Quarterly Drinking Water Quality Report · Quarterly Drinking Water Quality Report . 1 April 2018...

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Quarterly Drinking Water Quality Report 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2018

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Contents

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 5

1.1 Sydney Water’s system and operations ...................................................... 5 1.2 Multi-barrier approach ................................................................................. 6 1.3 Structure of this report ................................................................................. 7

2 Catchments, storages and raw water delivery systems .................................... 10 2.1 Catchments ............................................................................................... 10 2.2 Storages and raw water delivery systems ................................................. 10

2.2.1 Prospect, Orchard Hills and Warragamba delivery system - raw water 12 2.2.2 Macarthur delivery system - raw water ............................................... 15 2.2.3 Woronora delivery system - raw water ............................................... 16 2.2.4 Illawarra delivery system - raw water.................................................. 17 2.2.5 North Richmond delivery system - raw water ..................................... 18 2.2.6 Cascade delivery system - raw water ................................................. 19 2.2.7 Nepean delivery system - raw water................................................... 20

2.3 Discussion of results for storages and raw water delivery systems ........... 21 3 Treatment ......................................................................................................... 22

3.1 Key parameters ......................................................................................... 22 3.1.1 Prospect Water Filtration Plant ........................................................... 23 3.1.2 Orchard Hills Water Filtration Plant .................................................... 25 3.1.3 Macarthur Water Filtration Plant ......................................................... 27 3.1.4 Woronora Water Filtration Plant ......................................................... 29 3.1.5 Illawarra Water Filtration Plant ........................................................... 31 3.1.6 North Richmond Water Filtration Plant ............................................... 33 3.1.7 Cascade Water Filtration Plant ........................................................... 35 3.1.8 Nepean Water Filtration Plant ............................................................ 37 3.1.9 Warragamba Water Filtration Plant .................................................... 39

3.2 Cryptosporidium and Giardia ..................................................................... 41 3.3 Other parameters ...................................................................................... 43 3.4 Discussion of results for water treatment ................................................... 47

3.4.1 Raw water .......................................................................................... 47 3.4.2 Treated water ..................................................................................... 47

4 Distribution (Customer Supply Systems) .......................................................... 48 4.1 Routine monitoring for key parameters ...................................................... 48

4.1.1 Prospect North Customer Supply System .......................................... 49 4.1.2 Prospect East Customer Supply System ............................................ 51 4.1.3 Prospect South Customer Supply System .......................................... 53 4.1.4 Potts Hill Customer Supply System .................................................... 55 4.1.5 Ryde Customer Supply System .......................................................... 57 4.1.6 Orchard Hills Customer Supply System ............................................. 59 4.1.7 Macarthur Customer Supply System .................................................. 61 4.1.8 Woronora Customer Supply System .................................................. 63 4.1.9 Illawarra Customer Supply System .................................................... 65 4.1.10 North Richmond Customer Supply System ........................................ 67 4.1.11 Cascade Customer Supply System .................................................... 69 4.1.12 Nepean Customer Supply System ..................................................... 71

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4.1.13 Warragamba Customer Supply System ............................................. 73 4.2 Other parameters ...................................................................................... 75 4.3 Discussion of results for Customer Supply Systems .................................. 76

5 Water Quantity Data ......................................................................................... 77 5.1 Storage ..................................................................................................... 77 5.2 Rainfall ...................................................................................................... 78 5.3 Water Consumption .................................................................................. 79

List of tables Table 1 Location, associated Water Filtration Plant and Water Supply System ....... 9 Table 2 Lake Burragorang @ 500m up stream of Dam Wall (supplying Prospect,

Orchard Hills and Warragamba WFPs) ............................................................ 12 Table 3 Upper Canal at Prospect (supplying Prospect WFP only) ......................... 13 Table 4 Prospect Lake (supplying Prospect WFP only - infrequently used) ........... 14 Table 5 Broughton’s Pass weir (supplying Macarthur WFP) .................................. 15 Table 6 Lake Woronora @ Dam Wall .................................................................... 16 Table 7 Upper Avon .............................................................................................. 17 Table 8 Nepean River (Jetty at rear of Nth Richmond WFP) .................................. 18 Table 9 Lake Top Cascade @ 100m u/s dam wall ................................................ 19 Table 10 Lake Nepean .......................................................................................... 20 Table 11 Prospect Water Filtration Plant – raw water ............................................ 23 Table 12 Prospect Water Filtration Plant – treated water ....................................... 24 Table 13 Orchard Hills Water Filtration Plant – raw water ...................................... 25 Table 14 Orchard Hills Water Filtration Plant – treated water ................................ 26 Table 15 Macarthur Water Filtration Plant – raw water .......................................... 27 Table 16 Macarthur Water Filtration Plant – treated water ..................................... 28 Table 17 Woronora Water Filtration Plant – raw water .......................................... 29 Table 18 Woronora Water Filtration Plant – treated water ..................................... 30 Table 19 Illawarra Water Filtration Plant – raw water ............................................. 31 Table 20 Illawarra Water Filtration Plant – treated water ....................................... 32 Table 21 North Richmond Water Filtration Plant – raw water ................................ 33 Table 22 North Richmond Water Filtration Plant – treated water ........................... 33 Table 23 Cascade Water Filtration Plant – raw water ............................................ 35 Table 24 Cascade Water Filtration Plant – treated water ....................................... 36 Table 25 Nepean Water Filtration Plant – raw water .............................................. 37 Table 26 Nepean Water Filtration Plant – treated water ......................................... 37 Table 27 Warragamba Water Filtration Plant – raw water ...................................... 39 Table 28 Warragamba Water Filtration Plant – treated water ................................ 40 Table 29 Cryptosporidium and Giardia confirmed results – raw water ................... 42 Table 30 Other chemicals – raw water .................................................................. 44 Table 31 Pesticides and herbicides – raw water .................................................... 45 Table 32 Radionuclides – raw water ...................................................................... 46 Table 33 Other chemicals – treated water ............................................................. 46 Table 34 Prospect North Customer Supply System – health characteristics .......... 49 Table 35 Prospect North Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics ..... 50 Table 36 Prospect East Customer Supply System – health characteristics ........... 51 Table 37 Prospect East Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics ....... 52 Table 38 Prospect South Customer Supply System – health characteristics ......... 53 Table 39 Prospect South Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics ..... 54 Table 40 Potts Hill Customer Supply System – health characteristics ................... 55

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Table 41 Potts Hill Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics ............... 56 Table 42 Ryde Customer Supply System – health characteristics ......................... 57 Table 43 Ryde Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics..................... 58 Table 44 Orchard Hills Customer Supply System – health characteristics ............. 59 Table 45 Orchard Hills Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics ........ 60 Table 46 Macarthur Customer Supply System – health characteristics ................. 61 Table 47 Macarthur Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics ............. 62 Table 48 Woronora Customer Supply System – health characteristics .................. 63 Table 49 Woronora Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics ............. 64 Table 50 Illawarra Customer Supply System – health characteristics .................... 65 Table 51 Illawarra Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics ............... 66 Table 52 North Richmond Customer Supply System – health characteristics ........ 67 Table 53 North Richmond Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics ... 68 Table 54 Cascade Customer Supply System – Health characteristics ................... 69 Table 55 Cascade Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics ............... 70 Table 56 Nepean Customer Supply System – health characteristics ..................... 71 Table 57 Nepean Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics ................ 72 Table 58 Warragamba Customer Supply System – health characteristics ............. 73 Table 59 Warragamba Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics ........ 74 Table 60 Other parameters assessed against health guidelines – distribution system

......................................................................................................................... 75 Table 61 Other parameters assessed against aesthetic guidelines ....................... 75 Table 62 Status of individual Storages as at 30 June 2018 ..................................... 78

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1 Introduction Sydney Water produces this report each quarter to inform our customers about water quality, available water stored in the dams, rainfall and water consumption. This report summarises a selection of health characteristics, chosen in consultation with NSW Health and key aesthetic characteristics.

This report should be viewed along with the other complementary information available on the Sydney Water website. The complementary material includes a glossary of terms and details of our systems and operations that are referenced throughout this report. In addition, Sydney Water produces fact sheets which review and summarise issues of concern to the water industry, and Q & A links to specific drinking water quality topics.

WaterNSW is responsible for the management of Sydney’s catchments, raw water storages and delivery systems and has provided data for this report based on the raw water quality monitoring they perform. Enquiries concerning WaterNSW can be directed to their Parramatta Office on 1300 662 077 or to the WaterNSW website.

1.1 Sydney Water’s system and operations

On average, Sydney Water supplies over 1.4 billion litres of drinking water daily, to over 4.8 million people in 1.8 million homes and businesses across Sydney, the Illawarra and the Blue Mountains. Households use about 70% of the water supplied and businesses use about 30%.

Rainfall from catchment areas provides water, which is stored in dams (except for the North Richmond Water Filtration Plant (WFP), which draws water directly from the Hawkesbury-Nepean River), and then transported by large pipelines or canals to water filtration plants where it is treated and disinfected. The desalination plant, when operating, can provide up to 15% of Sydney's water supply. Once treated, water is distributed to consumers through 22,000 km of water pipes, 243 reservoirs and 150 pumping stations.

Sydney Water’s responsibility for the protection of public health falls under the Public Health Act 2010 as well as other relevant legislation. Sydney Water has a responsibility to supply safe drinking water to consumers in accordance with its Operating Licence (2015-2020) granted by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) under the Sydney Water Act 1994. Compliance is managed through a Memorandum of Understanding between NSW Health and Sydney Water. Water quality characteristics within the water supply system are compared to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011 (ADWG).

Sydney Water has adopted the Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality, as outlined in the ADWG. The ADWG were developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council in consultation with the water industry. The ADWG are a part of the National Water Quality Management Strategy. The Framework applies a risk management approach to ensure that the water supplied meets both the health and aesthetic requirements of the ADWG. Water quality monitoring is undertaken to verify that the quality management systems are working.

