are not operated when the interconnecting pipeline from the Mackay scheme is supplying potable water to the Sarina scheme. This use of the interconnecting pipeline is further discussed in Section 3.7.5.

The single Bally Keel bore (Figure 3-16) draws groundwater with an annual entitlement of 150 ML under licence with DNRM.

The single Armstrong Beach bore (Figure 3-16) draws groundwater with an annual entitlement of 230 ML under licence with DNRM.

The management of the Marwood bores falls under the Pioneer Valley Resource Operation Plan 2005. The allocation of water is managed according to the Pioneer Valley Resource Operation Plan 2005 and the bores are subject to an announced allocation on an annual basis as determined by DNRM. The announced allocation details the maximum amount of water that can be drawn from the bores as a percentage of the water licence entitlement for the Water Year (1 July to 30 June).


Sarina previously was able to call on an emergency supply of source water from Munburra (controlled by SunWater) however this supply link has been fully decommissioned and will not be operational in the future.


Rev 5Page 50

Armstong Beach Bore

Sarina Bore 1 Sarina Bore 2

Bally Keel Bore


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Figure 3-16 Sarina Bores

Marwood Bore 1

Marwood Bore 2

Marwood Bore 3

Marwood Bore 4

Marwood Bore 5


Rev 5Page 52


Only raw water drawn from Plane Creek Weir is pumped to Sarina WTP for treatment while the raw groundwater from the bores is only disinfected (see Section 3.7.4 for the disinfection processes).

The source water pumped from Plane Creek weir is dosed with hydrated lime for pH adjustment and the addition of alkalinity and then with the coagulant ACH when it enters Sarina WTP. ACH dosing was implemented in January 2011 and replaced the use of the coagulant alum. During poor raw water quality events bentonite and polymer may also be dosed at the inlet of Sarina WTP to aid coagulation and flocculation.

The dosed water flows into the sedimentation tank for floc settling and then it passes into the two filters. PAC may be dosed into the settled water as it enters the filters during periods where possible algal contaminants could be present.

The filtered water is sent to the clear water tank for storage prior to release into the distribution system. Chlorine gas is dosed into the filtered water prior to the clear water tank and sodium fluoride is dosed into the treated water at the outlet of the clear water tank pumps as the water is released.

Sarina WTP operates at a fixed flow rate of 31 L/s and runs from 6 to 12 hours a day depending the operation of the bores and their contribution to the distribution system supply. The average consumption from Sarina WTP has been 1.07 ML/day with a maximum of 44.01 ML/day and minimum of 0.021 ML/day as per consumption data collected up until December 2015.

The treatment process schematic for Sarina WTP has been provided in Figure 3-17 and the infrastructure details for Sarina WTP have been provided in Appendix 7.

Raw Weir Water

(Plane Creek Weir)

SARINA TREATMENT PLANT

Clarifier Clear Water

Tank

Chlorine

Gas

Reticulation

Backwash Water

Backwash

Tank

Waste Wash

Water

Hydrated

Lime

BentoniteNalco

3266

Gravity Filters

Fluoride

ACH

Clarifer

Blowdown

Sludge

Lagoons

Flash Mix Tank

PAC

Figure 3-17 Sarina WTP Treatment Process Schematic


At Sarina WTP chlorine gas is dosed into the filtered water for disinfection prior to the clear water tank. Sufficient contact time for disinfection is provided in the baffled clear water tank.


Rev 5Page 53

Groundwater from the Sarina bores is dosed with sodium hypochlorite prior to entering the reticulation system. Sufficient contact time for disinfection is provided in the reticulation system and Sarina reservoirs.

Groundwater from the Marwood bores is pumped to Alligator Creek balance tank. Sodium Fluoride is dosed into the groundwater raw water main for fluoridation and sufficient mixing time is provided in the main on the way to Alligator Creek balance tank. Sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the groundwater for disinfection at Alligator Creek balance tank. Sufficient contact time for disinfection is provided in the balance tank.

Groundwater from the Bally Keel bore is pumped directly into the distribution system. Prior to the connection with the reticulation system sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the groundwater for disinfection.

Groundwater from the Armstrong Beach bore is pumped into the Armstrong Beach balance tank. Sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the raw water for disinfection at a chlorine booster pump located after the balance tank.

Infrastructure details of the chlorine gas and sodium hypochlorite dosing systems in the Sarina

scheme are provided in Appendix 7 and Appendix 10. The target residuals for disinfection can

be found in the CCP Procedures provided in Appendix 25 and Appendix 26.


The Sarina scheme has a complex distribution network that allows the separate source waters to supply separate reticulation areas or be combined to supply the entire system. Furthermore due to the many water sources there are several options for alternative supplies in the event one water source has to be taken off the system.

The clear water tanks at Sarina WTP pump treated water into the Sarina reservoirs. The Sarina bores disinfected groundwater also flows into Sarina reservoir and mixes with the treated water from Sarina WTP.

From Sarina reservoir the potable water is gravity fed into Sarina township reticulation and pumped to the Armstrong Beach balance tank. The Armstrong Beach bore groundwater is disinfected and flows directly into the Armstrong Beach balance tank where it mixes with the potable water from the Sarina reservoir. The potable water from Armstrong Beach balance tank is then pumped into Armstrong Beach township reticulation.

From Sarina reservoir the potable water may gravity feed Alligator Creek balance tank. The disinfected and fluoridated groundwater from the Marwood bores flows directly into Alligator Creek balance tank and mixes with the potable water from Sarina reservoir. An interconnecting pipeline from the Mackay scheme supplies potable water to the Sarina scheme through a connection at Alligator Creek balance tank. Water has been supplied to Sarina from this interconnecting pipeline since March 2015 and will continue for the foreseeable future. This Mackay supply to Sarina provides the majority of potable water to the Sarina water supply scheme.

From Alligator Creek balance tank the potable water is pumped to Mt Griffith reservoir. The Bally Keel bore disinfected groundwater connects into the pipeline from Alligator Creek balance tank to Mt Griffith reservoir and mixes with the potable water from Alligator Creek balance tank. Mt Griffith reservoir gravity feeds water to Haypoint township reticulation and Mt Haden reservoir via Half Tide Beach reticulation system. Mt Haden reservoir gravity feeds water to the beaches reticulation systems.

Alligator Creek balance tank also has the option of pumping water back up to Sarina reservoir.


Rev 5Page 54

The details of the reservoirs and pump stations in the Sarina scheme reticulation system have been provided in Appendix 10. Network maps demonstrating the fire flow and pressure within the Sarina reticulation system have been provided in Appendix 27, Appendix 28 and Appendix 29.


Table 3-9 Key Stakeholders for Sarina



13 74 68






Nebo Road WTP (Mackay Scheme)

Drinking water supplier (when required)

Sarina Township Community served

Armstrong Beach Community served

Hay Point Community served

Grasstree Community served

Orica Australia Chemical supplier (chlorine gas)

1300 55 175



Curtis Maintenance & Solutions

Chemical supplier (hydrated lime, PAC, Truegel Bentonite, chlorine, demineralized water & Nalco 3266)

07 4951 0049

Clearwater Solutions Chemical supplier (Polyelectrolyte)

0417 761 723

Bisley and Co Chemical supplier (Sodium fluoride)

02 9413 1333


1300 131 516


Rev 5Page 55



1300 735 292


Labtek Bench Testing Reagent Supplier

1300 881 318



JJ Richards Sludge transport 07 4952 3555

Brisbane Chlorination Maintenance contract (chlorine gas system)

Chris Honey 0412 301 552

Prominent Pumps Maintenance contract (fluoride dosing system)

Jeff Dunker 0419 278 115


Water quality data assembled and analysed for the Sarina scheme included:

• source water from Sarina bores;

• source water from Marwood bores;

• source water from Bally Keel bore;

• source water from Plane Creek Weir;

• treated water from Sarina WTP;

• supplied water from Sarina Reservoir;

• supplied water from Sarina township;

• supplied water from Armstrong Beach; and

• supplied water from Sarina Northern Beaches.

The results from the statistical analyses on the water quality data have been tabulated and presented in Appendix 15. The statistical analysis was performed on data collected from July 2009 through to December 2015. The microbiological results analysed were collected from testing that was undertaken on a monthly basis for treated water and supplied water, with weekly testing being undertaken in Sarina Township only.

Summaries of the risk factors from source, treated and supplied water quality for the Sarina scheme have been presented in Sections 3.7.8 - 3.7.10.


The raw water sources are monitored both from the weir and bores on a monthly basis. The weir sample is collected from the raw water sampling point at the WTP. The raw water from the bores is collected from each bore.

Sarina Bores

Source water from the Sarina bores was found to have high turbidity, conductivity and hardness. These parameters would be related to the quality of the water being drawn from the aquifer. High conductivity may be related to salt intrusion into the aquifer.


Rev 5Page 56

Marwood Bores

Source water from the Marwood bores was found to have high turbidity, conductivity, colour. Source water from Marwood bore 1 was also found to have high iron. These parameters would be related to the quality of the water being drawn from the aquifer. High conductivity may be related to salt intrusion into the aquifer.

Bally Keel Bore

Source water from the Bally Keel bore was found to have high conductivity and hardness and low dissolved oxygen. These parameters would be related to the quality of the water being drawn from the aquifer. High conductivity may be related to salt intrusion into the aquifer.

Plane Creek Weir

Raw water sourced from Plane Creek Weir was found to have high turbidity, colour and conductivity during storm events. During the summer the hot temperatures cause thermal stratification in the weir and in Middle Creek Dam. The anaerobic conditions that result lead to high levels of aluminium and iron to be present in the raw water.

