Water Treatment Process

Council's dedicated water treatment process ensures that the water reaching the community is of high quality and safe to drink.

The treatment and filtration processes can be different at each water treatment plant to suit the quality of the incoming water.

Filtration Process

Step 1.Initial Filtration

Incoming water is filtered with fine mesh screens to remove debris such as like twigs and leaves.

Step 2.pH Adjusted

pH levels of the water are adjusted to aid the filtration process.

Step 3.Solution Added

A solution (coagulant) is added that makes the smallest particles ‘stick’ together to form larger ‘flocs.’ This makes it easier to filter them out.

Step 4.Additional Filtration

Filters made of tightly packed beds of sand and crushed coal are used to trap and remove the flocs. Filters are cleaned several times per week and performance is continuously monitored.

Step 5.Neutralisation

The pH of the water is carefully rebalanced or neutralised.

Step 6.Chlorine Added

Small amounts of chlorine are added to protect the water from harmful pathogens all the way from our treatment plant to your tap.

Step 7.Fluoridisation

As a final step, small amounts of fluoride are added to the water as a safe and effective way of preventing dental decay. This is not part of the filtration process, but is completed under the advice of NSW Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What impurities may be in untreated (raw) water?

Natural organic matter, such as algae - may create taste and odour problems.
Clays and silts – may make the water ‘cloudy’ or affect the aesthetic quality of the water. Particles can also shield microorganisms from disinfection.
Iron - may create taste, odour and colour problems.
Manganese - may create taste, odour and colour problems.
High or Low pH - can cause problems with corrosion, taste and odour problems and ineffective disinfection.
Microorganisms – these are removed through disinfection to prevent waterborne illness.

Why is there chlorine in my drinking water?

Water is disinfected to kill any disease-causing microorganisms. Chlorine is a highly effective disinfectant. It is used at the treatment plant and a residual concentration is left in the water to help guard against microbial contamination from the pipes to your drinking tap. Click here to find out how much residual chlorine is in your water.

Why is fluoride added to the water?

Fluoride is added to community water supplies to reduce incidences of dental decay, particularly in children. Adding fluoride to drinking water is provided for in NSW legislation and is strongly encouraged by NSW Health. Refer to the NSW Health Fluoride Fact Sheet for more information.