Sydney Water’s water quality results are audited yearly on behalf of NSW Health and IPART.

http://www.sca.nsw.gov.au/

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For more information on Sydney Water’s system and operations see the Sydney Water website.

1.2 Multi-barrier approach

The ADWG Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality uses a preventive risk management approach that encompasses all the steps in water production from the catchment to the customer.

Sydney Water works collaboratively with WaterNSW to ensure that the best possible water quality is supplied to our customers. Sydney Water and WaterNSW apply a multi-barrier approach to ensure the water supply is safe (Figure 1).

Catchments – The first barrier in the multi-barrier approach is having an effective catchment management program. Minimising adverse impacts on water quality is achieved through actions such as managing development and land use, improvement of the environment, improvement of wastewater systems and treatment facilities, and public education.

WaterNSW manages the catchments and are responsible for the monitoring of water from the inflows that supply the dam storages.

Storages (Dams) – These are the raw water supplies for the water filtration plants (with the exception of North Richmond WFP and Sydney Desalination Plant). Natural in-lake processes can improve the quality of raw water and therefore act as the second barrier in the water supply chain. For example, detaining water in storage dams allows sedimentation of particles and time for potentially harmful microorganisms to die-off.

Water quality can vary through the depth of the storage dams. Monitoring and modelling storage conditions provides information for selecting the most appropriate storage off-take levels to supply the best quality raw water. WaterNSW manage storages and is responsible for monitoring raw water quality.

Delivery – WaterNSW manages the raw water delivery systems that convey raw water to the water filtration plants (with the exception of North Richmond WFP and Sydney Desalination Plant). Flexibility in these delivery systems allows the use of alternative raw water supplies for many areas to ensure water demand is met with the best quality water. The raw water delivery system also allows for pre-treatment (usually chlorination) if required. Pre-treatment when applied can act as a third barrier in the supply chain.

Treatment – Treating water at water filtration plants makes it fit for drinking and is a key barrier. Treatment removes sediment and other contaminants in the water, and removes or destroys harmful microorganisms. All plants use coagulation, flocculation, filtration and disinfection. Pre-treatment with chlorine can also be applied at the inlet of

Figure 1. Multi-barrier approach

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some water filtration plants to improve water quality. Additional treatment processes are also used at the North Richmond WFP while the desalination plant uses reverse osmosis. Fluoride is added at all plants for dental health benefits as required by the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1957.

The plants at Prospect, Appin (Macarthur), Kembla Grange (Illawarra) and Woronora were built and are owned / operated by private sector companies and together filter and disinfect about 90% of water supplied to consumers. The desalination plant at Kurnell is owned by Sydney Desalination Plant Pty Ltd (formerly a Sydney Water subsidiary but sold to the private sector in June 2012). When running, this plant can supply up to 15%, noting that the plant may not run at full capacity at all times once restarted.

Sydney Water owns and operates five smaller water filtration plants (WFPs). These are Orchard Hills, Cascade, North Richmond, Nepean and Warragamba water filtration plants.

To help optimise the treatment process and ensure consistently good water quality, Sydney Water and WaterNSW monitor the raw water entering the plants. Treatment processes are continuously monitored to ensure they are working appropriately. Sydney Water also verifies that the treated water meets drinking water guideline values by undertaking ‘compliance’ and ‘operational’ monitoring programs.

Distribution – Treated water from nine water filtration plants and the Sydney Desalination plant (when operating) is supplied to thirteen customer supply systems. Sydney Water is responsible for the management and operation of the customer supply systems.

Maintaining adequate chlorine or chloramine levels throughout the distribution network minimises the risks from contamination of the supply and minimises bacterial regrowth. This is assisted by hydraulic management of the system to minimise water age and to keep the water well mixed. When necessary, in-system re-chlorination is undertaken.

Prevention of contamination is achieved through securing the distribution pipes and reservoir network by:

• roofing all reservoirs

• preventing backflow from individual properties into the treated drinking water

• having security alarms on critical assets

• maintaining and renewing assets

• adhering to established operational and maintenance procedures.

Sydney Water has a comprehensive drinking water quality monitoring program in Customer Supply Systems to verify that equipment and processes are operating effectively and that the water meets required guidelines.

1.3 Structure of this report The tables in sections 2 to 4 of this report present water quality data from the analysis of water samples collected from the various stages (as illustrated in Figure 1) of the water supply chain, from raw water sources, through treatment to the water supplied to the customer.

Raw water monitoring is generally undertaken by WaterNSW who supply data for this report, while treatment process verification monitoring and verification of water quality supplied to customers is undertaken by Sydney Water.

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Data is arranged according to the water treatment plant and respective customer supply systems. To determine what data are relevant to your area, Table 1 and the information about water systems on our website can be used to determine your water treatment plant and particular customer supply system.

Data presented in this report are not exhaustive but are from the routine monitoring of key parameters. These data illustrate the effectiveness of the various barriers and processes to reduce contaminants and ensure the quality of the water supplied to our customers.

Section 5 of this report presents water quantity, rainfall and water consumption data. The quantity and rainfall data is supplied by WaterNSW.

http://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/water-the-environment/how-we-manage-sydney-s-water/water-network/index.htm

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Table 1 Location, associated Water Filtration Plant and Water Supply System

Your location Local government area Water treatment plant

Water supply system

Northern suburbs

North Shore from Sydney Harbour to Palm Beach

Baulkham Hills (part), Hornsby (part), Hunters Hill, Ku-ring-gai (part), Lane Cove, Mosman, Manly, North Sydney, Parramatta (part), Pittwater, Ryde, Warringah, Willoughby

Prospect Ryde

North-West Sydney Kurrajong, Richmond, Wilberforce, Windsor, Hawkesbury (part), Penrith (part) North Richmond North

Richmond

Baulkham Hills, Blacktown

Baulkham Hills (part), Blacktown (part), Hawkesbury (part), Holroyd (part), Hornsby (part), Ku-ring-gai (part), Parramatta (part)

Prospect Prospect North

Western suburbs

Parramatta Auburn (part), Bankstown (part), Fairfield (part), Holroyd (part), Parramatta (part) Prospect Prospect East

Erskine Park, Penrith, St Marys Blue Mountains (part), Penrith (part) Orchard Hills Orchard Hills

Blacktown Blacktown (part), Fairfield (part), Liverpool (part), Penrith (part) Prospect Prospect South

Inner West, Central, Southern & Eastern suburbs

CBD and Eastern Suburbs south to the Georges River

Ashfield, Auburn (part), Botany Bay, Bankstown (part), Burwood, Canterbury, Canada Bay, Hurstville, Kogarah, Leichhardt. Marrickville, Randwick, Rockdale, South Sydney, Strathfield, Sydney, Waverley, Woollahra

Can be supplied from Prospect and/or Sydney Desalination Plant

Potts Hill

South of the Georges River Sutherland

Can be supplied from Prospect, Woronora and/or Sydney Desalination Plant

Potts Hill and / or Woronora

South-West Sydney Liverpool Liverpool (part) Prospect Prospect East Appin, Camden (part), Campbelltown, Casula Glenfield, Leppington, Minto, Narellan

Camden (part), Campbelltown, Liverpool (part), Wollondilly (part) Macarthur Macarthur

Oakdale, Picton, Thirlmere Camden (part), Wollondilly (part) Nepean Nepean

Warragamba township Wollondilly (part) Warragamba Warragamba Blue Mountains Lower Blue Mountains, Springwood (part) to Penrith

Blue Mountains (part), Penrith (part) Orchard Hills Orchard Hills

Katoomba to Springwood (part), Mt Victoria, Medlow Bath, Blackheath

Blue Mountains (part) Cascade Cascade

Illawarra Illawarra from Scarborough to Gerroa

Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong (except Helensburgh and Stanwell Park) Illawarra Illawarra

Coalcliff, Helensburgh, Stanwell Park Wollongong (part) Woronora Woronora

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2 Catchments, storages and raw water delivery systems

WaterNSW supplies bulk raw water from its storages to Sydney Water according to the Raw Water Supply Agreement (RWSA), which was renewed in October 2013. The catchments are the source of raw water stored in WaterNSW storages (dams). Under the risk-based approach, the first step to reduce the potential for water contamination and hence protect water quality is to maintain healthy catchments and manage external impacts on them. WaterNSW works with the community, other government agencies, local councils, industry bodies, environment groups and landholders to manage and protect the catchment areas.

WaterNSW is responsible for managing the water stored in the dams, selecting good quality water for treatment, and managing the transport and delivery systems for bulk raw water.

Water for the North Richmond WFP and supply system is sourced directly from the Hawkesbury-Nepean River.

2.1 Catchments Routine monitoring of catchment streams is used to assess the quality of water within the catchments. Monitoring results provide an indication of environmental water quality, such as the ‘health’ of each sub-catchment and any changes to water quality over time. Identifying contaminants within catchment waters provides early warning of potential raw water quality problems and assists in the management of catchment lands to improve catchment health.

Not all contaminants identified in catchment waterways are considered a significant risk to the drinking water supply. In-stream processes, including dilution, sedimentation, oxidation or biodegradation may reduce the concentration of these contaminants to acceptable levels before reaching raw water storages. As the results of catchment water-way monitoring are not immediately relevant to drinking water quality they have not been included in this report but can be found in WaterNSW’s Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report on the WaterNSW website.

2.2 Storages and raw water delivery systems WaterNSW monitors water quality in the storages (dams) to help identify and target possible contamination sources. Monitoring in the storages also informs management actions, the selection of water sources and the depth of raw water extraction to optimise raw water quality supplied for treatment. Monitoring in the raw water delivery system and at the inflow to the water filtration plants helps to inform treatment operations, and verifies that the raw water delivered to the water filtration plants meets agreed quality and can be treated to meet the requirements of the ADWG.

Monitoring of the raw water in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River, the source of raw water supplying North Richmond WFP, is undertaken by Sydney Water.