Raw water sourced from Plane Creek Weir at times has been noted to contain notable levels of microorganisms, herbicides, pesticides and petroleum products. This is potentially related to upstream contamination. Organic contamination from algae and algal toxins has also been seen in the raw water and is mainly related to high growth events in the Middle Creek Dam and Plane Creek Weir.


High and low chlorine levels have been detected in the treated water and associated with dosing errors and high chlorine demand. Microorganisms have occasionally been detected in the treated water produced at Sarina WTP. The microorganisms detected have not been pathogenic, with no E. coli detected, and have been associated with contamination at the clear water tank due to poor accessibility and therefore maintenance issues. A review of the cleaning and maintenance schedule and methodology has been included as a task in the improvement program.


Sarina Reservoirs

Treated water flows into Sarina reservoirs from Sarina WTP and Sarina bores and may also flow from Marwood bores. The supplied water quality at Sarina reservoirs was found to have high levels of conductivity and hardness which are related to the treated water quality flowing into the reservoir from the different sources. High chlorine levels were also detected in the supplied water in the reservoir and associated with the chlorine residuals from disinfection at the WTP and of the groundwater streams. Microorganisms were detected, on occasion, in the supplied water at the reservoir and have been associated with ingress into the system, however, no E. coli has been detected. MRC completed a project to reroof all reservoirs in the Sarina scheme in 2013.

Sarina Township

Sarina Township is supplied with potable water from the Sarina reservoir. High conductivity, hardness, aluminium and chlorine found in the supplied water at the township have been associated with the potable water sources. Microorganisms were detected, on occasion, in the supplied water at the township and have been associated with ingress into the system. E. coli has been detected in two samples from the township during 2010. The supplied water at Sarina


Rev 5Page 57

township was also found to have high turbidity, manganese and iron and low dissolved oxygen. These parameters may be related to biofilm activity in the reticulation system. Aluminium levels would also be associated with the biofilm activity while turbidity may also be contributed to by ingress.

Armstrong Beach

Armstrong Beach is supplied with potable water from Sarina township and the Armstrong Beach bore. The supplied water at Armstrong Beach was found to have high turbidity, conductivity, hardness and chlorine levels which were also seen in Sarina township. The turbidity present in the supplied water and the detection of microorganisms may be associated with ingress, however, no E. coli has been detected.

Sarina Northern Beaches

The Northern Beaches at Sarina are mainly supplied by the Marwood bores and Bally Keel bore and may be supplied from the Sarina reservoir. The supplied water at the Northern Beaches was found to have high conductivity and chlorine and microorganisms were, on occasion, detected. The high conductivity levels found in the supplied water have been related to the source water while the high chlorine levels detected are associated with the disinfection of the groundwater through chlorine dosing. The detection of microorganisms has been associated with ingress into the reticulation system and long detention times, however, no E. coli has been detected.


Rev 5Page 58

3.8 Koumala


Koumala sources its raw water from groundwater bores which are located in Plane Creek basin and draw from the Koumala Rock Area subartesian system. The groundwater is recharged through water percolating into underlying aquifers from Plane Creek and its tributaries which are found within Plane Creek basin. Refer to the description in Section 3.7.1 for the characteristics of Plane Creek basin.

3.8.2 Source Water

Koumala sources its raw water from two bores that have a combined annual entitlement of 35 ML under licence with DNRM. The source water infrastructure details have been provided in Appendix 7.

Figure 3-18 Koumala Bores


Koumala’s only treatment process is sodium hypochlorite dosing for disinfection as presented in the treatment process schematic in Figure 3-19. The sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the groundwater main prior to the reservoir. Sufficient contact time for disinfection is provided by the storage time in the reservoir.

Koumala Bore 1

Koumala Bore 2


Rev 5Page 59


Figure 3-19 Koumala Treatment Process Schematic


The disinfected water is released into the reticulation system from the reservoir by a gravity feed. The details of the reticulation system infrastructure have been provided in Appendix 10.


Table 3-10 Key Stakeholders for Koumala



13 74 68






Koumala Township Community served



Thermo Fisher Scientific Bench Testing Reagent Supplier

1300 735 292

Curtis Maintenance & Solutions

Chemical supplier (sodium hypochlorite)

07 4951 0049


Rev 5Page 60


Water quality data assembled and analysed for the Koumala scheme included source water and supplied water from the reticulation system. At Koumala the only treatment process is disinfection through chlorination therefore source water would be similar in quality to treated water with the exception of chlorine.

The results from the statistical analyses on the water quality data have been tabulated and presented in Appendix 15. The statistical analysis was performed on data collected from January 2011 through to December 2015. The microbiological results analysed were collected from testing that was undertaken on a monthly basis.

Summaries of the risk factors for source and supplied water quality for the Koumala scheme have been presented in Sections 3.8.7 and 3.8.8.


Source water from the Koumala bores was found to have high conductivity, hardness and iron. These parameters would be related to the quality of the water being drawn from the aquifer. High conductivity may be related to salt intrusion into the aquifer.


High levels of conductivity and hardness were detected in the supplied water at Koumala. These parameters would be related to the quality of the water being drawn from the aquifer. Microorganisms were also detected in the supplied water, however, no E. coli has been detected. The presence microorganisms may be the result of ingress. High levels of chlorine have been detected in the supplied water and relate to changes in chlorine demand of the raw groundwater.


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3.9 Calen


Calen sources its raw water from groundwater bores which are located in the O’Connell River basin. The groundwater is recharged through water percolating into underlying aquifers from the O’Connell River and its tributaries which are found within the O’Connell River basin.

The O’Connell River basin is located just north of Mackay and contains significant human and farming activity. The basin is dominated by beef cattle grazing with sugar cane cultivation along the river flats as the next major land use. State Forest and timber reserves occupy areas along the south-west basin boundary and protected wetlands occupy areas along the eastern boundary of the basin. Refer to Appendix 31 for a map of the O’Connell River basin and Appendix 6 details the soils found in that region.

MRC currently does not have on record historical flood information for the O’Connell River Basin however with the recent flood events the schemes within the O’Connell River Basin were not affected.

The risk of bushfires for the O’Connell River basin is generally low to medium. Bushfire management information is freely available on the MRC website.

3.9.2 Source Water

Calen sources its raw water from two groundwater bores. The source water infrastructure details have been provided in Appendix 7.


The groundwater pumped from the bores may either flow through the ion exchange softener or flow down the softener bypass. The two streams, the softened water and the bypass water, are combined after the softener and the water is then fed through to the reticulation system and reservoir. The treatment process schematic for Calen has been provided in Figure 3-20. The treatment infrastructure details have been provided in Appendix 7.

The softener treats the groundwater by removing hardness in the form of calcium and magnesium removal and replacing these components with salinity in the form of sodium addition.


Rev 5Page 62

Figure 3-20 Calen Treatment Process Schematic


Chlorine gas dosing for disinfection is provided at the pump outlet as the water is released into the reticulation system. Sufficient contact time for disinfection is provided in the reticulation system as there is roughly 787 m of main pipe, post chlorine dosing, before the first customer connection and this provides, at maximum pumping rate, a contact time of roughly 30 minutes. Infrastructure details of the chlorine gas dosing system have been provided in Appendix 7. The target residuals for disinfection can be found in the CCP Procedure provided in Appendix 32.


The reticulation systems supplied with potable water under the Calen scheme are Calen township and Kolijo township. There is around 8 km of water mains in the Calen scheme and a single reservoir for water storage. The details of the reticulation system infrastructure have been provided in Appendix 10.


Table 3-11 Key Stakeholders for Calen



13 74 68



Calen Township Community served

Kolijo Township Community served


Rev 5Page 63





1300 735 292

Landmark Chemical supplier (salt) 07 4952 4377


1300 55 175



At Calen the treatment process consists of water softening of approximately half the raw groundwater and disinfection through chlorination therefore source and treated water are assumed to be similar in quality to supplied water. After further water quality data is collected the assumptions regarding water quality will be confirmed or amended as required. Water quality data assembled and analysed for the Calen scheme included supplied water from the reticulation systems for Calen township and Kolijo township.

The results from the statistical analyses on the water quality data have been tabulated and presented in Appendix 15. The statistical analysis was performed on data collected from February 2009, for Calen township, and September 2009, for Kolijo township, through to December 2015. The microbiological results analysed were collected from testing that was undertaken on a monthly basis and which commenced in June 2008 for Calen township.

Summaries of the risk factors for supplied water quality for the Calen scheme have been presented in Section 3.9.8.


Calen Township

The supplied water at Calen township was found to have high conductivity and hardness and low levels of dissolved oxygen. These parameters would be related to the quality of the water being drawn from the aquifer. High conductivity may be associated with salt intrusion into the aquifer. Microorganisms were detected in the supplied water and may be associated with the quality of the groundwater and/or with ingress into the system. E. coli was detected on one occasion in February 2009 in one sample from Calen township. High turbidity was found in the supplied water at Calen township and may be associated with ingress and/or biofilm activity. High levels of chlorine have been detected in the supplied water and relate to changes in chlorine demand of the raw groundwater.

Kolijo Township

The supplied water at Kolijo township was found to have high conductivity and hardness and low dissolved oxygen levels, as found at Calen township, and these parameters would be related to the raw groundwater quality. Microorganisms were detected in the supplied water and may be associated with the quality of the groundwater and/or with ingress into the system, however, no E. coli has been detected. High levels of chlorine have been detected in the supplied water and relate to changes in chlorine demand of the raw groundwater.


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3.10 Bloomsbury


Bloomsbury sources its raw water from a spear bore bored under the O’Connell River, from which it draws water. The surface water catchment for the O’Connell River is the O’Connell River basin. Refer to the description in Section 3.9.1 for the characteristics of the O’Connell River basin along with Appendix 33 for details of the soils found in the Bloomsbury region.

