Water quality initiatives
Over the years Hobart Water has focussed its energies on developing systems to ensure the highest possible drinking water standard for Southern Tasmanians. Two of these water quality initiatives include its Drinking Water Quality Management Plan required under State Government legislation and its Hazard and critical control point certification.
Drinking Water Quality Management Plan
Tasmania's first Drinking Water Quality Management Plan (DWQMP) prepared by Hobart Water for its bulk water supply was delivered and accepted by the State Government in 2006.
Under new Public Health Act requirements, organisations supplying drinking water to the public are required to prepare and lodge plans with the Department of Health & Human Services. Hobart Water's DWQMP outlines the system's current and past performance together with programs and initiatives to improve and safeguard drinking water supplies
Improvements implemented in 2005-06 included the commencement of the Derwent River Drinking Water Catchment Management Plan, improved signage within drinking water catchments and rezoning of high risk trails to protect drinking water catchments
In addition, Hobart Water provided assistance to its eight owner councils and other local councils in preparing their Drinking Water Quality Management Plans.
Hazard and critical control point certification
In a Tasmanian first, Hobart Water has achieved certification for its Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system from SAI Global.
Hobart Water has initiated its Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Instrumentation Strategy which focuses on the installation of continuous chlorination monitoring and residual control at primary and secondary chlorination stations. Numerous chlorination stations have been fitted with new disinfection and monitoring equipment with further upgrades and installations scheduled in 2006-07.
Developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Health Organisation's Codex Alimentarius Commission, HACCP was developed for the food industry as an international certification system to identify hazards and control measures to ensure food safety. Across Australia, the water industry has adopted the HACCP system to ensure the safety of drinking water.
The HACCP system was adopted several years ago at Hobart Water because of its scientific and systematic focus on operational management helps underpin the quality of the product.
By achieving and maintaining HACCP certification, Hobart Water has further strengthened its commitment to the community to provide safe drinking water.
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