North East Water

North East Water has ceased chlorination of Mt Beauty's treated water basin after testing showed the system to be clear of pathogens.

The Corporation has been adding a small dose of chlorine to the basin since 19 December when it detected pathogens in the system.

Operations Manager, Fiona Smith, said the addition of the chlorine had caused dirty water issues in the reticulation system as predicted, but that water quality was now almost back to normal.

"Because this is a non-chlorinated supply, the process dislodged some biological material that naturally built up in the pipework and caused some discoloration of the water, along with taste and odour issues," she said.

"On the whole, the affected customers have been tolerant and patient, despite this unfortunately occurring over the holiday period.

"We have taken the opportunity during this period to bring forward our regular air scouring of the mains in Mt Beauty, Tawonga and Tawonga South to alleviate future dirty water issues."

Ms Smith said operation of the water supply system had now returned to normal, but added that the warm weather put the water supply at risk of further bacterial detections.

"If this occurs, there may be a need to reinstate the chlorine and/or issue a Boil Water Notice," she said.

"We will keep the community fully informed if this is required."

Ms Smith said the temporary chlorination was a direct result of the bacterial detection and not related to the project upgrade currently underway. 

The upgrade project will provide Mt Beauty with a best practice water filtration system which will minimise the risk of future contamination and subsequent Boil Water Notices.