Rainfall

Rainfall data from July 2005 to November 2015 for the Bloomsbury scheme has been presented in Figure 3-21. Generally the rainy season runs from November through to March with peak rainfall falling in January to February.

Figure 3-21 Bloomsbury Rainfall Chart13

3.10.2 Source Water

Bloomsbury sources its raw water from a spear bore that is associated with the O’Connell River. The O’Connell River and its catchment are controlled by SunWater and the groundwater is

13 Sourced from BOM website, Station: BLOOMSBURY


Rev 5Page 65

recharged through releases, undertaken by SunWater, into the O’Connell River. Under licence with DNRM the Bloomsbury spear bore has an annual entitlement of 22 ML.



The spear bore pump pumps the groundwater into the raw water tank at Bloomsbury WTP. Sodium hypochlorite is dosed into the raw water tank for the oxidation of iron and manganese and into the filter water tank for disinfection. From the raw water tank the water is pumped into the two filters and the filtrate is fed into the filter water tank and clear water tank. Sufficient contact time for disinfection is provided in the two tanks. The target residuals for disinfection can be found in the CCP Procedure provided in Appendix 34. Refer to Figure 3-22 for a schematic of the Bloomsbury treatment process which depicts the new treatment process that was implemented in 2010.

The infrastructure details for Bloomsbury WTP have been provided in Appendix 7.

Figure 3-22 Bloomsbury Treatment Process Schematic


Four lift pumps pump the treated water into the Bloomsbury reticulation system from the clear water tanks. The details of the reticulation system infrastructure have been provided in Appendix 10.


Table 3-12 Key Stakeholders for Bloomsbury



13 74 68


Environmental Disasters Pollution Hotline


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1300 130 372


Ergon Electricity supplier 24 hr emergency 13 16 70

SunWater Catchment manager 13 15 89

Bloomsbury Township Community served




1300 735 292


0421 393 000


Water quality data assembled and analysed for the Bloomsbury scheme included treated water produced at the Bloomsbury WTP and supplied water from the reticulation system. There is currently no raw groundwater quality data available for analysis however as a component of the RMIP a review of the raw groundwater quality monitoring will be investigated and after further raw groundwater quality data is collected the assumptions regarding raw groundwater quality will be confirmed or amended as required.

The results from the statistical analyses on the water quality data have been tabulated and presented in Appendix 15. The statistical analysis was performed on data collected from January 2010 through to December 2015 for supplied water and November 2010 to December 2015 for treated water. The microbiological results analysed were collected from testing that was undertaken on a monthly basis.

Summaries of the risk factors for treated water and supplied water quality for the Bloomsbury scheme have been presented in Sections 3.10.7 and 3.10.8.


The treated water produced by Bloomsbury WTP was found to have high conductivity and hardness and low dissolved oxygen. These parameters would be related to the quality of the water being drawn from the spear bore. The treated water was also found to have high chlorine level which has been associated with changes in chlorine demand in the product water. Microorganisms have been detected in the treated water at Bloomsbury WTP and this has been related to ingress, however, no E. coli has been detected.


The supplied water in Bloomsbury reticulation was found to have high conductivity, hardness and chlorine and low dissolved oxygen which can be associated with the treated water supply. Microorganisms have been detected in the supplied water which may be related to the treated water supply and/or ingress. E. coli testing of the supplied water was implemented in June 2008 and E. coli has been detected in a single sample in September 2010. The supplied water in the reticulation was also found to have high turbidity, colour, manganese and iron and low pH.


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These parameters have been related to biofilm activity. High levels of manganese and iron would contribute to the high colour levels detected. High turbidity and low pH may also be the result of ingress.


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3.11 Midge Point


Midge Point sources its raw water from bores along the Proserpine River that are recharged through water percolating into underlying aquifers. The aquifer is fed from water released from Peter Faust Dam which is built on the Proserpine River. The surface water catchment for the Proserpine River is the Proserpine River basin.

The Proserpine River basin stretches between Bowen and Mackay. The basin contains significant human and farming activity. Sugar cane cultivation and beef cattle grazing are the main agricultural activities using the land in the basin. Rail and road networks also traverse the basin. Refer to Appendix 31 for a map of the Proserpine River basin and Appendix 33 for details of the soils in the area.

3.11.2 Source Water

SunWater controls the Proserpine River Basin and releases from Peter Faust Dam. The raw water for Midge Point is pumped from five Crystal Brook Bores that have a combined annual entitlement of 2,700 ML under licence with SunWater. The source water infrastructure details have been provided in Appendix 7.


Midge Point’s only treatment process is chlorine gas dosing for disinfection and oxidisation of the iron and manganese in the source water. The chlorine gas is dosed in the Kelsey Creek balance tank. Sufficient contact time for disinfection and treatment is provided by the storage time in the balance tank which ranges from 6 hours to 4 days depending on demand. Refer to Figure 3-23 for a schematic of the Midge Point treatment process.

Infrastructure details of the chlorine gas dosing system have been provided in Appendix 7. The target residuals for disinfection can be found in the CCP Procedure provided in Appendix 35.

Figure 3-23 Midge Point Treatment Process Schematic


The disinfected and treated water is pumped by high lift pumps from the balance tank into the main which is around 37 km in length. It takes roughly 3 to 11 days for the water to reach Midge Point township reticulation when pumped from the balance tank.


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Prior to reaching the Midge Point township water is supplied to Laguna Quays Resort via a draw off point connected to the main and there are around 16 other water uses that also draw directly off the main prior to the township.

There is an offline reservoir for storage in the Midge Point township.

The details of the reservoir and pipes in the reticulation system have been provided in Appendix 10.

There is one rechlorination system in the Midge Point network, as detailed in Appendix 10, which assists in the maintenance of free chlorine residual and disinfection in the potable water. The target residuals for disinfection can be found in the CCP Procedure provided in Appendix 35.


Table 3-13 Key Stakeholders for Midge Point



13 15 89




13 74 68



Laguna Quays Resort Community served

Midge Point Township Community served


1300 55 175





1300 735 292


At Midge Point the only treatment process is disinfection through chlorination therefore the source water and treated water were assumed to be similar in quality to supplied water with the exception of chlorine. Further investigation has revealed the source water to have elevated levels of iron and manganese; the water is relatively corrosive with medium alkalinity and low


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pH with significant levels of free carbon14. The chlorine gas dosing provides further treatment of the source water in that it allows for oxidation of the iron and manganese in the source water.

Water quality data assembled and analysed for the Midge Point scheme included supplied water from the reticulation systems for Midge Point township and Laguna Quays Resort. The results from the statistical analyses on the water quality data have been tabulated and presented in Appendix 15. The statistical analysis was performed on data collected from February 2009 through to December 2015. The microbiological results analysed were collected from testing that was undertaken on a monthly basis.

Summaries of the risk factors for supplied water quality for the Midge Point scheme have been presented in Section 3.11.7.


Midge Point

The supplied water at Midge Point was found to have high pH and turbidity and low dissolved oxygen and chlorine. Due to the long length of the supply pipeline, and therefore long detention time, the high pH and turbidity have been related to corrosion of the pipeline while the low dissolved oxygen and chlorine have been related to consumption by biofilm activity in the pipeline. Microorganisms were detected in the supplied water and have been associated with ingress and the low chlorine level. E. coli has been detected on one occasion in January 2015.

Laguna Quays Resort

The supplied water at Laguna Quays Resort was found to have the same water quality issues as described above for Midge Point however E. coli has not been detected to date. Laguna Quays was also found to have high levels of manganese and iron in the supplied water. These parameters have been associated with biofilm activity.

14 Sourced from City Water Technology, Process Issues Paper: Midge Point Management Management, 8 July 2015.


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3.12 Water Quality Complaints

Table 3-14 provides a summary of water quality complaints for the MRC schemes.

Table 3-14 Water Quality Complaints

Year* No. of Water

Quality Complaints

Main Reasons for Complaints

Resolution of Problem

Mackay

2011 20 Dirty water/Cloudy water Flushed main & tested sample for

water quality 7 Water Odour/Taste/Smell






water quality 11 Water Odour/Taste


water quality 6 Water Odour/Taste

Sarina

2011

3 Dirty water/Cloudy water Flushed main

1 Water Odour/Taste/Smell na - issue gone when investigation undertaken

2012 1 Dirty water/Cloudy water Flushed main


1 Water Odour/Taste/Smell Tested sample for water quality


1 Water Odour/Taste Flushed main



Marian



1 Water Odour/Taste/Smell Tested sample for water quality

2014

2 Dirty water/Cloudy water Flushed main

2 Water Odour/Taste Flushed main & tested sample for water quality



Midge Point


2012 27 Dirty water/Cloudy water Flushed/scoured main



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Year* No. of Water

Quality Complaints

Main Reasons for Complaints

Resolution of Problem




Bloomsbury

2013 1 Dirty water/Cloudy water Liaised with customer

Eton






Calen

2012 1 Water Odour/Taste/Smell Tested sample for water quality

Finch Hatton

2013 1 Water Odour/Taste Tested sample for water quality

* The data for 2011 only includes complaints from 1 July onwards


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4. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT A detailed drinking water quality risk assessment was undertaken for Mackay Regional Council in November 2010. The methodology employed to conduct the risk assessment is described below.

The initial risk assessment was conducted in a 3 day workshop involving MRC representatives from across operations including management, source water, treatment and reticulation, as well as key stakeholder representatives from SunWater and QLD Health.

