Water taken straight from the Awoonga dam is unsuitable to drink in its raw/untreated form. GAWB is committed to continually improving the quality of the water and the way in which drinking water is treated, assessed, monitored and delivered. Water quality is tested regularly and the treatment process is monitored regularly against industry guidelines and Australian Standards.

The Process

The pump station at Awoonga dam pumps water from the dam along pipelines which take it to the water treatment plant.

At the water treatment plant

1. Air is bubbled up through the water to remove the gases that give it the smell and taste. This is called aeration.
2. A chemical called alum is mixed into the water. The alum forms into tiny, sticky particles that attract dirt. This step is called coagulation.
3. The alum and dirt collect in little bunches called floc. This is called flocculation.
4. The water then flows through large tanks where the bunches of floc sink to the bottom. This is called sedimentation.
5. The water then flows through filters made of coal, sand, and gravel which filters and trap tiny bits of dirt still in the water. This is called filtration.
6. A chemical is then mixed with the water to kill any germs.

Water quality is rigorously and regularly checked during the treatment process.

Once the water has been through this process it is pumped to nearby reservoirs and gravity fed down pipelines.

The treated water supplied in the region is classed as “moderately hard”.

Click here for link to water treatment information booklet