The data presented in Table 2 to Table 10 is not exhaustive but shows results for the key parameters from storage and raw water delivery system sites in close to where water is extracted for treatment. Results for monitoring undertaken by WaterNSW at

http://www.sca.nsw.gov.au/

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the inflow to the water filtration plants are not presented here but data for Sydney Water’s monitoring of the same sites are presented.

There are no relevant guidelines for the detection of indicator organisms in the raw water storages or raw water delivery systems. WaterNSW and Sydney Water have established their own agreed action levels that are used to trigger further investigation of possible faecal contamination, based on an understanding of system characteristics and historical information. Reference levels for other parameters are based on the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011and Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality, ANZECC, 2000.

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2.2.1 Prospect, Orchard Hills and Warragamba delivery system - raw water

Table 2 Lake Burragorang @ 500 m up stream of Dam Wall (supplying Prospect, Orchard Hills and Warragamba WFPs)

Quarterly - 1 Apr 2018 to 30 Jun 2018 Annual – 1 Jul 2017 to 30 Jun 2018

Characteristics Units of measure

WaterNSW Reference

levels No. of

samples Min Avg Max No. of samples Min Avg Max

Mic

robi

olog

ical

E. coli orgs/100mL NA 70 <1 <1 6 260 <1 1 6

Giardia cysts/10L NA 76 <1 <1 <1 306 <1 <1 <1

Cryptosporidium oocysts/10L NA 76 <1 <1 <1 306 <1 <1 <1

Phys

ical

/ ch

emic

al

turbidity NTU NA 6 0.4 0.4 0.5 26 0.3 0.6 1.1

true colour♠ HU NA 70 5 7 9 259 5 9 14

chlorophyll - a μg/L 2-10 42 1.0 2.7 3.6 156 0.9 3.0 6.2

iron mg/L <1 70 0.010 0.046 0.170 260 <0.010 0.054 0.380

aluminium mg/L <0.1 70 0.010 0.037 0.210 259 <0.010 0.036 0.360

manganese mg/L 0.5 70 0.002 <0.010 0.046 260 <0.010 0.007 0.080

♠ True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength. NA= Not Applicable.

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Table 3 Upper Canal at Prospect (supplying Prospect WFP only)



WaterNSW Reference

levels No. of


Mic

robi

olog

ical

E. coli orgs/100mL NA 0 NA NA NA 12 0 4 11

Giardia cysts/10L NA 0 NA NA NA 0 NA NA NA

Cryptosporidium oocysts/10L NA 0 NA NA NA 0 NA NA NA

Phys

ical

/ ch

emic

al

turbidity NTU NA 0 NA NA NA 34 0.5 2.8 4.3

true colour♠ HU NA 0 NA NA NA 12 1 3 3

chlorophyll - a μg/L NA 0 NA NA NA 18 2.1 3.5 4.5

iron mg/L <1 0 NA NA NA 12 0.030 0.062 0.110

aluminium mg/L <0.1 0 NA NA NA 12 0.020 0.038 0.060

manganese mg/L NA 0 NA NA NA 12 0.005 0.010 0.017

♠True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength. NA= Not Applicable. Sampling is only conducted when Upper Canal is on line (Upper Canal was offline from 1 April to 16 June during Q4).

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Table 4 Prospect Lake (supplying Prospect WFP only - infrequently used)



WaterNSW Reference

levels No. of


Mic

robi

olog

ical

E. coli orgs/100mL NA 2 1 6 11 12 <1 4 11

Giardia cysts/10L NA 7 <1 <1 <1 35 <1 <1 <1

Cryptosporidium oocysts/10L NA 7 <1 <1 <1 35 <1 <1 <1

Phys

ical

/ ch

emic

al

turbidity NTU NA 14 1.0 1.2 1.3 57 0.9 1.5 2.8

true colour♠ HU NA 2 1 2 2 12 1 3 3


iron mg/L <1 2 0.030 0.055 0.080 12 0.030 0.062 0.110

aluminium mg/L <0.1 2 0.020 0.025 0.030 12 0.020 0.038 0.060

manganese mg/L 0.5 2 0.010 0.010 0.010 12 0.005 0.009 0.017


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2.2.2 Macarthur delivery system - raw water

Table 5 Broughton’s Pass weir (supplying Macarthur WFP)



WaterNSW Reference

levels No. of


Mic

robi

olog

ical

E. coli orgs/100mL NA 3 15 24 29 12 4 27 100

Giardia* cysts/10L NA 0 NA NA NA 0 NA NA NA

Cryptosporidium* oocysts/10L NA 0 NA NA NA 0 NA NA NA

Phys

ical

/ ch

emic

al

turbidity NTU NA 3 0.6 0.8 1.1 12 <0.1 0.9 1.7

true colour♠ HU NA 3 7 8 10 12 7 12 19

chlorophyll - a μg/L NA 0 NA NA NA 0 NA NA NA

iron mg/L <1 3 0.240 0.337 0.500 12 0.240 0.352 0.500

aluminium mg/L <0.1 3 0.020 0.027 0.040 12 0.020 0.053 0.090

manganese mg/L NA 3 0.016 0.021 0.025 12 0.016 0.021 0.026

* Cryptosporidium and Giardia are monitored at this site on an as needs basis in response to certain events. Monitoring is also done at the raw water inflow to each water filtration plant, which provides an indication of the raw water quality immediately before treatment. Results for the raw water are presented in Section 3, Treatment. ♠ True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength. NA= Not Applicable.

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2.2.3 Woronora delivery system - raw water

Table 6 Lake Woronora @ Dam Wall



WaterNSW Reference

levels No. of


Mic

robi

olog

ical

E. coli orgs/100mL NA 26 <1 <1 1 106 <1 0.189 3



Phys

ical

/ ch

emic

al

turbidity NTU NA 3 0.4 0.5 0.6 13 0.4 0.6 1.7

true colour♠ HU NA 26 4 4 6 106 4 8 15


iron mg/L <1 26 0.060 0.085 0.370 106 0.060 0.142 1.550

aluminium mg/L <0.1 26 0.010 0.026 0.130 106 0.010 0.048 0.130

manganese mg/L <0.5 26 0.005 <0.010 0.032 106 0.004 0.012 0.407


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2.2.4 Illawarra delivery system - raw water

Table 7 Upper Avon



WaterNSW Reference

levels No. of


Mic

robi

olog

ical

E. coli orgs/100mL NA 18 <1 <1 4 73 <1 <1 4



Phys

ical

/ ch

emic

al

turbidity NTU NA 3 0.3 0.7 1.1 12 0.3 0.8 1.1

true colour♠ HU NA 18 2 3 12 73 2 5 12


iron mg/L <1 18 0.040 0.149 1.200 73 0.030 0.127 1.200

aluminium mg/L <0.1 18 <0.010 <0.010 0.010 73 <0.010 0.011 0.050

manganese mg/L <0.5 18 0.014 0.028 0.111 73 0.004 0.018 0.111


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2.2.5 North Richmond delivery system - raw water

Table 8 Nepean River (Jetty at rear of Nth Richmond WFP)



WaterNSW Reference

levels No. of


Mic

robi

olog

ical

E. coli orgs/100mL NA 13 8 29 62 52 <1 8 66



Phys

ical

/ ch

emic

al

turbidity NTU NA 13 1.4 2.1 2.7 52 1.4 4.0 13.0

true colour♠ HU NA 13 4 6 8 52 4 7 9


iron mg/L <1 13 0.092 0.153 0.241 52 0.092 0.231 0.764

aluminium mg/L <0.1 13 0.012 0.031 0.061 52 0.012 0.057 0.234

manganese mg/L <0.5 13 <0.010 0.011 0.020 52 <0.010 0.029 0.114


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2.2.6 Cascade delivery system - raw water

Table 9 Lake Top Cascade @ 100m u/s dam wall



WaterNSW Reference

levels No. of


Mic

robi

olog

ical

E. coli orgs/100mL NA 12 1 7 28 48 <1 6 28



Phys

ical

/ ch

emic

al

turbidity NTU NA 12 0.2 0.4 0.6 24 0.2 0.4 0.6

true colour♠ HU NA 12 5 5 6 48 5 6 10


iron mg/L <1 12 0.020 0.038 0.080 50 0.020 0.074 0.150

aluminium mg/L <0.1 12 <0.010 <0.010 0.010 48 <0.010 0.014 0.050

manganese mg/L <0.5 12 0.009 0.014 0.019 50 0.008 0.014 0.036

* Cryptosporidium and Giardia are monitored at this site on an as needs basis in response to certain events. Monitoring is also done at the raw water inflow to each water filtration plant, which provides an indication of the raw water quality immediately before treatment. Results for both the raw water and treated water are presented in Section 3, Treatment. ♠ True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength. NA= Not Applicable.

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2.2.7 Nepean delivery system - raw water

Table 10 Lake Nepean



SW Trigger levels

No. of samples Min Avg Max No. of

samples Min Avg Max

Mic

robi

olog

ical

E. coli orgs/100mL NA 26 <1 <1 1 104 <1 <1 3



Phys

ical

/ ch

emic

al

turbidity♠ NTU NA 7 0.5 2.2 2.5 19 0.7 2.0 5.5

true colour HU NA 26 10 17 32 104 9 21 32


iron mg/L <1 26 0.190 0.527 1.460 104 0.150 0.517 1.46

aluminium mg/L <0.1 26 0.010 0.050 0.160 104 0.010 0.078 0.200

manganese mg/L <0.5 26 0.022 0.209 0.671 104 0.010 0.078 0.671


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2.3 Discussion of results for storages and raw water delivery systems

The results for the monitoring in the raw water storages and delivery system in Table 2 to Table 10 indicated that the water was of expected quality for supply to water filtration plants. Reporting of the details of these results can be found on the WaterNSW website, except for North Richmond as monitoring is done by Sydney Water.