Knowledge and an understanding of the of the catchment hazards was included in the workshop through the involvement of representatives from SunWater and Reef Catchment Mackay and Whitsundays. Knowledge of the actual day to day operations of the schemes was included in the process through the involvement of operators and supervisors during the risk workshop. The risk workshop attendees are listed on the risk register. Prior to the risk workshop data analysis was conducted as summarised in Section 3.

The risk assessment was recorded on a risk register the ‘Drinking Water Quality Risk Register’ which forms part of MRC’s DWQMS and has been provided in Appendix 36.

The hazards and hazardous events and the sources of the hazards and hazardous events that could adversely affect water quality are documented in the risk register, including those affecting the:

• catchment

• sourcing infrastructure

• treatment plants

• disinfection processes

• distribution system.

The risk register includes details of the risk assessment results for each scheme’s identified hazards and hazardous events including:

• hazard

• source of hazard and hazardous event

• maximum risk level (i.e. without existing barriers in place e.g. treatment and/or disinfection)

• existing preventive measures including multiple barriers (i.e. treatment process steps)

• residual risk level (i.e. with existing barriers in place e.g. treatment and/or disinfection)

• any uncertainties.

The Manager Water Treatment is responsible for ensuring that the risk register is reviewed annually. Reviews of the risk register have been undertaken at various times as per the Document Control table in the register.

4.1 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Team

The roles and responsibilities of the hazard identification and risk assessment team regarding hazard identification and risk assessment is described in Table 4-1.


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Table 4-1 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Team

Position Role & Responsibility

Manager Water Treatment Facilitator Owner of risk register Ensure risk register is reviewed annually

Manager Water Network Knowledge of reticulation system

Chief Executive Officer Water & Waste Services

Knowledge of whole system

Treatment Engineer Treatment expert

Electrical/Mechanical Coordinator Knowledge of equipment and instruments

WTP Operator - Sarina Knowledge of Sarina WTP operation

Transfer Systems Officer Knowledge of transfer systems and pump house operations

WTP Operator – Marina/Mirani Knowledge of Marina/Mirani treatment operation

WTP Operator – Mackay Knowledge of Nebo road WTP operation

Principle Scientist Knowledge of water quality & monitoring

Chemist Knowledge of water quality & monitoring

Laboratory Scientist Knowledge of water quality & monitoring

Assistant Chemist Knowledge of water quality & monitoring

Consultant Expert in their specific field

Manager Planning & Sustainability Knowledge of current, new and proposed developments in the system

Engineer Planning & Sustainability Knowledge of current, new and proposed developments in the system

Manager Infrastructure Delivery Knowledge of current, new and proposed developments in the system

Project Manager Knowledge of current, new and proposed developments in the system

Manager Business Services Knowledge of budget and business


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4.2 Terminology

The risk management terminology used within this DWQMP is defined in Table 4-2.

Table 4-2 Risk Management Terminology

Hazard A hazard is a biological, chemical, physical or radiological agent that has the potential to cause harm (ADWG, 2011)

Limiting hazard The hazard/s that define the controls and present the greatest risk

Hazardous event

A hazardous event is an incident or situation that can lead to the presence of a hazard (what can happen and how) (ADWG, 2011)

Risk A risk is the likelihood of a hazard causing harm in exposed populations in a specified timeframe, including the magnitude of that harm (ADWG, 2011)

Maximum Risk The level of risk in the absence of preventive measures.

Residual Risk The level of risk after consideration of existing preventive measures

Preventive Measures

Any planned action, activity or process that are used to prevent hazards events from occurring or reduce them acceptable levels (ADWG, 2011)

Uncertainty

Uncertainty relates to the level of confidence that is placed in the risk assessment and arises from issues such as:

• Lack of complete knowledge (ADWG, 2011) or

• Variability of information (ADWG, 2011)

Critical Control Point

A critical control point is defined as a point, step or procedure at which control can be applied and which is essential to prevent or eliminate a hazard to human health or reduce it to an acceptable level (ADWG, 2011)

Quality Control Point

A quality control point is defined as a point, step or procedure at which control can be applied and which is essential to prevent or eliminate a hazard to aesthetics or reduce it to an acceptable level.

Operational Control Point

An operational control point is a process step or point where control can be applied and is essential to the overall process.

Alert Limit Where water quality has moved away from optimal conditions and action or further investigation is required to ensure that water quality is not compromised.

Critical Limit

Critical limits are performance criteria which separate acceptability from unacceptability in terms of hazard control and water safety. Deviation from critical limits indicates loss of control of the process or activity and is regarded as representing a potentially unacceptable health risk.


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4.3 Methodology

The risk assessment methodology used was based on a slightly modified version of the methodology recommended in the ADWG Framework and QLD DEWS Drinking Water Quality Management Plan Guideline and Supporting Information, and in compliance with the MRC Enterprise Risk Management Framework. The risk assessment was conducted in three sections (source water, treatment and reticulation).

Each hazardous event identified could lead to one or more potential hazards being present. A limiting hazard was therefore chosen that presented the greatest risk and defined the controls present. The risk assessment was therefore performed with the limiting hazard in mind.

4.3.1 Source Water

This section of the overall drinking water quality risk assessment was used to identify the maximum risk (the level of risk without controls in place) by assessing the risk associated with drinking raw water from the source with no treatment in place.

The first step was to identify all the potential hazardous elements in the source water. The potential hazards were identified by considering the type of catchment, the activities in the catchment, catchment management controls and the results of sampling and analysis conducted in the catchment.

For each hazard, the corresponding hazardous event was considered to be that the hazard was present at concentrations of concern, or exceeding ADWG values. The risk was assessed by determining the likelihood of the hazard being present at levels of concern, and the consequence to human health from drinking raw water if the hazard was present at levels of concern.

For each source water risk assessment, the barriers provided by the subsequent treatment process were listed.

4.3.2 Treatment and Reticulation

The sections of the overall drinking water quality risk assessment addressing treatment and reticulation were used to identify the residual risk (or risk with controls in place).

For the treatment section the risk assessment was conducted for each scheme, corresponding treatment plant or process and process step. The potential hazardous events were identified for each treatment step from the raw water intake to the end of the treatment process (clear water tank in most cases).

The hazardous events for the reticulation of the schemes were considered individually due to the variability and individuality of each scheme. The potential hazardous events were identified for each scheme reticulation from leaving the WTP or treatment process through to the consumer including reservoirs and other treated water storages.

The risk was assessed by determining the likelihood of the hazardous event leading to the limiting hazard being present at levels of concern, and the consequence to human health from drinking treated water if the hazard was present at levels of concern. For each process step, subsequent process steps were identified as preventive measures, in addition to other risk control measures.

4.3.3 Risk Scoring

The descriptors used for assessing likelihood, consequence, uncertainty and the level of risk are described in Table 4-3 to Table 4-6.


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Table 4-3 Likelihood Descriptors

Descriptor Definition

Rare Occurs less than or equal to once every five years

Unlikely Occurs more often than once every five years and up to once per year

Possible Occurs more often than once per year and up to once a month (12/yr)

Likely Occurs more often than once per month (12/yr) and up to once per week (52/yr)

Almost certain

Occurs more often than once per week (52/yr)

Table 4-4 Consequence Descriptors


Insignificant Isolated exceedence of aesthetic parameter with little or no disruption to normal operation

Minor Potential local aesthetic, isolated exceedence of chronic health parameter

Moderate Potential widespread aesthetic impact or repeated breach of chronic health parameter

Major Potential acute health impact, no declared outbreak expected

Catastrophic Potential acute health impact, declared outbreak expected


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Table 4-5 Uncertainty Descriptors


Certain There is five years of continuous monitoring data, which has been trended and assessed, with at least daily monitoring. The processes involved are thoroughly understood.

Confident There is five years of continuous monitoring data, which has been collated and assessed, with at least weekly monitoring or for the duration of seasonal events. There is a good understanding of the processes involved.

Reliable There is at least a year of continuous monitoring data available, which has been assessed and there is a good understanding of the processes involved.

Estimate There is limited monitoring data available and there is a reasonable understanding of the processes involved.

Uncertain There is limited or no monitoring data available and the processes are not well understood.

Table 4-6 Risk Levels and Ratings

Likelihood

Consequence

Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Almost certain Medium

(6)

High

(10)

High

(15)

Extreme

(20)

Extreme

(25)

Likely Medium

(5)

Medium

(8)

High

(12)

High

(16)

Extreme

(20)

Possible Low

(3)

Medium

(6)

Medium

(9)

High

(12)

High

(15)

Unlikely Low

(2)

Low

(4)

Medium

(6)

Medium

(8)

High

(10)

Rare Low

(1)

Low

(2)

Low

(3)

Medium

(5)

Medium

(6)

4.3.4 Corrective Actions

The corrective actions used were based on modified actions suggested in the MRC Enterprise Risk Management Framework for the assessed risk level and are presented in Table 4-7.


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Table 4-7 Corrective Actions

Risk Level Action Required

Extreme Risk

(20-25)

• Develop and implement a specific management plan/procedures for extreme risks • Allocate actions to minimise risk/consider additional controls • Regular monthly internal reporting required

High Risk

(10-16)

• Develop and implement a management plan/procedures for high risks • Allocate actions to minimise risk/consider additional controls • Regular quarterly internal reporting required

Medium Risk

(5-9)

• Develop and implement a management plan/procedures for medium risks • Allocate actions to minimise risk/consider additional controls • Regular annual internal reporting required

Low Risk

(1-4)

• Monitor low-priority risks via normal internal reporting mechanisms • Manage via routine procedures where possible


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5. RISK MANAGEMENT MWS has identified internal organisational measures or actions for managing risks to drinking water and they include:

• Infrastructure improvements;

• Operational procedures;

• Workforce skills and knowledge;

• Information management; and

• Incident and emergency management protocols or procedures.

