June 2021 – Trentham (Victoria) – WTP Power Supply Cut

As a consequence of severe weather conditions that affected most of the state on the evening of 9 June 2021, the mains power supply to the Trentham WTP was interrupted between the night of 9 June 2021 and 13 June 2021, resulting in the WTP being offline for a significant
period of time. Given the falling tree risk, access to the WTP was also restricted by Emergency Services.
Access to the Trentham WTP was gained on the afternoon of 10 June 2021, and the WTP was brought back online using the onsite generator, until power was restored.The WTP functioned without any issues. However, the water demand was higher than the plant’s production causing the water level in the TWS tank to drop significantly. It was suspected that the higher than
usual water demand was caused by a burst water main. Considering the low water level in the TWS tank, and the suspected burst main, there was a concern regarding the safety of the
drinking water being supplied.Therefore, as a precaution, a “do not drink” advisory was issued, in consultation with DH.

The burst water main was identified and repaired, and the affected distribution network was flushed. Water samples were collected and tested for relevant parameters.
Based on information on the operation of the Trentham WTP, water quality test results,
distribution network pressure monitoring, and the identification and isolation of the burst water
main, the “do not drink” advisory was lifted, in consultation with DH, on the evening of 12 June 2021.

2006/7 – Trentham (Victoria) – Formaldehyde

2006/7 – Trentham (Victoria) – Formaldehyde 0.5mg/L (maximum detection)

Guideline: Based on health considerations, the concentration of formaldehyde in drinking water should not exceed 0.5 mg/L.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Formaldehyde may be present in drinking water through ozonation of naturally occurring humic material, contamination by accidental spills, or deposition from the atmosphere. Typical concentrations in air are probably in the low parts-per-billion range. Overseas, formaldehyde has been detected in ozonated drinking water at concentrations up to 0.03 mg/L.
Formaldehyde is used industrially in the wood, paper and textile industries. It is also used in the production of a number of chemicals and for the preservation of biological material. It is occasionally used as a disinfectant, sometimes to disinfect water filters. Other sources of exposure include cigarette smoke and food. Formaldehyde is present in almost all common foods, and adult dietary intake is estimated at 11 mg/day. Drinking water would contribute less than 10% of total intake.
TYPICAL VALUES IN AUSTRALIAN DRINKING WATER
No data are available on the concentrations of formaldehyde in Australian drinking waters