Detention time in streams and lakes, together with artificial mixing in lakes, help to improve water quality. In-situ monitoring instruments and the ability to change supply depths in most storages facilitate selection of raw water of optimum quality for treatment.

Raw water quality is maintained by WaterNSW through a combination of catchment management activities in accordance with its Healthy Catchments Strategy which sets priorities for catchment improvement activities, natural in-stream/lake processes and source selection.

Catchment initiatives are delivered through the Healthy Catchments Program under the following broad categories:

• Rural lands

• Sewage and stormwater

• Land management

• Statutory and regulatory operations

• Catchment partnerships

Work undertaken under the program is reported annually in WaterNSW’s Annual Catchment Activities Report which can be found on the WaterNSW website.

Page 22 of 79

3 Treatment Sydney has nine water filtration plants that supply 13 water delivery systems.

With dam levels greater than 70 per cent, the operating rules established in the NSW Government’s 2017 Metropolitan Water Plan requires the desalination plant be turned off. The desalination plant will be operated when dam levels fall to 60% and continue to operate until dam storage reach 70%.

3.1 Key parameters Sydney Water monitors the quality of the raw water entering filtration plants to inform treatment requirements and verifies the quality of treated water entering the customer supply system for a range of water quality parameters. The information gathered under the ‘operational’ monitoring program assists in optimising water treatment processes.

Most analysis is conducted by laboratories that are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA). Additional operational monitoring is also conducted at the plant by on-line instrumentation.

Results for the key parameters from this analysis are presented for each filtration plant in Table 11 to Table 28. WaterNSW also monitors water quality for the raw water entering eight of the water filtration plants on a monthly basis. These results are not included below but can be found in WaterNSW’s Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report. The raw water used to supply the North Richmond water filtration plant is monitored by Sydney Water.

Raw water quality for the parameters reported in these tables is assessed against site-specific quality standards that have been developed based on historical water quality from the catchments and the capacity of each plant to treat water to meet the drinking water guidelines.

Treated water is assessed against the ADWG guideline values. In the following tables, the ADWG health guideline value is quoted for free chlorine, monochloramine, total trihalomethanes and NDMA. Both E. coli and fluoride are assessed against an agreed position with NSW Health. The more stringent ADWG aesthetic guidelines are quoted for turbidity, true colour, pH, iron, aluminium and manganese. With the exception of pH, which has a guideline range, the guideline levels below are the concentration that should not be exceeded.

Page 23 of 79

3.1.1 Prospect Water Filtration Plant Table 11 Prospect Water Filtration Plant – raw water



Raw Water Supply

Agreement No. of


E. coli orgs/100mL NA 13 <1 <1 1 52 <1 2 24

turbidity NTU 40 13 0.7 1.4 2.3 52 0.7 1.2 2.3

true colour♠ HU 60 13 6 7 9 52 6 8 11

pH pH units 6.3-7.9 13 6.9 7.2 7.6 52 6.9 7.3 7.7

iron mg/L 3.500 13 0.039 0.064 0.086 52 0.036 0.074 0.171

aluminium mg/L 2.600 13 0.034 0.061 0.097 52 0.021 0.048 0.097

manganese mg/L 1.400 13 0.003 0.007 0.010 52 0.003 0.007 0.016

♠ True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength.

Page 24 of 79

Table 12 Prospect Water Filtration Plant – treated water


Characteristics Units of measure ADWG No. of

samples Min Avg Max % of test

complying with the

guideline

No. of samples Min Avg Max

% of test complying

with the guideline

Meets long-term

performance measure

E. coli orgs/100mL

not detected in 100 mL

13 <1 <1 <1 100% 52 <1 <1 <1 100% Yes

turbidity NTU 5 13 0.10 0.12 0.14 100% 52 0.10 0.13 0.22 100% Yes

true colour♠ HU 15 13 <2 <2 3 100% 52 <2 <2 3 100% Yes

pH pH units between 6.5 - 8.5 13 7.6 7.7 7.8 100% 52 7.6 7.7 7.8 100% Yes

free chlorine mg/L 5 26 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 100% 104 <0.04 <0.04 0.04 100% Yes

monochloramine mg/L 3 26 1.50 1.60 1.66 100% 104 1.50 1.65 1.78 100% Yes

fluoride mg/L 1.5* 13 0.91 1.02 1.07 100% 52 0.90 1.00 1.11 100% Yes

total trihalomethanes mg/L 0.25 16 0.037 0.048 0.054 100% 64 0.037 0.059 0.080 100% Yes

n-nitrosodimethylamine mg/L 0.0001 1 <0.00001 <0.00001 <0.00001 100% 2 <0.00001 <0.00001 <0.00001 100% Yes

iron mg/L 0.3 13 0.005 0.009 0.014 100% 52 <0.005 0.011 0.021 100% Yes

aluminium mg/L 0.2 13 0.005 0.009 0.013 100% 52 <0.005 0.007 0.015 100% Yes

manganese mg/L 0.1 13 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 100% 52 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 100% Yes

* The ADWG specifies a guideline value for Fluoride of 1.5 mg/L. The long-term fluoride performance for each water filtration plant in this table is only based on the WFP data, it does not include customer tap data. The NSW Code of practice for fluoridation of Public Water Supplies does however set a target that over a calendar year greater than 95% of all routine fluoride samples (both treated water from WFPs and customer taps) fall within the fluoride concentration operating target of 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L. ♠ True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength.

Page 25 of 79

3.1.2 Orchard Hills Water Filtration Plant Table 13 Orchard Hills Water Filtration Plant – raw water



Raw Water Supply

Agreement No. of


E. coli orgs/100mL NA 13 <1 <1 <1 52 <1 <1 1

turbidity NTU 40 13 0.6 1.3 2.1 52 0.6 1.2 2.1

true colour♠ HU 60 13 7 8 9 52 <2 8 11

pH pH units 6.3-7.9 13 6.9 7.1 7.5 52 6.9 7.2 7.5

iron mg/L 3.500 13 0.020 0.058 0.098 52 0.020 0.057 0.098

aluminium mg/L 2.600 13 0.020 0.057 0.101 52 0.009 0.045 0.101

manganese mg/L 1.400 13 0.003 0.007 0.012 52 0.002 0.007 0.019


Page 26 of 79

Table 14 Orchard Hills Water Filtration Plant – treated water


Characteristics Units

of measure

ADWG No. of samples Min Avg Max

% of test complying

with the guideline


% of test complying

with the guideline

Meets long-term

performance measure

E. coli orgs/100mL

not detected in 100 mL 13 <1 <1 <1 100% 52 <1 <1 <1 100% Yes


true colour♠ HU 15 13 <2 <2 <2 100% 52 <2 <2 <2 100% Yes


free chlorine mg/L 5 13 1.24 1.35 1.52 100% 52 0.84 1.32 1.52 100% Yes


fluoride mg/L 1.5* 13 0.90 1.00 1.10 100% 52 0.13 0.98 1.10 98.1% Yes



iron mg/L 0.3 13 <0.005 <0.005 0.006 100% 52 <0.005 <0.005 0.017 100% Yes

aluminium mg/L 0.2 13 <0.005 0.006 0.026 100% 52 <0.005 <0.005 0.026 100% Yes



Page 27 of 79

3.1.3 Macarthur Water Filtration Plant Table 15 Macarthur Water Filtration Plant – raw water



Raw Water Supply

Agreement No. of


E. coli orgs/100mL NA 12 2 19 38 51 <1 21 79

turbidity NTU 10 / 60* 12 0.6 1.3 1.8 51 0.6 1.1 2.7

true colour♠ HU 40 12 5 7 13 51 4 10 22

pH pH units 5.7-7.7 12 6.8 7.0 7.1 51 6.5 7.0 7.1

iron mg/L 0.600 / 1.300* 12 0.238 0.341 0.494 51 0.092 0.359 0.689

aluminium mg/L 0.400 / 0.950* 12 0.024 0.034 0.053 51 0.019 0.056 0.104

manganese mg/L 0.200 / 0.350* 12 0.017 0.037 0.061 51 0.015 0.032 0.118

* Raw Water Supply Agreement (RWSA) standards for these parameters for this plant vary in four steps according to the water demand of the plant. Low and high values are shown. ♠ True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength. NA= Not Applicable.

Page 28 of 79

Table 16 Macarthur Water Filtration Plant – treated water




complying with the

guideline


% of test complying with the guideline

Meets long-term

performance measure

E. coli orgs/100mL


11 <1 <1 <1 100% 50 <1 <1 <1 100% Yes


true colour♠ HU 15 11 <2 <2 <2 100% 50 <2 <2 2 100% Yes


free chlorine^1 mg/L 5 12 1.24 1.40 1.50 100% 51 1.24 1.44 1.60 100% Yes

monochloramine^2 mg/L 3 11 1.56 1.62 1.68 100% 50 1.50 1.65 1.80 100% Yes

fluoride mg/L 1.5* 12 1.03 1.07 1.12 100% 51 0.96 1.08 1.33 100% Yes



iron mg/L 0.3 11 0.006 0.010 0.018 100% 50 <0.005 0.009 0.026 100% Yes

aluminium mg/L 0.2 11 0.017 0.025 0.041 100% 50 0.017 0.039 0.070 100% Yes

manganese mg/L 0.1 11 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 100% 50 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 100% Yes

* The ADWG specifies a guideline value for Fluoride of 1.5 mg/L. The long-term fluoride performance for each water filtration plant in this table is only based on the WFP data, it does not include customer tap data. The NSW Code of practice for fluoridation of Public Water Supplies does however set a target that over a calendar year greater than 95% of all routine fluoride samples (both treated water from WFPs and customer taps) fall within the fluoride concentration operating target of 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L. ♠ True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength. ^1 one site represents the part of the delivery system that is chlorinated (free chlorine used in disinfection process), and the other site ^2 represents the part that is chloraminated (monochloramine used in disinfection process).