The following sections within in this chapter detail the operation and maintenance procedures, incident and emergency management protocols and the improvement program in place at MWS for managing risks to drinking water. Details relating to information management and workforce skills and knowledge have been covered in subsequent chapters.

All documentation related to operations and maintenance procedures are stored and managed as detailed in Chapter 6. Procedural documentation is maintained through MRC’s intranet SharePoint application. SharePoint manages the version control of documents and initiates reviews based on a preset review timeframe for each procedure.

5.1 Operation and Maintenance Procedures

Operation and maintenance procedures formalise the day-to-day activities and help to ensure that all preventative measures are effective in managing the identified risks. Staff compliance with procedures is managed by a combination of four initiatives.

• Staff performance is managed through MRC performance management system which involves an annual formal performance review and informal ongoing review of staff performance by supervisors.

• Hazard inspections are conducted monthly in compliance with the MRC Safety Management System (SafePlan). Compliance of the Water and Waste Services hazard inspection matrix is reviewed monthly by the Water Services Management team and is a standing agenda item for the Water Service Management team meeting. The hazard inspection matrix is also audited both internally and externally.

• Ongoing Leadership site visits by Water Services Management team to ensure compliance with systems and procedures. This system is monitored through the weekly Water Services Management meeting.

• Staff non-performance is managed by the Mackay Regional Council “Disciplinary Procedure” and “Code of Conduct”.

Table 5-1 provides the documented operation and maintenance procedures that are part of the risk management process at MWS and which form part of the MRC WQMS.


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Table 5-1 General Documented Operation and Maintenance Procedures

Category Document Title Document Number

Work Method Statements Water & Waste Services

Entering a Trench >1.5 meters deep WMS WWS 001

Working on or near a roadway or railway WMS WWS 002

Working in a Confined Space WMS WWS 003

Working near underground services WMS WWS 004

Working near powered / working mobile plant WMS WWS 005

Working near asbestos WMS WWS 006

Working above or near water WMS WWS 007

Exposed Energised Electrical Installation WMS WWS 008

Working near pressurised gas mains WMS WWS 010

Hazardous substances WMS WWS 011

Working with cranes WMS WWS 012

Artificial extremes of temperature WMS WWS 013

Chemical fuel or refrigerant lines WMS WWS 014

Working on a roof WMS WWS 015

Working above 2 meters WMS WWS 016

Structural alterations requiring support to prevent collapse

WMS WWS 017

Working near electrical services WMS WWS 020

Entering a trench or excavation WMS WWS 021

Reticulation Construction & Maintenance Work procedures

Cut-ins – water mains WWI-35.001

Water Main Chlorination Commissioning WWI-35.003

Breaking Ground WPR-38.007

Water and AMR Meter Installations WPR-38.010

Installation_Relocation_Repair of Water Services

WWI-38.006

Manual Lifting Using Slings WWI-38.004

Pump Station Blockage Repair WWI-38.005

Water Meter Installation Instructions WWI-38.007

Water Meter Uninstall Instructions WWI-38.008

AMR Installation Instructions WWI-38.001

AMR Uninstall Instructions WWI-38.002

Reticulation Mains Shutdown MW-ISPR-137

Pump Station Maintenance – Lifting & Lowering Pumps

MW-ISPR-138

Pump Station Maintenance – Replace Rising Columns

MW-ISPR-140

Pump Station Maintenance – Replace Scraper

MW-ISPR-142

Pump Station Maintenance – Replace Pedestal

MW-ISPR-144

Pump Stations – Power Failure MW-ISPR-200

Pump Stations – Operation in Manual mode MW-ISPR-335

Water Mains - Repairing Broken MW-ISPR-135

Valve Maintenance and repair MW-ISPR-147

Mains Flushing MW-ISPR-149

Mains - Repairing Broken Rising MW-ISPR-163


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Mains – Cock Shut Down MW-ISPR-344

Calcium Nitrate – Handling Leaks of

Calcium Nitrate – Transport and Dosing MW-ISPR-339

Water – Dirty – Response to Complaints MW-ISPR-172

Water – Taste & Odour – Response to Complaints

MW-ISPR-173

Water – Poor bacterial counts – Response to MW-ISPR-188

Water – Blue Green algae –Response to MW-ISPR-189

Water Disruption - Response to unplanned MW-ISPR-178

Water – Temporary Diversion MW-ISPR-343

New Water Connections

Leak detection MW-ISPR-179

Pressure / Flow Tests – Conducting

Pressure / Flow Tests – New services MW-ISPR-184

Pressure Test – Hydrostatic Water Mains MW-ISPR-316

Backflow Prevention – Testing Procedure MW-ISPR-145

Disconnected Services – Recapping on Demolition Sites

Maintenance Holes - Repairs to MW-ISPR-166

Manholes – Raising / Lowering of MW-ISPR-299

Water Meters – Maintenance/Replacement MW-ISPR-153

Water Mains/Services – Temporary Diversion MW-ISPR-343

Water Snorter - Operation of MW-ISPR-330

Calibration of Filter 9-12 Turbidity Meters WTP Manual

Operating Dumbleton Pumps - Manual Mode WTP Manual

Filter Cleaning WTP Manual

Cleaning Clarifier WTP Manual

Aluminium Analysis WTP Manual

Chlorine Residual Analysis WTP Manual

WTP Bore water stage operation WTP Manual

Calibration of bore water pH analyser WTP Manual

Sedimentation Tank Cleaning WTP Manual

Identifying Water Supply to Dialysis Patients WWS

Hydrant Maintenance

General Safety Procedures

Boats - Operation of Non-Motorised PRC 10.033

Chemicals - Spraying of Agricultural PRC 10.029

Cleaning - Abrasive and Waterblast PRC 10.021

Hand Tools – Using PRC 10.013

Materials - Delivery, Unloading and Use of PRC 10.0398

Spills - Handling of Liquid PRC 25.040

Sun - Working in PRC 10.046

Updating Dialysis Machine Register WWS

Handling of Hydrated Calcium Hypochlorite Spills

WWS

SafePlan Procedures Manual Handling Management MRC SPPRC 4.1.1

Noise Management MRC SPPRC 4.2.1

Hazardous Substance Dangerous Goods Management

MRC SPPRC 4.3.1


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Management of PPE MRC SPPRC 4.4.1.1

Indoor Air Quality MRC SPPRC 4.5.1.1

Isolation - Tagging & Lockout MRC SPPRC 4..52.1

Lighting MRC SPPRC 4.5.3.1

Signage MRC SPPRC 4.5.4

Electrical Safety - Plumbers MRC SPPRC 4.6.4

Electrical Safety – General MRC SPPRC 4.6.1

Height Safety MRC SPPRC 4.6.7

Confined Spaces Safety MRC SPPRC 4.8.1

Pressure Safety MRC SPPRC 4.11

Machine Guarding MRC SPPRC 5.3..1

Asbestos Management MRC SPPRC 4.5.8.1

Hazard management MRC SPPRC 22.1

Control of Safety Incidents SP E6

Incident Investigation MRC SPPRC 6.2.1

Electrical Testing & Tagging Guidelines MRC-SPPRC-4.6.2

Ladders MRC-SPT5-4.7.2

Chlorine Gas Handling MRC SPPRC 4.3.2

Qld Water Guidelines AC (Asbestos Containing Material) Pipe CuttingGuidelines Qld Water

