Water Quality Results

North East Water (NEW) is responsible for the collection, treatment and distribution of safe drinking water.

Monthly Compliance

Using The Map

The two indicator lights (green or red) indicate whether there has been a failure to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 during the past month. A green light indicates compliance with the guidelines, while a red light indicates non-compliance. The light on the left is for basic physical and/or chemical compliance and the one on the right for microbiological - E. coli compliance.

For a more detailed summary of water quality compliance click on your town above to see the most recent compliance results.

Drinking Water Quality Management System

The Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 requires all Victorian Water Corporations to implement a risk management plan. To assist us in achieving this, we maintain a Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS) which aligns with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011 . The key focus of the DWQMS is the provision of safe drinking water through a proactive risk-based approach from catchment to the customers' tap. NEW's risk management plan is audited by the Department of Health in accordance with S10 of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 .

Water Quality Testing

NEW is responsible for the treatment and distribution of safe drinking water for the towns represented on the map above.

The Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 require all Victorian Water Corporations to implement a monitoring program to ensure a safe drinking water supply and protect public health. Each year, we conduct over 50,000 tests at over 400 sites for more than 170 parameters including:

Chlorine	Alkalinity	Disinfection and treatment by-products
Fluoride	Colour	Pesticides and herbicides
Turbidity	Microbiological (e.g. E.coli )	Algae taxa and toxins
pH	Heavy metals	Taste and odour compounds

Sampling and analysis is conducted by an accredited independent laboratory. In addition to compliance monitoring we also conduct daily operational testing and continuous online monitoring at our water treatment plants and many of our water storage tanks.

Drinking Water Quality Standards

Water quality test results are referenced against the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011 developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in collaboration with the National Resource Management Ministerial Council. The guidelines set out the quality targets which must be met for microbial, chemical and physical characteristics. The Guidelines provide the Australian community and the water supply industry with guidance on what constitutes good quality drinking water.

Reporting Requirements

Water quality results are reported to the Department of Health (DH) in accordance with S13 of the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 and S 26 of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 . Our Annual Water Quality Reports are published on the Water Quality Report page of our website. Monthly water quality data is published to our website (see above).

Fluoride

Fluoride is currently added to drinking water supplies at Wodonga (including Baranduda, Ebden, Kiewa, Tangambalanga, Killara, Bonegilla, Barnawartha, Chiltern and Springhurst), Wangaratta (including Glenrowan), Yarrawonga (including St. James, Tungamah and Devenish) and Benalla. Fluoride is added to drinking water as directed by the Victorian Government and endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The Department of Health (DH) is the responsible authority in regards to information about fluoridation of water supplies in Victoria. More information can be found on the DH website or through their water fluoridation information line 1800 651 723.

Water Quality Frequently Asked Questions

What is safe drinking water?

Safe drinking water is free of harmful concentrations of chemicals or pathogenic microorganisms. The Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 places obligations on North East Water and other Victorian Water Corporations to provide safe, good quality drinking water.

How do I know that my drinking water is safe to drink?

Contaminated water may not look, taste, or smell different to safe drinking water. This is why monitoring and testing of water is so important. The Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 require all Victorian Water Corporations to implement a monitoring program to ensure a safe drinking water supply and protect public health. Each year, we conduct over 50,000 tests at over 400 sites for more than 170 parameters. We conduct daily operational testing and continuous online monitoring at our water treatment plants and many of our water storage tanks. In addition to this, compliance sampling and analysis is also conducted by an accredited independent laboratory. All of this data is closely monitored by our Drinking Water Quality team.

What happens when E. coli is detected in drinking water?

All E.coli detections are reported to the Department of Health (DH) as required under the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2005 . Response to E.coli detection may vary depending on site, system and sampling results, however it will include flushing the water mains and retesting the site. A boil water notice may be issued in consultation with DH.

Why can I taste and/or smell chlorine in my drinking water?

Chlorine is added to drinking water to kill microorganisms (i.e. E. coli ) that may be present. It is important that chlorine residual is maintained in the drinking water leaving the plant to prevent microorganisms from regrowing in the distribution system. Some people may detect this chlorine residual through smell or taste. The chlorine concentration is generally very low (less than 1 part per million) and can be reduced further by letting the water sit in the fridge in an open jug for a short period prior to consumption.

Is fluoride added to my drinking water?

Fluoride is currently added to drinking water supplies at Wodonga (including Baranduda, Ebden, Kiewa, Tangambalanga, Killara, Bonegilla, Barnawartha, Chiltern and Springhurst), Wangaratta (including Glenrowan), Yarrawonga (including St. James, Tungamah and Devenish) and Benalla. Fluoride is added to drinking water as directed by the Victorian Government and endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The Department of Health is the responsible authority in regards to information about fluoridation of water supplies in Victoria. More information can be found on the Department of Health website or through their water fluoridation information line 1800 651 723.

Is aluminium monitored in my drinking water?

Aluminium based salts are used to aid the removal of particles in conjunction with filtration which also removes residual aluminium. North East Water monitors aluminium levels in drinking water and reports results to the Department of Health on monthly basis.

What is turbidity?

Turbidity is a measurement of the light scattering property of water. It is caused by the presence of fine suspended matter such as clay and silt and can result in the water having a muddy or milky appearance. Turbidity can shield microorganisms from disinfection so it is important that turbidity is low in drinking water. Turbidity reduction most commonly occurs via coagulation, clarification and filtration water treatment processes. North East Water reports Turbidity levels in drinking water to the Department of Health on monthly basis .

What should I do if my water is dirty?

Water can become discoloured for a number of reasons, including the disturbance of sediments within water mains. Our distribution systems are flushed routinely as part of our preventative maintenance program. Discoloured water can also arise due to the condition of private service pipes or internal plumbing, particularly in older properties. If your water is dirty, we suggest that you run at least two taps (such as your garden taps) for a few minutes until the water clears – dirty water can be reused on the garden. If the water does not clear up within a reasonable amount of time, then we suggest that you call North East Water on 1300 361 622 for assistance.

What should I do if my water is milky coloured or has air in it?

A milky or white appearance may indicate the presence of air in your water – similar to the air created by a tap with a diffuser fitted. This air is harmless and will usually settle out if left to stand in a jug or container. We suggest that you run at least two taps (such as your garden taps) for a few minutes until the water runs clear – water can be reused on the garden. If the water does not clear up within a reasonable amount of time, then we suggest that you call North East Water on 1300 361 622 for assistance.

Do algae blooms affect my drinking water?

Some algae can produce taste, odour and toxic compounds. However, North East Water has treatment processes in place which prevents these from impacting on the quality of drinking water. We conduct algae monitoring throughout our drinking water catchments during the warmer months of the year.

For information regarding algae in lakes Hume, Dartmouth, Buffalo, William Hovell or Mulwala, see the Goulburn‑Murray Water website .

What causes blue staining of baths and basins?

Blue or bluish-green staining is often an indicator of elevated copper levels and is often caused by age and corrosion in customers' pipes. North East Water monitors for copper levels and has consistently low copper results in all systems. Advice on customers' pipe condition should be sought from your plumber.

Is the water in my rain water tank safe to drink?

The quality of water in rain water tanks can be highly variable. More information on rain water tanks and drinking water is available at the Department of Health website .

Is it safe to use tap water in my fish tank or pond?

Fish and other aquatic organisms are sensitive to chlorine in their environment. Treated drinking water should not be directly added to your aquarium or pond without prior treatment to remove chlorine. Further advice can be sought from your local pet shop.

Further information

Further information can be obtained by contacting NEW during business hours on 1300 361 622.

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