Page 29 of 79

3.1.4 Woronora Water Filtration Plant Table 17 Woronora Water Filtration Plant – raw water



Raw Water Supply

Agreement No. of


E. coli orgs/100mL NA 13 <1 <1 1 52 <1 <1 3

turbidity NTU 10 13 0.4 0.6 1.8 52 0.4 0.6 1.8

true colour♠ HU 70 13 4 4 5 52 <2 7 13

pH pH units 5.1-7.5 13 6.8 6.8 6.9 52 6.5 6.7 6.9

iron mg/L 1.000 13 0.074 0.103 0.134 52 0.074 0.138 0.183

aluminium mg/L 0.400 13 0.019 0.027 0.032 52 0.019 0.053 0.113

manganese mg/L 0.100 13 0.006 0.007 0.009 52 0.006 0.009 0.025


Page 30 of 79

Table 18 Woronora Water Filtration Plant – treated water




complying with the

guideline


% of test complying

with the guideline

Meets long-term

performance measure

E. coli orgs/100mL

not detected

in 100 mL 13 <1 <1 <1 100% 52 <1 <1 <1 100% Yes




free chlorine mg/L 5 13 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 100% 52 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 100% Yes


fluoride mg/L 1.5* 13 1.00 1.06 1.17 100% 52 0.94 1.05 1.17 100% Yes



iron mg/L 0.3 13 <0.005 <0.005 0.007 100% 52 <0.005 0.006 0.017 100% Yes



* The ADWG specifies a guideline value for Fluoride of 1.5 mg/L. The long-term fluoride performance for each water filtration plant in this table is only based on the WFP data, it does not include customer tap data. The NSW Code of practice for fluoridation of Public Water Supplies does however set a target that over a calendar year greater than 95% of all routine fluoride samples (both treated water from WFPs and customer taps) fall within the fluoride concentration operating target of 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L. ♠True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength.

Page 31 of 79

3.1.5 Illawarra Water Filtration Plant Table 19 Illawarra Water Filtration Plant – raw water




Raw Water Supply

Agreement No. of


E. coli orgs/100mL NA 13 <1 <1 2 52 <1 <1 12

turbidity NTU 10 13 0.1 0.7 1.3 52 0.12 0.75 1.73

true colour♠ HU 50 13 2 3 4 52 2 4 9

pH pH units 6.2-7.2 13 6.6 6.8 6.9 52 6.5 6.7 7.0

iron mg/L 1.100 13 0.044 0.091 0.194 52 0.028 0.084 0.278

aluminium mg/L 1.400 13 <0.005 0.017 0.061 52 <0.005 0.016 0.061

manganese mg/L 0.400 13 0.012 0.020 0.034 52 0.004 0.017 0.089

Page 32 of 79

Table 20 Illawarra Water Filtration Plant – treated water




complying with the

guideline


% of test complying

with the guideline

Meets long-term

performance measure

E. coli orgs/100mL

not detected in 100

mL

13 <1 <1 <1 100% 52 <1 <1 <1 100% Yes






fluoride mg/L 1.5* 13 0.93 1.03 1.09 100% 52 0.90 1.00 1.09 100% Yes



iron mg/L 0.3 13 <0.005 <0.005 0.019 100% 52 <0.005 0.006 0.022 100% Yes




Page 33 of 79

3.1.6 North Richmond Water Filtration Plant Table 21 North Richmond Water Filtration Plant – raw water


Characteristics

Units of measure No. of


E. coli orgs/100mL 12 7 36 130 48 <1 26 130

turbidity NTU 12 0.9 1.4 1.8 48 0.9 3.5 36.0

true colour♠ HU 12 4 6 8 48 <2 7 9

pH pH units 12 7.3 7.4 7.6 48 6.9 7.4 7.8

iron mg/L 12 0.114 0.179 0.272 48 0.114 1.274 41.900

aluminium mg/L 12 0.024 0.043 0.061 48 0.024 0.081 0.747

manganese mg/L 12 0.009 0.015 0.029 48 0.009 0.035 0.161

♠ True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength.

Page 34 of 79

Table 22 North Richmond Water Filtration Plant – treated water




complying with the

guideline


% of test complying

with the guideline

Meets long-term

performance measure

E. coli orgs/100mL

not detected in 100

mL

13 <1 <1 <1 100% 52 <1 <1 <1 100% Yes






fluoride mg/L 1.5* 13 0.97 1.03 1.11 100% 52 0.91 1.04 1.26 100% Yes



iron mg/L 0.3 13 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 100% 52 <0.003 <0.003 0.005 100% Yes

aluminium mg/L 0.2 13 <0.005 <0.005 0.008 100% 52 <0.005 <0.005 0.013 100% Yes


* The ADWG specifies a guideline value for Fluoride of 1.5 mg/L. The long-term fluoride performance for each water filtration plant in this table is only based on the WFP data, it does not include customer tap data. The NSW Code of practice for fluoridation of Public Water Supplies does however set a target that over a calendar year greater than 95% of all routine fluoride samples (both treated water from WFPs and customer taps) fall within the fluoride concentration operating target of 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L.♠ True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength.

Page 35 of 79

3.1.7 Cascade Water Filtration Plant Table 23 Cascade Water Filtration Plant – raw water



Raw Water Supply

Agreement No. of


E. coli orgs/100mL NA 13 <1 4 11 52 <1 9 180

turbidity NTU 15 13 0.6 0.7 0.8 52 0.43 0.74 1.10

true colour♠ HU 60 13 3 4 5 52 3 6 10

pH pH units 6.0-7.9 13 7.3 7.5 7.6 52 7.2 7.4 7.6

iron mg/L 3.000 13 0.023 0.041 0.053 52 0.023 0.072 0.238

aluminium mg/L 0.200 13 <0.005 0.008 0.013 52 <0.005 0.021 0.198

manganese mg/L 0.300 13 0.009 0.012 0.017 52 0.006 0.014 0.116


Page 36 of 79

Table 24 Cascade Water Filtration Plant – treated water




complying with the

guideline


% of test complying

with the guideline

Meets long-term

performance measure

E. coli orgs/100mL

not detected

in 100 mL 13 <1 <1 <1 100% 52 <1 <1 <1 100% Yes






fluoride mg/L 1.5* 13 0.97 1.02 1.07 100% 52 0.82 1.01 1.11 98.1% Yes



iron mg/L 0.3 13 <0.005 0.010 0.019 100% 52 <0.005 0.009 0.019 100% Yes


manganese mg/L 0.1 13 0.001 0.002 0.003 100% 52 <0.001 0.003 0.022 100% Yes


Page 37 of 79

3.1.8 Nepean Water Filtration Plant Table 25 Nepean Water Filtration Plant – raw water



Raw Water Supply

Agreement No. of


E. coli orgs/100mL NA 13 <1 <1 <1 52 <1 <1 3

turbidity NTU 150 13 0.9 1.1 1.8 52 0.77 1.31 5.50

true colour♠ HU 60 13 11 14 16 52 11 17 29

pH pH units 4.8-7.7 13 6.2 6.4 6.8 52 6.2 6.6 7.0

iron mg/L 5.000 13 0.373 0.564 0.753 52 0.373 0.526 1.160

aluminium mg/L 1.000 13 0.037 0.061 0.083 52 0.037 0.081 0.150

manganese mg/L 1.500 13 0.081 0.165 0.270 52 0.010 0.069 0.270

♠ True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength. NA= Not Applicable

.

Page 38 of 79

Table 26 Nepean Water Filtration Plant – treated water




complying with the

guideline


% of test complying

with the guideline

Meets long-term

performance measure

E. coli orgs/100mL


13 <1 <1 <1 100% 52 <1 <1 <1 100% Yes






fluoride mg/L 1.5* 13 0.90 0.99 1.08 100% 52 0.16 0.97 1.12 98.1% Yes



iron mg/L 0.3 13 <0.005 <0.005 0.007 100% 52 <0.005 0.006 0.017 100% Yes




Page 39 of 79

3.1.9 Warragamba Water Filtration Plant Table 27 Warragamba Water Filtration Plant – raw water



Raw Water Supply

Agreement No. of


E. coli orgs/100mL NA 11 <1 <1 1 45 <1 <1 2

turbidity NTU 40 11 0.5 1.1 2.6 45 0.13 1.05 2.58

true colour♠ HU 60 11 6 7 9 45 6 9 11

pH pH units 6.3-7.9 11 6.9 7.3 8.6 45 6.9 7.4 8.8

iron mg/L 3.500 11 0.021 0.237 1.940 45 0.021 0.167 1.940

aluminium mg/L 2.600 11 0.018 0.045 0.126 45 0.017 0.037 0.126

manganese mg/L 1.400 11 0.002 0.006 0.018 45 0.002 0.005 0.018


Page 40 of 79

Table 28 Warragamba Water Filtration Plant – treated water




complying with the

guideline


% of test complying

with the guideline

Meets long-term

performance measure

E. coli orgs/100mL

not detected

in 100 mL 13 <1 <1 <1 100% 52 <1 <1 <1 100% Yes






fluoride mg/L 1.5* 13 0.93 0.98 1.07 100% 52 0.82 0.99 1.18 98.1% Yes



iron mg/L 0.3 13 <0.005 <0.005 0.007 100% 52 <0.005 0.006 0.011 100% Yes

aluminium mg/L 0.2 13 <0.005 <0.005 0.006 100% 52 <0.005 <0.005 0.015 100% Yes



Page 41 of 79

3.2 Cryptosporidium and Giardia

Since 1998, Sydney Water has monitored water at the inlet and outlet of water filtration plants for Cryptosporidium and Giardia. WaterNSW has also conducted routine monitoring of raw water sources and undertaken investigative monitoring in the catchments to better define the risks presented by these organisms. From 1 July 2017 the monitoring of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Sydney was aligned to the principles of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Sydney Water is monitoring for Cryptosporidium and Giardia at all raw water inlets to each water filtration plant to give an overall understanding of potential pathogenic risk to public health from the source water. All individual plants are monitored at least once per week, with some up to a frequency of three times per week. A summary of the Quarter 3 and annual results for Cryptosporidium and Giardia monitoring are shown in Table 29.