2009

Table 5-2 Specific Documented Operation and Maintenance Procedures

Scheme Document Title Document

Number

Bloomsbury Bloomsbury Water Treatment Facility - Operations & Maintenance Manual

Bloomsbury Bloomsbury WTP Site Operator Checklist WFM-36.018

Bloomsbury Calibration of chlorine analyser WPR-36.006

Calen Calen WPS Site Operator Checklist WFM-38.001

Eton Eton Site Operator Checklist WFM-36.019

Eton Calibration of chlorine analyser WPR-36.006

Finch Hatton Finch Hatton Site Operator Checklist WFM-36.020

Gargett Gargett Site Operator Checklist WFM-36.021

Mackay Nebo Road WTP Functional Description

Mackay Nebo Road WTP Instrument Schedule

Mackay Nebo Road WTP Maintenance Manual

Mackay Nebo Road WTP Operations Manual

Mackay Nebo Road WTP Suppliers Listing

Mackay Nebo Road WTP Valve Schedule

Mackay DWRWI Upgrade Maintenance Manual

Mackay DWRWI Upgrade Operation Manual

Mackay Fluoride Facility Operator Duties – Nebo Rd WTP WFM-36.024

Mackay Fluoride Dosing System Isolation – Nebo Rd WTP WPR-36.022

Mackay Fluoride Safety in WTPs – Nebo Rd WTP WPR-36.023

Mackay Calibration check of fluoride chemical feeder – Nebo Rd WTP

WWI-36.005

Mackay Checking Fluoride System Interlocks - Nebo Rd WTP WWI-36.008


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Number

Mackay Dry Fluoride Spill Clean-up - Nebo Rd WTP WWI-36.010

Mackay Fluoride Dust Collection Tank Maintenance - Nebo Rd WTP WWI-36.011

Mackay Fluoridation Plant Emergency Shutdown - Nebo Rd WTP WWI-36.015

Mackay Fluoridation Plant Hazardous Liquid Waste Disposal - Nebo Rd WTP

WWI-36.016

Mackay Fluoride Dosing System Isolation - Nebo Rd WTP WWI-36.022

Mackay Fluoride Equipment Clean-Down - Nebo Rd WTP WWI-36.023

Mackay Flushing of Fluoride Dosing System - Nebo Rd WTP WWI-36.024

Mackay Handling and Disposal of Empty Fluoride Bulk Bags - Nebo Rd WTP

WWI-36.025

Mackay Loading Bulk Bag Unit and Filling Storage Hopper - Nebo Rd WTP

WWI-36.026

Mackay Operator Response to Fluoride Alarms - Nebo Rd WTP WWI-36.028

Mackay Receiving Fluoride Deliveries - Nebo Rd WTP WWI-36.027

Mackay Reinstate Fluoride Treatment - Nebo Rd WTP WWI-36.029

Mackay Testing Fluoride Dosing Pump PRVs - Nebo Rd WTP WWI-36.030

Mackay Wet Fluoride Spill Clean-up - Nebo Rd WTP WWI-36.031

Mackay Organic Constituents UV254 Test WWI-36.033

Mackay Golf Links WPS Site Operator Checklist WFM-38.002

Mackay Jane Creek WPS Site Operator Checklist WFM-38.003

Mackay Mt Bassett Rechlorination Site Operator Checklist WFM-38.007

Mackay Walkerston Borefield Operator Checklist WFM-38.005

Mackay Mt Bassett Rechlorination WPR-38.009

Mackay Mt Pleasant No 1 Reservoir Draining WWI-38.009



Mackay Mt Pleasant No 1 _ 2 Reservoirs Draining WWI-38.012



Marian Marian WTP Emergency Response Plan PLN-36.007

Marian Marian WTP Operation and Maintenance Manual

Marian Marian chlorine dosing check valve inspection and replacement

WPR-36.024

Marian Marian Site Operator Checklist WFM-36.022

Marian Mirani chlorine dosing check valve inspection and replacement

WPR-36.025

Marian Mirani Walz Lane Site Operator Checklist WFM-36.023

Midge Point Kelsey Creek WPS Site Operator Checklist WFM-38.004

Sarina Middle Creek Dam - Dam Routine Checklist

Sarina Middle Creek Dam - Dam Data Book

Sarina Middle Creek Dam Standard Operating Procedures

Sarina Middle Creek Dam Maintenance Manual

Sarina Chlorine Analysis - Sarina WWI-36.036

Sarina Bentonite Batching – Sarina WTP WWI-36.004

Sarina Calibration of Bench Top pH instrument - TPS - Sarina WTP WWI-36.006


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Number

Sarina Calibration of Portable pH instrument - Lovibond - Sarina WTP

WWI-36.007

Sarina Clarifier Cleaning - Sarina WTP WWI-36.009

Sarina Filter Backwashing - WTP in operation - Sarina WTP WWI-36.012

Sarina Filter Backwashing - WTP shut down - Sarina WTP WWI-36.013

Sarina Filter cleaning - Sarina WTP WWI-36.014

Sarina Fluoride analysis - HACH DR2000 - Sarina WTP WWI-36.017

Sarina Fluoride Saturator Batching - Sarina WTP WWI-36.018

Sarina Lime Batching - Sarina WTP WWI-36.019

Sarina On-Line Fluoride Meter calibration - Sarina WTP WWI-36.020

Sarina PAC Batching - Sarina WTP WWI-36.021

Sarina Chlorine gas cylinders changeover - Sarina WTP WWI-36.035

Sarina Chlorine Leak Management – Sarina WTP WWI-36.029

Sarina Calibration of Fluoride Dosing Pumps - Sarina WTP WWI-36.037

Sarina Polymer Batching - Sarina WTP WWI36.038

Sarina Manual Starting Protocols - Sarina WTP WWI-36.039

Sarina Chlorine Analyser Calibration - Sarina WTP WWI-36.040

Sarina Sodium Hypochlorite Batching - Sarina WWI-36.034

Various Chlorine Residual Analysis – Lovibond – Pioneer Valley WFM-36.020

Various Filling and Decanting chlorine trailer – Pioneer Valley WFM-36.021

Various Receiving bulk delivery of sodium hypochlorite – Pioneer Valley

WPR-36.026

Various Reservoir Chlorine Dose Calculator WFM-38.006

Various Chlorination during High Rainfall and Low Demand WPR-38.005

Various Chlorine Leak Detector Test WPR-38.006

Various Leak Detection Using AMR WPR-38.008

Various Chlorine Gas Cylinder Change Out WWI-38.003


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The MRC WQMS also includes documented procedures for corrective actions to control excursions in operational parameters classed as critical control points (CCP). The list of these documents has been provided in Table 5-3.

Table 5-3 CCP Procedures

CCP Procedure Document Number

Coagulation, Sedimentation & Filtration – CCP Procedure – Nebo Rd WTP

WPR-36.003

Coagulation, Sedimentation & Filtration – CCP Procedure – Sarina WTP WPR-36.007

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Bloomsbury WPR-36.008

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Calen WPR-38.002

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Eton WPR-36.010

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Finch Hatton WPR-36.011

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Gargett WPR-36.012

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Koumala WPR-36.013

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Mackay Rechlorination WPR-38.003

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Marian Bores WPR-36.014

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Midge Point WPR-38.004

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Mirani Bores WPR-36.015

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Nebo Rd WTP WPR-36.004

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Sarina WPR-36.018

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Sarina WTP WPR-36.016

Fluoridation – CCP Procedure – Nebo Rd WTP WPR-36.002

Fluoridation – CCP Procedure – Sarina WPR-36.017

Disinfection – CCP Procedure – Marian WTP WPR-36.030

Fluoridation – CCP Procedure – Marian WTP WPR-36.031

Coagulation, Sedimentation & Filtration – CCP Procedure – Marian WTP WPR-36.032

5.2 Management of Incidents and Emergencies

Through the implementation of a WQMS, MRC has taken a systematic, structured and preventive approach to the management of drinking water quality. This approach includes a systematic approach to delivering continued supply in the event of disruptions to normal business operations. MWS approach to managing the continued delivery of services is detailed in the Business Continuity Management Plan. The Business Continuity Management Plan has been provided in Appendix 37.


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MWS considers emergencies on 5 levels depending on the extent of the threat to the business. The 5 levels of emergencies are detailed in the Business Continuity Management Plan.

MWS has developed specific Incident Response Plans (IRP) for potential threats to the water supply. The IRP are subordinate documents to the Business Continuity Management Plan and detail specific actions to be taken in the event of an incident. Throughout the process of establishing the WQMS, MRC has identified the water quality hazards and events that can lead to emergency situations and has developed specific IRP for these events. MRC will continue to develop the Business Continuity Management Plan and the IRP. A list of documented IRP has been supplied in Table 5-4 and a draft of Drinking Water Quality Management Emergency Action Plan, which is currently under review by MRC, has been provided in Appendix 38.

Table 5-4 Incident Response Plans

IRP Revision Date

DWQM IRP Draft Sept 2014

IRP for Cyclone ver 2.0 Feb 2011

IRP for Earthquakes Feb 2011

IRP for Equipment Breakdown & Mechanical Failure Feb 2011

IRP for Loss of Nebo Road WTP Feb 2011

IRP for Severe Strom Feb 2011

IRP for Hydrocarbon in Sewer Feb 2011

IRP for Prolonged Power Outages Feb 2011

IRP for Mackay South Recycled Water Storage Failure Feb 2011

IRP for Mirani WWTP Water Storage Failure Feb 2011

EAP - Middle Creek Dam Feb 2011

IRP - Incident Response Plan, EAP - Emergency Action Plan Feb 2011

Effective communication is vital in managing incidents and emergencies and maintaining consumer confidence and trust. Therefore the Business Continuity Management Plan outlines draft media releases in the event of an incident and communication protocols internally to water services, within MRC and with other agencies as required.

MWS staff are trained in the incident response procedures. The procedures have been refined and updated following large scale events including the 2008 floods, Cyclone Ului and Cyclone Yasi.

In the unlikely event that an incident does occur, a full incident investigation is conducted and the results are used to revise procedures as necessary. Incident investigations are conducted using the Drinking Water Quality Incident Reporting Process, supplied in Appendix 39, and the “Drinking water quality: incident reporting” form (DERM, Form WSR503).

5.3 Risk Management Improvement Program

The interim and short-term to long-term management measures and actions identified by MRC with the implementation timeframes have been provided in the Risk Management Improvement Program. The Risk Management Improvement Program has been supplied in Appendix 40.


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6. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

6.1 Data Storage or Access

WWS currently collects/generates a wide range of data that is stored and then processed and disseminated using a variety of tools. Refer to Table 6-1 for the data and the storage or access options.

Table 6-1 Data and Storage or Access Options

Data Storage/Access

Operational Procedures

SharePoint on MRC intranet site. Hard copies at sites, on vehicles as required.

Safety SafePlan on MRC intranet site. Hard copies at sites, on vehicles as required.

Assets Hansen now obsolete, being replaced by Assetic. Water Gems for modelling work.

Operational SCADA and spreadsheets on internal network (K:\ Drives). Spreadsheet information being moved onto MonitorPro.

Testing & Monitoring

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Detailed results and summaries distributed via email. Data available MRC wide through MonitorPro.

Financial Finance 1

Correspondence (Internal & External)

ECM (formerly Dataworks). Workflows resulting from correspondence are stored within ECM.

Reporting

In line with MRC& Statutory requirements

Monthly Reporting to Council against plans.

Quarterly

Review of Budgets and Operational Plans

Regulatory Reporting of Testing & Monitoring Data

Annual

Budget, Performance and Operational Plans

Regulatory reporting through SWIMS to a variety of Agencies

Regulatory Annual Reports to DEWS, DEHP & DNRM.


