Power and Water has developed emergency management plans in the event that the Katherine River has a sudden inflow of runoff water that impacts its quality and the ability for it to be adequately treated to the required drinking water standards. Each year, after heavy rainfall, the river can be inundated with sediment and organic matter that has accumulated within the catchment during the dry season. Most Katherine residents would have seen this over the years with the frothing, highly turbid, muddy water rushing downstream. Power and Water’s Senior Manager, Service Delivery Water Services, Eric Boyle says this run-off has the potential to result in poor river water, which could impact the water supply. “Over the past couple of months, Power and Water has been planning for such an event through its emergency management and business continuity function,” Mr Boyle said. As the river is the main source of the town’s drinking water, an alternative supply of water has been the main focus for Power and Water with the limitations of the ground water supply, which supplements the river. “This presented a significant challenge and pleasingly, an innovative solution. “Our engineers have devised a temporary filtration system with two filters already delivered and on site in preparation for the final stages of construction of the new PFAS water treatment plant. “This temporary system enables an extra 8ML/day of ground water to be treated from the existing bores at the Katherine Water Treatment Plant. Enough to keep the tanks at the necessary levels to continue to supply adequate potable water to Katherine homes and businesses should the need arise.” The temporary plant is now operational and water quality testing has confirmed that the water treated though this temporary system aligns with usual water quality and providing water with undetectable levels of PFAS, the same as the pilot treatment plant. “This result provides assurance that this solution can be used and that the risk of interruption to Katherine’s water supply is now significantly lower.” Additionally, contingency supplies of packaged water are being stored as part of our cyclone and storm season preparations. Power and Water continues to closely monitor the Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts and will advise residents very quickly if there is an emergency situation. “Power and Water recognises that the past few weeks of uncertainty has caused concern and anxiety in the community. We want to thank residents and businesses for their cooperation and understanding during this time,” said Mr Boyle. “We are confident that this solution will provide an alternative water source for the Katherine water supply system in the event of any emergency event during the current storm and cyclone season.” More information about Katherine’s water supply is available at: https://www.powerwater.com.au/about/what-we-do/water-supply/katherine-water-supply Find out how to prepare for the wet season: https://www.powerwater.com.au/customers/safety-and-emergencies/safety Ends Contact: Media unit |