If Cryptosporidium and Giardia are detected in raw or treated drinking water, WaterNSW and Sydney Water advise NSW Health. Any risks to public health are assessed and necessary actions implemented.

Page 42 of 79

Table 29 Cryptosporidium and Giardia confirmed results – raw water

Adjusted volume (L)

Quarterly - 1 Apr 2018 to 30 Jun 2018 Annual - 1 July 2017 to 30 Jun 2018

No of samples

Cryptosporidium* (oocysts/volume)

Giardia* (cysts/volume)

No of samples

Cryptosporidium* (oocysts/volume)

Giardia* (cysts/volume)

No.

of e

xcep

tions

Max

. val

ue

No.

of e

xcep

tions

Max

. val

ue

No.

of e

xcep

tions

Max

. val

ue

No.

of e

xcep

tions

Max

. val

ue

Raw water samples Inlet to Prospect WFP 10 23 0 <1 0 <1 98 0 <1 0 <1

Inlet to Orchards Hills WFP 10 36 0 <1 0 <1 150 0 <1 0 <1

Inlet to Warragamba WFP 10 34 0 <1 0 <1 142 0 <1 0 <1

Inlet to Macarthur WFP 10 12 0 <1 1 1 50 2 2 1 1

Inlet North Richmond WFP 10 11 1 1 1 2 47 2 1 13 4

Inlet Cascade WFP 10 26 0 <1 0 <1 101 0 <1 0 <1

Inlet Nepean WFP 10 36 0 <1 0 <1 147 0 <1 0 <1

Inlet Illawarra WFP 10 35 0 <1 0 <1 147 0 <1 0 <1

Inlet Woronora WFP 10 23 0 <1 0 <1 98 0 <1 0 <1

*Cryptosporidium & Giardia results are reported as a standard count, adjusted to 10L volume and % Recovery ♠ See comments on page 48 of this report.

Page 43 of 79

3.3 Other parameters

A range of potential chemical contaminants (metals, organic chemicals and radionuclides) are monitored in the raw water at the inlet to each water filtration plant. A few are also monitored in the treated water at the plant outlet. Risk assessments for these chemicals take into consideration the physical and chemical properties of the various compounds and usage within the catchment areas. For most of these chemicals, more intensive monitoring was initially carried out to establish if they were likely to be present in the supply and this historical data has been used along with the risk assessments to determine the range of potential contaminants and the frequency of analysis for the current monitoring program.

For catchments managed by WaterNSW, the risks are similar and so the monitoring program is the same for each of these catchments. As North Richmond WFP and the Sydney Desalination plant are supplied from the Hawkesbury River and the Tasman Sea respectively, their risk profile is different from WaterNSW catchments and this is reflected in the monitoring programs.

Monitoring for additional chemicals may be done from time to time for investigative or other operational purposes but results are not shown here for one or more of the following reasons:

• because of the infrequency of monitoring

• the lack of direct influence on drinking water quality

• no guideline values exist to compare test results to in order to assess risk.

The following tables only show the ADWG health guideline value, the analytical limit of detection, and the frequency of analysis for each chemical. Results are not shown because analysis is infrequent and the majority of these chemicals are only rarely detected and at very low levels. Commentary on any recent detection of these chemicals is given in the discussion at the end of this section.

Tables 30 to 32 list chemicals monitored at the inlet to each water filtration plant while Table 33 lists chemicals monitored in the treated water at the outlet of each water treatment plant.

Page 44 of 79

Table 30 Other chemicals – raw water

Characteristic Analyte name

ADWG Health

Guideline Value (mg/L)

Detection limit

(mg/L)

Monitoring frequency

Prospect, Macarthur, O

rchard Hills,

Illawarra, W

oronora, Nepean,

Warragam

ba and Cascade W

FPs (m

onitored by WaterN

SW)

North R

ichmond W

FP (monitored

by Sydney Water)

Sydney Desalination Plant

(Monitored by Sydney desalination

Plant Pty Ltd)

Inorganic chemicals

antimony 0.003 0.001 NA NA monthly* arsenic 0.01 0.001 quarterly quarterly monthly* barium 2 0.001 quarterly quarterly monthly* boron 4 0.05 quarterly quarterly daily*

cadmium 0.002 0.0001 NA NA monthly* iodide 0.5 0.05 yearly yearly monthly*

mercury 0.001 0.0001 quarterly quarterly monthly* molybdenum 0.05 0.001 quarterly quarterly monthly*

selenium 0.01 0.003 quarterly quarterly monthly* silver 0.1 0.001 yearly quarterly monthly*

Organic chemicals

acrylamide 0.0002 0.0001 NA NA monthly* benzene 0.001 0.001 monthly1 5-yearly2 monthly*

1,2-dichlorobenzene 1.5 0.001 NA 5-yearly3 monthly* 1,3-dichlorobenzene 0.02 0.001 NA 5-yearly3 monthly* 1,4-dichlorobenzene 0.04 0.001 NA 5-yearly3 monthly*

1,2-dichloroethane 0.003 0.001 monthly1 5-yearly4 monthly* 1,1-dichloroethene 0.03 0.001 NA 5-yearly5 NA

1,2-dichloroethene 0.06 0.001 monthly1 5-yearly5 NA

dichloromethane (methylene chloride) 0.004 0.001 NA 5-yearly5 monthly*

ethylbenzene 0.3 0.001 NA 5-yearly2 monthly*

ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) 0.25 0.02 NA 5-yearly2 monthly*

hexachlorobutadiene 0.0007 0.0005 monthly1 5-yearly4 NA

nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) 0.2 0.02 NA 5-yearly2 NA

styrene (vinylbenzene) 0.003 0.001 NA 5-yearly2 monthly*

trichlorobenzenes (total) 0.03 0.012 NA 5-yearly5 monthly*

vinyl chloride 0.0003 0.001 monthly1 5-yearly3 monthly*

xylene 0.6 0.001 NA NA monthly*

NA = Not Applicable. 1 Collected monthly but sampling frequency may be reviewed. 2 Monitored on a 5-year rotational basis. Last sampled in 2013-14 and in 2008-09. 3 Monitored on a 5-year rotational basis. Last sampled in 2012-13, will be monitored in 2017-18. 4 Monitored on a 5-year rotational basis. Last sampled in 2010-11 and in 2015-16. 5 Monitored on a 5-year rotational basis. Last sampled in 2009-10 and in 2014-15. * Monitored at this frequency when operational.

Page 45 of 79

Table 31 Pesticides and herbicides – raw water


ADWG Health


Detection limit

(mg/L)



rchard Hills,

Illawarra, W

oronora, Nepean,

Warragam

ba and Cascade W

FPs (m

onitored by WaterN

SW)

North R

ichmond W

FP (monitored

by Sydney Water)



Plant Pty Ltd)

Pesticides / Herbicides

aldrin 0.0003 0.00001 NA monthly monthly*

amitrole 0.009 0.001 yearly1 NA NA

atrazine 0.02 0.0005 yearly1 monthly NA

chlordane 0.002 0.00001 NA monthly monthly*

chlorpyrifos 0.01 0.001 monthly NA NA

2,4-D 0.03 0.0001 monthly monthly NA

DDT 0.009 0.00001 NA monthly monthly*

diazinon 0.004 0.0001 monthly monthly NA

dicamba 0.1 0.005 NA monthly NA

dieldrin 0.0003 0.00001 NA monthly monthly*

dimethoate 0.007 0.0001 NA monthly NA

diquat 0.007 0.0005 yearly1 monthly NA

diuron 0.02 0.01 yearly1 NA NA

endosulfan 0.02 0.00001 NA monthly monthly*

glyphosate 1 0.01 monthly monthly NA

heptachlor 0.0003 0.00001 yearly1 monthly Monthly*

hexazinone 0.4 0.002 yearly1 NA NA

lindane 0.01 0.00001 NA monthly monthly*

methoxychlor 0.3 0.000002 NA NA monthly*

metsulfuron-methyl 0.04 0.005 NA monthly NA

molinate 0.004 0.0001 NA monthly NA

paraquat 0.02 0.0005 NA monthly NA

2,4,5-T 0.1 0.0005 yearly1 NA NA

triclopyr 0.02 0.0001 monthly monthly NA

NA = Not Applicable. 1 Additional samples collected following heavy rain. * Monitored at this frequency when operational.

Page 46 of 79

Table 32 Radionuclides – raw water


ADWG Health

Guideline Value (Bq/L)

Detection limit

(Bq/L)



rchard Hills,

Illawarra, W

oronora, Nepean,

Warragam

ba and Cascade W

FPs (m

onitored by WaterN

SW)

North R

ichmond W

FP (monitored

by Sydney Water)



Plant Pty Ltd)

Radiological gross alpha NA1 0.005 yearly 5-yearly2 NA gross beta NA1 0.01 yearly 5-yearly2 NA

total radionuclides 0.5 0.02 NA NA 5 yrs3 NA = Not Applicable. 1 The sum of gross alpha and gross beta (total radionuclides) should not exceed 0.5Bq/L (becquerels per litre). 2 Monitored on a 5-year rotational basis. Last sampled in 2012-13, will be monitored in 2017-18. 3 Sampled at plant start-up in 2010 and each subsequent 5 years if/when operational.