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6.2 Current Environment

Several limitations identified in the data and information flows are currently being managed. WWS is currently in the process of transiting from a regime of basic data and information management to one of knowledge management. Given the rapid pace of change that has eventuated within MRC in the recent past, where it has changed from a relatively small regional city council to a high growth, much larger regional council, the key challenge in establishing a readily shareable knowledge base is to find ways and means to convert the vast amounts of tacit knowledge available within the organisations to a properly structured, easily accessible, but nonetheless secure explicit knowledge base.

The current environment within MRC, and more particularly within the WWS is a Personalisation approach where repositories of information and knowledge exists within individuals or small teams, depending on their field of expertise or range of operations. This knowledge is either disseminated on a needs basis (e.g. monthly, quarterly reporting) or based on specific requests. The current objective is to move towards a more Codification approach, where individuals or teams regularly contribute their data/information/knowledge into a central structured repository.

6.3 Data Categories

For proposes of capturing, structuring and managing the data/information to create the desired knowledge base, WWS consider three key categories:

• Relatively Static Information (data/information that is not expected to change on a regular basis such as Operating Procedures and Manuals, Asset Information)

• Rolling Data (data generated on a regular (daily, weekly) basis such as Operational & Verification Monitoring, and Input and Output Data, which are usually in large volumes, and needs to be processed and presented in easily digestible forms at differing levels of detail to different audiences.)

• Specific Data (specific event based data such as Environmental Incidents, Safety incidents, where a particular occurrence will generate a chain of actions. Usually rapid dissemination of information and response is an important criterion.)

As a first step, WWS has identified a common data management structure that will be used across all systems in the future. Any systems that are currently not perfectly aligned with this structure will gradually be amended to fall in line with the structure.

The envisaged data repository will have separate components that deal with each of the above categories with purpose specific tools identified for each component.

6.4 Data Repositories

6.4.1 Intranet

The repository for all static information will be the intranet. As with all other components, the contents will be structured using the common data structure. It is envisaged that the availability of online documentation will greatly enhance the accessibility as well as improve the currency of the information contained therein.

The intranet has an amount of documentation already available, and amendments to conform to the common data structure and the capturing of a much wider range of documentation is currently in progress and will be ongoing.


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6.4.2 Statistical Data Management System

In June 2010, subsequent to an evaluation, WWS purchased a statistical data management system (SDMS), which has the capability to capture a wide range of data, including both operational monitoring and verification monitoring statistics. This system is called MonitorPro.

MonitorPro has been implemented and is in the process of ongoing adjustments to meet the needs of the organisation.

Data, primarily verification monitoring statistics currently contained within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) has been successfully and is being uploaded into MonitorPro. Historical data from spread sheets on the internal network has been uploaded into the system and removed from the internal network. Selected staff have been trained in the administration of the system while a larger base has been exposed to the different options available for data entry.

As indicated previously, one of the key sources of information into this system will be LIMS. The data transfer from LIMS is automated. Another important source of statistics which will generate a sizeable portion of the operational verification data is the telemetry system and SCADA systems used to manage the water and wastewater operations. Some data from SCADA is being automatically uploaded to MonitorPro and projects are being planned to get all data required from SCADA automatically coming into MonitorPro.

Also in progress is the development of all required reports based on the rolling data, both internal and external, to be generated through MonitorPro. While access for data entry will be limited based on the source of data generation, widespread access will be available for accessing and extracting information from the system.

The system also has the capability to generate alarms based on pre-determined thresholds, which is expected to improve responses to such incidents. Delivery of such alerts to key personnel using mobile telecommunication short messaging services is being explored.

6.4.3 Incident Management System

At present incident management is carried out based on manual forms. WWS recognises that in order to speed up the information dissemination process, control the tracking of subsequent actions, and generate efficiencies throughout the process, an online system needs to be implemented.

WWS is currently in the process of evaluating several available options. A primary requirement will be not only to automate the incident management process but also to ensure that all incident related statistics are generated and fed back into the SDMS.

6.5 Administration

Each component of the knowledge management system will have an identified administrator who will be responsible for managing the contents of that component. However, contributions to each of the components will be from a much wider base, depending on specific expertise and field of responsibilities.

6.6 Drinking Water Quality Information and Records Management

The management of information and records of drinking water quality is incorporated into the laboratory’s NATA Quality Manual. Inserted below (Sections 6.6.1 to 6.6.6) are some excerpts from this manual regarding document and record control. All water quality records after being stored at the laboratory for 3 years are then archived with Mackay Regional Council Information


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Management section and are held and disposed according to the Queensland Local Government Sector Retention and Disposal Schedule QDAN 480v.4.

“All documents and records are required meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 (2005) and

NATA’s Chemical and Biological Testing Supplementary Requirements. Records are required

to satisfy the needs of the Customer and the regulatory authority providing accreditation.”

6.6.1 Record Integrity

The hard copies of all worksheets, calculation sheets, calibration/check forms, reports and

communications with Customers are retained for a period of three years. These documents are

archived in the Scientific and Analytical Services Reports Files located in the Principal

Scientists' office. The LIMS 1 Database is backed up daily as part of the Mackay Regional

Council normal computer backup policy.

6.6.2 Technical Records

• All correspondence (letters, faxes, e-mails and telephonic communications records) to

and from a Customer should be retained. Files for incoming and outgoing

correspondence are maintained in the respective Customer correspondence files located

in the Principal Scientist office.

• Details of all calculations, interpolations, and experimental observations should be

attached (stapled) to the worksheet. Additional information such as spectra and

chromatograms should be either attached to the worksheet or separately filed. The

information should be sufficient to allow another staff member to follow the calculations,

be able to understand what was done, and to identify the sample to which the analysis

relates.

• Corrections to original test data may be made only by approved signatories or officers to

whom an approved signatory has delegated this authority.

The laboratory shall retain technical records of:

• all original observations;

• derived data;

• sufficient information to establish an audit trail;

• calibration records;

• staff records;

• copies of each test report or calibration certificate;

• personnel responsible for the sampling;

• personnel responsible for test/calibration; and

• personnel responsible for checking results.

6.6.3 Record Information

All records are to contain sufficient information to:

• identify factors affecting uncertainty; and

• enable the original method conditions to be repeated.

6.6.4 Recording

All observations, data and calculations are to be recorded at the time they are made and be identifiable to the specific task.


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6.6.5 Corrections to Records

If changes to the original records are required then they must be made so that:

• original record is not obscured;

• correct value entered alongside; and

• alterations authorised by initials and dated.

6.6.6 Corrections to Electronic Records

To avoid loss or change of original data generated and/or stored electronically the software packages used at the laboratory have audit trail capabilities.

Electronic records are also backed-up: SQL Database is backed up daily at 22:00 hrs.; K: drive (main drive for MRC, including the laboratory) and Y: drive (the drive on which all LIMS1 data is stored) are backed up daily on new tapes and weekly and monthly on new tapes. All back ups are stored in secure facilities.


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7. EMPLOYEE AWARENESS AND TRAINING WWS recognises that the knowledge, skills, motivation and commitment of employees determines the success of not just the WQMS but also the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the water and waste services delivered to the citizens of the Mackay region. It is therefore committed to developing and maintaining awareness, understanding and commitment to performance optimisation and continuous improvement.

7.1 Employee Awareness and Involvement

Several different tools are utilised to maintain employee awareness and involvement.

The primary avenues for maintaining employee awareness within WWS is the Weekly Water Update, which is sent out as an email. In addition to general information, this is used to update staff on progress of various projects (improvement projects, capital projects etc). WWS also publishes a quarterly e-document titled “The Resource”, which carries more detailed information than the brief weekly update.

In additional to the WWS communications, MRC also circulates a weekly email “Council Happenings” and a monthly newsletter “Grapevine”, which keeps employees informed of and involved in the wider Council staff community.

In addition to the above tools, which push information out to the staff, the MRC intranet contains a large pool of information which can be accessed by employees as and when needed.

While the communication tools do contain some mechanisms for feedback, they are primarily used to disseminate information. Quarterly and weekly Toolbox Sessions are the primary means for facilitating employee engagement. In addition to affording an opportunity to provide awareness and information to staff on a variety of subjects at a direct and personal level, these meetings also facilitate the gathering of important feedback from the employees. The agenda for these meetings and the minutes resulting from them are maintained on the internal network. Safety, customer service and risk management are topics that are regularly incorporated into these toolbox sessions.

MRC also conducts staff surveys as another means of gathering employee feedback.

Annual Staff awards within WWS and Year-end MRC Staff Awards also help keep staff motivated and engaged. Other more informal social events provide opportunities for supervisors and management to interact with the wider employee base.

7.2 Employee Training

MRC is committed to ensuring that employees, including contractors, maintain the appropriate training and certifications that is required to enable staff to perform their duties in and effective, efficient and compliant manner.

Detailed Position Descriptions (PD) provides the starting point for identification of qualifications and certifications associated with the specific roles. During selection and through the ongoing annual performance appraisal process individual skills and qualifications are matched with the requirements to identify individualised development programs for each staff member on a regular basis. Changing external conditions (e.g. changing legislation) is also factored in when developing these development programs.

The Learning & Development System (LDS) used by MRC maintains a central register of all qualifications, training and certifications held by each staff member. This register is updated as


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staff members undertake additional training and gain new certifications. The system also keeps track of the expiry of certifications and generates reminders for their renewals.

MRC (including WWS) commit a significant amount of resources to staff training & development. The required training is delivered both as in-house trainings sessions (mostly using external registered RTOs for training that is required by a larger number of staff) as well as at external training organisations for training require by a single or limited number of staff.

Training made available by WWS to its employees can be identified in three broad categories.

• Safety Related Training: Given the vital importance of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment this is considered as a distinct category. MRC is currently in the process of implementing SafePlan2 across the whole of Council.