Table 33 Other chemicals – treated water


ADWG Health


Detection limit

(mg/L)


All W

FPs (m

onitored by Sydney W

ater)

Sydney D

esalination Plant (M

onitored by Sydney desalination Plant Pty Ltd)

Inorganic chemicals

antimony 0.003 0.001 NA1 monthly* bromate 0.02 0.002 NA monthly* cadmium 0.002 0.001 NA1 monthly* copper 2 0.001 NA1 monthly*

chromium (as Cr(VI)) 0.05 0.004 NA1 monthly* cyanide 0.08 0.005 NA1 monthly*

lead 0.01 0.001 NA1 monthly* nickel 0.02 0.001 NA1 monthly* sulfate 500 1 quarterly monthly*

Organic chemicals

acrylamide 0.0002 0.0001 5-yearly2 monthly* carbon tetrachloride 0.003 0.001 5-yearly3 monthly*

epichlorhydrin 0.0005 0.0005 NA monthly* toluene 0.8 0.001 NA4 monthly* xylene 0.6 0.001 NA4 monthly*

NA = Not Applicable. 1 Monitored monthly/quarterly in the customer supply systems rather than in the treated water from the WFP. 2 Monitored on a 5-year rotational basis. Last sampled in 2015-16, 1 sample for each WFP in each quarter. 3 Monitored on a 5-year rotational basis. Last sampled for each WFP in each quarter during 2016-17. 4 Monitored on a 5-year rotational basis in the customer supply system rather than in the treated water from the WFP. * Monitored at this frequency when operational.

Page 47 of 79

3.4 Discussion of results for water treatment 3.4.1 Raw water

During the 12-month period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018,

• Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts have occasionally been detected in raw water in low numbers. These detections have occurred in the raw water supplying Macarthur WFP and North Richmond WFP (Table 29).

• None of the chemicals listed in Table 30, Table 31 or Table 32 have been detected at levels above the guideline value.

• All chemical detections were at a level well below the ADWG (2011) health guideline value.

3.4.2 Treated water

During the 12-month period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018,

• At Nepean WFP, Warragamba WFP, Cascades WFP & Orchard Hills WFP one fluoride sample at each plant failed to meet the target of >0.90 mg/L, however over a year, greater than 95% of all routine treatment and network samples fell within the targeted range 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L.

• All results for the treated water sampled from the water filtration plants were within the ADWG 2011 health and aesthetic guideline values with excellent overall results for water treatment.

Page 48 of 79

4 Distribution (Customer Supply Systems)

The water distribution network is made up of 22,000 kilometres of water pipes, 150 pumping stations, 243 reservoirs, and numerous valves, flow meters and rechlorination plants. The network operates to maintain continued and reliable supply and to maintain drinking water quality after treatment. More information on the customer supply systems can be found under Sydney Water’s water systems on the Sydney Water website.

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) contains health guideline values for a wide range of microbiological, chemical, physical and radiological water quality characteristics. The ADWG recognises that it isn’t always possible to test for all substances or organisms that may be in the treated water. Rather monitoring efforts should be directed at key characteristics for each system.

To demonstrate compliance with the requirements of its Operating Licence, Sydney Water conducts drinking water quality (compliance) monitoring, at more than 740 customer properties throughout the supply system. This monitoring is consistent with the ADWG and verifies the quality of drinking water. Testing is conducted by laboratories that are NATA accredited.

4.1 Routine monitoring for key parameters The data presented in Table 34 to Table 59 are not exhaustive but show the routinely monitored parameters for which the ADWG has set a health guideline value and those parameters for which Sydney Water is required to show compliance to ADWG aesthetic guidelines.

Most health guideline values for chemicals are based on a lifetime of exposure. The ADWG therefore recognise that occasionally there may be health or aesthetic related test results that fall outside the guideline values and that these results are not necessarily an immediate threat to health. The guidelines do not require 100% of results to fall within the guideline values.

Sydney Water’s compliance is measured for each Delivery System and is calculated over a 12-month period using the following long-term performance measures:

• For E. coli, at least 98% of scheduled samples must contain no E. coli.

• For health-related chemical characteristics, the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval for the 95th percentile must be less than the guideline value.

• For aesthetic characteristics, the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval for the mean must be less than the guideline value.

The following tables show data for the customer supply systems that are used to measure Sydney Water’s performance against the ADWG 2011 health and aesthetic guideline values. This information is also summarised in a factsheet and more data including typical ranges over a longer period can be found in the Safe Drinking Water/Water Analysis on Sydney Water’s website.

Page 49 of 79

4.1.1 Prospect North Customer Supply System Table 34 Prospect North Customer Supply System – health characteristics

Characteristic Units of measure

ADWG health guideline value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions

Long-term performance measure (assessment over

12-month period)

% of test results

complying with the guideline

Met long-term performance

measure

E. coli orgs/100mL Should not be

detected in 100mL sample

1,176 0 At least 98% of test results <1 100% Yes

fluoride mg/L 1.5* 172 0

At least 95% of test results 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L (calculated for combined customer tap and

treated water)

100% Yes

free chlorine mg/L 5 1,176 0

The 95th percentile value is less than the respective ADWG health guideline value

Yes monochloramine mg/L 3 1,176 0 Yes

antimony^ mg/L 0.003 8 0 Yes cadmium^ mg/L 0.002 8 0 Yes cyanide^ mg/L 0.08 2 0 Yes copper mg/L 2 28 0 Yes

lead mg/L 0.01 28 0 Yes nitrate as NO3 mg/L 50 28 0 Yes nitrite as NO2 mg/L 3 28 0 Yes

nickel^ mg/L 0.02 8 0 Yes sulphate^ mg/L 500 4 0 Yes

chromium^ mg/L 0.05 (as CrVI)** 8 0 Yes manganese mg/L 0.5 120 0 Yes

n-nitrosodimethylamine^ mg/L 0.0001 2 0 Yes

total trihalomethanes mg/L 0.25 48 0 The 95th percentile statistic

calculated for combined customer supply system and WFP less than 0.25 mg/L

Yes

* The ADWG specifies a guideline value for Fluoride of 1.5 mg/L. The long-term fluoride performance for each delivery system in this table is based on the Customer tap data and treated water from WFP data. The NSW Code of practice for fluoridation of Public Water Supplies does set a target that over a calendar year greater than 95% of all routine fluoride samples (both treated from WFPs water and customer taps) fall within the fluoride concentration operating target of 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L. ** The ADWG sets a guideline value for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) however Sydney Water measures total chromium which includes hexavalent chromium. ^ Insufficient data to calculate 95th percentile.

Page 50 of 79

Table 35 Prospect North Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics


ADWG aesthetic guideline

value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

Average result Long-term performance measure (assessment over 12-month period)

Met long-term performance measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.013

Average of test results less than respective ADWG aesthetic guideline

value

Yes aluminium mg/L 0.2 28 0.008 Yes

manganese mg/L 0.1 120 0.001 Yes copper mg/L 1 28 0.022 Yes

zinc mg/L 3 28 0.002 Yes ammonia as NH3 mg/L 0.50 28 0.278 Yes

turbidity NTU 5 1,176 0.14 Yes true colour♠ HU 15 28 3 Yes

dissolved oxygen % saturation greater than 85% 28 103.7 Yes

hardness (total) mg/L 200 28 52.9 Yes flavour rating* acceptable 1 2

Average rating of 1, 2 or 3 Yes

odour rating* acceptable 1 2 Yes

pH pH units 6.5-8.5 1,176 7.9 Average of test results between

6.5 - 8.5 pH units Yes

* Rated by a panel on a scale from 1 to 5. Ratings of 1, 2 and 3 are generally acceptable to most people while ratings of 4 and 5 are generally not acceptable. ♠ True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength.

Page 51 of 79

4.1.2 Prospect East Customer Supply System Table 36 Prospect East Customer Supply System – health characteristics



No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions

Long-term performance measure (assessment over 12-month

period)

% of test results

complying with the guideline

Met long-term

performance measure



504 0 At least 98% of test results <1 100% Yes

fluoride mg/L 1.5* 172 0 At least 95% of test results 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L (calculated for combined

customer tap and treated water) 100% Yes

free chlorine mg/L 5 504 0


Yes monochloramine mg/L 3 504 0 Yes








Yes

* The ADWG specifies a guideline value for Fluoride of 1.5 mg/L. The long-term fluoride performance for each delivery system in this table is based on the Customer tap data and treated water from WFP data. The NSW Code of practice for fluoridation of Public Water Supplies does set a target that over a calendar year greater than 95% of all routine fluoride samples (both treated from WFPs water and customer taps) fall within the fluoride concentration operating target of 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L. ** The ADWG sets a guideline value for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) however Sydney Water measures total chromium which includes hexavalent chromium. ^ Insufficient data to calculate 95th percentile

Page 52 of 79

Table 37 Prospect East Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics



value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018



measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.013


value

Yes

aluminium mg/L 0.2 28 0.008 Yes manganese mg/L 0.1 120 0.001 Yes

copper mg/L 1 28 0.015 Yes zinc mg/L 3 28 0.002 Yes

ammonia as NH3 mg/L 0.50 28 0.403 Yes turbidity NTU 5 504 0.14 Yes

true colour♠ HU 15 28 3 Yes





pH pH units 6.5-8.5 504 7.8 Average of test results between


*Rated by a panel on a scale from 1 to 5. Ratings of 1, 2 and 3 are generally acceptable to most people while ratings of 4 and 5 are generally not acceptable. ♠ True colour is measured at 400 nm wavelength.

Page 53 of 79

4.1.3 Prospect South Customer Supply System Table 38 Prospect South Customer Supply System – health characteristics



No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions


12-month period)

% of test results

complying with the

guideline


measure





At least 95% of test results 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L (calculated

for combined customer tap and treated water)

100% Yes











Yes


Page 54 of 79

Table 39 Prospect South Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics



value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

Average result Long-term performance measure

(assessment over 12-month period)


measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.013

Average of test results less than respective ADWG aesthetic

guideline value

Yes












Page 55 of 79

4.1.4 Potts Hill Customer Supply System Table 40 Potts Hill Customer Supply System – health characteristics



No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions


12-month period)

% of test results

complying with the

guideline


measure



2,364 1 At least 98% of test results <1 99.96% Yes




100% Yes











Yes


Page 56 of 79

Table 41 Potts Hill Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics



value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018




measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.017


guideline value

Yes



ammonia as NH3 mg/L 0.50 28 0.300 Yes

turbidity NTU 5 2,364 0.14 Yes true colour♠ HU 15 28 3 Yes dissolved oxygen % saturation greater than

85% 28 101.3 Yes







Page 57 of 79

4.1.5 Ryde Customer Supply System Table 42 Ryde Customer Supply System – health characteristics



No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions

Long-term performance measure (assessment over 12-month

period)

% of test results

complying with the

guideline


measure



1,164 0 At least 98% of test results <1 100% Yes

fluoride mg/L 1.5* 172 0 At least 95% of test results 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L (calculated for combined

customer tap and treated water) 100% Yes











Yes


Page 58 of 79

Table 43 Ryde Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics

Characteristic Units of measure ADWG

aesthetic guideline

value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018



measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.025


value

Yes



ammonia as NH3 mg/L 0.50 28 0.296 Yes turbidity NTU 5 1,161 0.16 Yes









Page 59 of 79

4.1.6 Orchard Hills Customer Supply System Table 44 Orchard Hills Customer Supply System – health characteristics



No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions

Long-term performance measure (assessment over 12-month period)

% of test results complying with

the guideline


measure




fluoride mg/L 1.5* 172 4 At least 95% of test results 0.90 to 1.50

mg/L (calculated for combined customer tap and treated water)

97.7% Yes



Yes

monochloramine mg/L 3 480 0 Yes

antimony^ mg/L 0.003 8 0 Yes

cadmium^ mg/L 0.002 8 0 Yes

cyanide^ mg/L 0.08 2 0 Yes

copper mg/L 2 28 0 Yes

lead mg/L 0.01 28 0 Yes

nitrate as NO3 mg/L 50 28 0 Yes

nitrite as NO2 mg/L 3 28 0 Yes

nickel^ mg/L 0.02 8 0 Yes

sulphate^ mg/L 500 4 0 Yes

chromium^ mg/L 0.05 (as CrVI)** 8 0 Yes

manganese mg/L 0.5 120 0 Yes




Yes


Page 60 of 79

Table 45 Orchard Hills Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics



value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018




measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.006


guideline value

Yes

aluminium mg/L 0.2 28 0.007 Yes manganese mg/L 0.1 120 <0.0005 Yes


ammonia as NH3 mg/L 0.50 28 <0.001 Yes turbidity NTU 5 480 0.11 Yes

true colour♠ HU 15 28 <2 Yes








Page 61 of 79

4.1.7 Macarthur Customer Supply System Table 46 Macarthur Customer Supply System – health characteristics



No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions


% of test results

complying with the

guideline


measure




fluoride mg/L 1.5* 172 0 At least 95% of test results 0.90 to 1.50

mg/L (calculated for combined customer tap and treated water)

100% Yes











Yes


Page 62 of 79

Table 47 Macarthur Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics



value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018




measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.012


guideline value

Yes












Page 63 of 79

4.1.8 Woronora Customer Supply System Table 48 Woronora Customer Supply System – health characteristics



No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions


% of test results

complying with the

guideline


measure




fluoride mg/L 1.5* 172 0 At least 95% of test results 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L (calculated for combined customer

tap and treated water) 100% Yes







chromium^ mg/L 0.05 (as

CrVI)** 8 0 Yes

manganese mg/L 0.5 120 0 Yes n-nitrosodimethylamine^ mg/L 0.0001 2 0 Yes



Yes


Page 64 of 79

Table 49 Woronora Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics



value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018




measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.011


guideline value

Yes












Page 65 of 79

4.1.9 Illawarra Customer Supply System Table 50 Illawarra Customer Supply System – health characteristics



No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions


% of test results

complying with the

guideline


measure





tap and treated water) 100% Yes


The 95th percentile value is less than respective ADWG health guideline value

Yes





copper^ mg/L 2 28 0 Yes






chromium^ mg/L 0.05 (as Cr(VI)) ** 8 0 Yes





Yes


.

Page 66 of 79

Table 51 Illawarra Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics



value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018




measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.010


guideline value

Yes












Page 67 of 79

4.1.10 North Richmond Customer Supply System Table 52 North Richmond Customer Supply System – health characteristics



No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions

Long-term performance measure (assessment over 12-

month period)

% of test results

complying with the

guideline


measure





At least 95% of test results 0.90 to 1.50 mg/L (calculated for combined customer tap and

treated water)

100% Yes











Yes


Page 68 of 79

Table 53 North Richmond Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics



value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018




measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.015


guideline value

Yes












Page 69 of 79

4.1.11 Cascade Customer Supply System Table 54 Cascade Customer Supply System – Health characteristics



No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions


% of test results

complying with the

guideline


measure





tap and treated water) 99.42% Yes



Yes
















Yes


Page 70 of 79

Table 55 Cascade Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics



value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018




measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.017


guideline value

Yes












Page 71 of 79

4.1.12 Nepean Customer Supply System Table 56 Nepean Customer Supply System – health characteristics



No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions


12-month period)

% of test results

complying with the

guideline


measure







95.3% Yes







chromium^ mg/L 0.05(as CrVI)** 8 0 Yes manganese mg/L 0.5 120 0 Yes




Yes


Page 72 of 79

Table 57 Nepean Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics



value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018




measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.009


guideline value

Yes












Page 73 of 79

4.1.13 Warragamba Customer Supply System Table 58 Warragamba Customer Supply System – health characteristics



No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018

No of exceptions


% of test results

complying with the

guideline


measure





tap and treated water) 96.5% Yes



Yes
















Yes


Page 74 of 79

Table 59 Warragamba Customer Supply System – aesthetic characteristics


ADWG aesthetic

guideline value

No. of samples

1 Jul 2017 to

30 Jun 2018




measure

iron mg/L 0.3 120 0.011


guideline value

Yes



ammonia as NH3 mg/L 0.50 28 <0.001 Yes

turbidity NTU 5 108 0.11 Yes true colour♠ HU 15 28 <2 Yes dissolved oxygen % saturation greater than

85% 28 100.5 Yes







Page 75 of 79

4.2 Other parameters The ADWG recognise that it is neither physically possible nor economically feasible to test on an ongoing basis for all substances or organisms. Based on system risk assessment and previous monitoring the chemicals listed in Table 60 and Table 61 have been assessed as being of lower risk and are presently monitored on a five-year rotational basis.

These tables show the ADWG 2011 health or aesthetic guideline value, the analytical limit of detection, and the frequency of analysis for each chemical. Results are not shown here because analysis is infrequent and the majority of these chemicals are only rarely detected and at very low levels. Commentary on any recent detections of these chemicals is given in the discussion at the end of this section. Table 60 Other parameters assessed against health guidelines – distribution system


ADWG Health

Guideline value (mg/L)

Detection limit

(mg/L)


These characteristics are monitored on a 5-year rotational basis. The financial year and the monitoring frequency in that year are detailed below.

inorganic chemicals cyanogen chloride 0.08 0.001 2014-15 1 sample per supply system

organic chemicals

benzo-(a)-pyrene 0.00001 0.00001 2016-17, 2 samples per supply system di(2-ethylhexyl)

phthalate (DEHP) 0.01 0.01 2017-18, 1 sample per supply system

toluene 0.8 0.001 2013-14, 1 sample per supply system xylene 0.6 0.001 2017-18, 1 sample per supply system

chloroacetic acids

chloroacetic acid 0.15 0.005 2013-14, 1 sample per supply system dichloroacetic acid 0.1 0.001

trichloroacetic acid 0.1 0.001

chlorophenols

2-chlorophenol 0.3 0.0001 2013-14, 1 sample per supply system 2,4-dichlorophenol 0.2 0.0001

2,4,6-trichlorophenol 0.02 0.0001

Table 61 Other parameters assessed against aesthetic guidelines

Characteristic Analyte Name

ADWG Aesthetic Guideline

value (mg/L)

Detection limit

(mg/L)


These characteristics are monitored on a 5 -year rotational basis. The financial year and the monitoring frequency in that year are detailed below.

Inorganic Chemicals

chloride 250 0.5 2016-17, 1 sample each quarter in each supply system

sodium 180 0.05 2016-17, 1 sample each quarter in each supply system

hydrogen sulfide 0.05 0.02 2013-14, 2 samples each month in each supply system

Page 76 of 79

4.3 Discussion of results for Customer Supply Systems

During the 12-month period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018, there was 1 E. coli exception in Potts Hill Delivery System. This delivery system still complied as at least 98% of the scheduled monthly samples contained no E. coli.

All other results met the ADWG 2011 health and aesthetic guideline values.

During the 12-month period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 there were 7 test results where the fluoride level fell below the targeted minimum value (0.90 mg/L) in the Nepean Delivery System, 6 in the Warragamba Delivery System and 2 in the Orchard Hills Delivery System. These delivery systems still complied as when the data is combined with data from treated water over the year, greater than 95% of all routine samples fell within the range 0.90 mg/L to 1.50 mg/L.

Page 77 of 79

5 Water Quantity Data 5.1 Storage

The data in sections 5.1 and 5.2 is supplied by WaterNSW.

The total available water in WaterNSW’s storages was approximately 1.78 million megalitres at the end of the quarter or 69% of total operating storage. The total available water decreased by 6.4% over the quarter.

Figure 2 Historical available water storage

Figure 3 Available Water for the Quarter

Page 78 of 79

Table 62 Status of individual Storages as at 30 June 2018

5.2 Rainfall Approximately 58 millimetres of rainfall was recorded on the Warragamba catchment during the quarter; 68% below the long term median rainfall average.

Figure 4 Historical Warragamba Dam catchment rainfall

Page 79 of 79

5.3 Water Consumption

Average water consumption for the quarter was 1,570 ML per day. The average consumption during this quarter increased by 206 ML per day compared to the previous quarter.

Figure 5 Water consumption for the quarter

Historical water consumption

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