• Role Specific Training: This would include job and/or role specific training designed to provide or update the direct skills required by the staff members to carry out their responsibilities. Training designed to enhance the knowledge of staff on maintaining safe drinking water quality and managing the risks associated thereto would fall into this category.

• General Training: This training is designed for the general development of staff members, and is focused on the supplementary and ancillary skills.


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8. MONITORING PROGRAMS Operational and verification monitoring programs support the management measures for identified risks. Monitoring focuses on the entire scheme including each component of the scheme. The purpose of drinking water quality monitoring is to assess that the barriers and preventive measures implemented to safeguard public health are working effectively.

The operational and verification drinking water quality monitoring program has been supplied in Appendix 41. The verification monitoring section of the program was implemented on the 1 July 2011.

The management of excursions resulting from monitoring and the corrective actions taken are summarised in the Drinking Water Quality Incident Reporting Process supplied in Appendix 39 and investigated by the different sections of the water utility. Excursions, where CCP procedures have been implemented, are managed as per the corrective actions in the procedures.

If during the course of monitoring a system is found to not be operating effectively the following steps are generally undertaken:

1. Recheck of observations and/or measurements to confirm the incident 2. Notify supervisor of the incident, if confirmed 3. If possible, have the measurements verified by the laboratory 4. Undertake any rectifications required to address the incident 5. Inform management that an incident has occurred and the rectifications completed

The monitoring program is reviewed regularly and adjusted as required. With the collection of further water quality data and as various investigations or projects are progressed the information captured enables the monitoring program to be assessed for suitability and new areas of monitoring identified incorporated or existing monitoring refined.

8.1 Operational Monitoring

Operational monitoring includes the planned sequence of measurements and observations to ensure that a system is operating within performance limits. Measurements are of operational parameters that will indicate whether processes are functioning effectively and observations are activities such as regular inspections and checks.

Operational monitoring at MRC:

• ensures a system is performing within the operational tolerance limits;

• provides an immediate indication of performance;

• enables continuous monitoring;

• is used to trigger immediate short-term corrective actions to maintain drinking water quality;

• reveals any failures in a timely manner;

• monitors the hazards identified in the risk assessment.

8.2 Verification Monitoring

Verification monitoring confirms product quality at the point of supply, compliance with water quality criteria and identifies deficiencies in existing preventative or control measures. Verification monitoring assesses the performance of a scheme, of the overall system, and the quality of drinking water being supplied to consumers. This incorporates monitoring drinking water quality as well as assessment of consumer satisfaction.


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The drinking water quality verification process at MRC includes the following:

• on-line continuous SCADA monitoring of water quality parameters;

• on site sampling & testing of water quality parameters;

• testing in a NATA laboratory of water quality parameters;

• plans and procedures relating to water quality compliance;

• normal values for water quality parameters;

• alarm & response values for water quality parameters;

• a measured response to water quality issues;

• review and report water quality data;

• training.

8.3 Historical Data Analysis

The historical data was analysed by the MRC Water and Waste Laboratories. Sampling was conducted by the field staff of the laboratory. The design of the sampling program, sampling techniques, and the preservation and handling of the samples was done according to AS/NZS 5667, and or APHA Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater.

The laboratory analysis was performed according to APHA Standard Methods, Australian/ISO Standards, and/or US EPA methodologies. The laboratory has NATA accreditation in the fields of chemistry and biology.

Data is reviewed and reported by senior members of the laboratory according to criteria that has been set out in the laboratory’s NATA Quality Manual. Reporting to the regulator is either performed by the Principal Scientist, or the Environmental Officer.

Collected data from operational changes such as the commissioning of new water treatment plants was excluded from the historical data that was provided. Operational changes usually involve monitoring programs which are designed to provide information to process designers which are not incorporated into the verification program. Any results from these programs that exceed public health regulation or the ADWG health guideline is reported to the regulator.


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9. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Research and development increases the understanding of the service, validates that existing and proposed processes will successfully control hazards and is required to design new equipment.

MRC undertakes various research and development activities as part of their normal business to maintain awareness of emerging technologies and industry best practice. MRC research and development activities include:

• Attending conferences and reading journal articles;

• Investigative studies and research monitoring; and

• Planning studies, including validation of processes and design of equipment.

Records of all research & development activities are maintained as detailed in Chapter 6.

9.1 Investigative Studies and Research Monitoring

Where necessary, investigative studies and research monitoring are conducted and include strategic programs designed to increase understanding of the water supply system and factors affecting water quality characteristics, to identify and characterise potential hazards, and to fill gaps in knowledge.

The Planning and Sustainability Program of WWS, has the responsibility to undertake the planning and strategic asset management for the water supply system. This involves assessment of the variety factors that affect the continued provision of services in accordance with MRC’s adopted services standards and Drinking Water Quality Policy. The potential factors that could affect the continued supply considered by the Planning and Sustainability Team include:

• Population growth and increased demand for services.

• Aging infrastructure.

• Maintenance requirements and maintenance history.

• Financial constraints.

• Regulatory requirements and potential regulatory changes.

• Technology changes and industry trends.

With this information a variety of plans and strategies are developed to ensure continued provision of services. These strategies take the form of:

• Water Master Plans for the major communities detailing broad infrastructure requirements for the next 50 years.

• Strategic Plans for individual growth areas detailing specific infrastructure requirements.

• Feasibility and Planning Studies investigating best technical solutions to provide best whole of life cost value to MRC. During the feasibility and planning studies process specific investigations into water quality and trials of equipment and processes may be undertaken.

• Project briefs are prepared for preferred projects. Project briefs provide detailed specifications for projects such that they can be delivered by the WWS Infrastructure Delivery Team.

9.2 Validation of Processes

Validation involves evaluating scientific and technical information available on processes and then undertaking investigations, where necessary, to validate system-specific operational


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procedures, critical limits and target criteria. The aim of process validation is to ensure effective operation and control. WWS undertake revalidation on a regular basis as required.

Validation of operational set points is undertaken by the Operations team on a regular basis to account for variations in raw water quality or when a change to treatment chemicals is made. Water treatment operators are trained in jar testing to undertake the validation process.

9.3 Design of Equipment

The detailed design, construction and commissioning of equipment is undertaken by the Infrastructure Delivery Team. Through this team research and development is undertaken to validate the selection and design of new equipment and infrastructure, or to confirm design changes necessary to improve plant performance and control systems.

Any new processes are tested using benchtop, pilot-scale or full-scale experimental studies to confirm that the process and operational criteria produce the required results under the conditions specific to MRC.

Validation of new equipment or processes is typically undertaken by the equipment/process supplier or an independent expert appointed by MRC.


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10. REVIEW AND CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT WWS regularly review activities relating to the service to improve operational processes and drinking water quality management. The review ensures that any changes to the internal and external environment are reflected in the operations of the service.

10.1 Review by Senior Executive

Senior executive support, commitment and ongoing involvement are essential to the continual improvement of WWS’s activities relating to drinking water quality.

Senior executives regularly review MRC’s approach to drinking water quality management, develop action plans and commit the resources necessary to improve operational processes and overall drinking water quality performance.

MRC has implemented a range of governance measures to provide ongoing review of the effectiveness of the DWQMP. The Water Services Management assesses the non-conformances with the DWQMP on a weekly basis. Any non-conformances are tabulated at the weekly meeting and actions allocated and tracked.

Performance against the DWQMP is reported quarterly as part of the MRC Operational Plan. This reporting process provides independent MRC oversight of the management of drinking water quality within WWS.

A management review meeting is held annually where senior executives review reports from audits, drinking water quality performance and previous management views. The purpose of the review is to:

• consider concerns of clients, regulators and other stakeholders,

• evaluate the suitability of the drinking water quality policy and objectives and preventive, strategies in relation to changing internal and external conditions such as:

o changes to legislation, expectations and requirements,

o changes in the activities of the organisation,

o advances in science and technology,

o outcomes of drinking water quality incidents and emergencies, and

o reporting and communication.

The minutes of the meetings are recorded and registered on MRC’s intranet.

10.2 Drinking Water Quality Management Improvement Program

MRC maintains an improvement program to address identified needs for full implementation of the WQMS and areas for further improvement. The actions for improvement are mainly an output of the Water Quality Risk Assessment Workshop and are maintained by the WQMS Coordinator.

The processes involved in continual improvement are:

• identification and correction of incidents, complaints and issues of non-conformance

• identification of and preventive action against potential incidents and non-conformances

• performance review and targeted improvement.


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These processes may occur through:

• audits and inspections

• document review

• management review

• incident investigations

• debriefs

• casual observation

• risk assessment

• preventive action.


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11. REFERENCES

• City Water Technology, City Water Technology, Process Issues Paper: Midge Point Management Management, 8 July 2015.

• National Water Quality Management Strategy, Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council, Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, 2011.

• QLD DEWS, Drinking Water Quality Management Plan Guideline, September 2010.

• QLD DEWS, Preparing a Drinking Water Quality Management Plan Supporting Information, September 2010.

• QLD DEWS, Drinking Water Quality Information Guide, Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008, 2013.

• QLD DEWS, Water Quality and Reporting Guideline for a Drinking Water Service, September 2010.

• QLD DEWS, Incident Reporting Protocol Flowcharts, 2013.

• QLD DEWS, Escherichia coli monitoring guidance notes, 2013.

• QLD DEWS, Drinking water quality: incident reporting, Form WSR503, 2013.

• QLD Health, Water Fluoridation Code of Practice, September 2013.

• BOM website, www.bom.gov.au, Accessed: May 2016.

• QLD DNRM, Pioneer Valley Resource Operations Plan 2005, Amendment January 2016.

• QLD DNRM, Pioneer groundwater management area water sharing rules and seasonal water assignment rules 2013.

http://www.bom.gov.au/

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