Thirsty residents can blame the weather for an increased algae taste in their drink says Wannon Water.
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Following a spate of warmer temperatures Warrnambool's raw water storages are experiencing increased levels of algae.
Wannon Water managing director Andrew Jeffers says this may affect the taste and odour of drinking water.
The water remains "safe to drink", Mr Jeffers said.
“Wannon Water is actively working to minimise the algal issues through several measures, including changing the source of water and making some minor adjustments to the treatment process,” he said.
“This is not uncommon at this time of year as algae thrives in warm, dry conditions.
"Similar events occurred within the Warrnambool catchment this time last year and this most recent event is not surprising given the recent hot weather.”
This is not uncommon at this time of year as algae thrives in warm, dry conditions. Similar events occurred within the Warrnambool catchment this time last year
- Andrew Jeffers
Mr Jeffers said algae and suspended particles are removed from the raw water during treatment at the Warrnambool water treatment plant.
As the bloom recedes and the algae die off they release chemical substances into the water that may cause a disagreeable taste and odour.
Anyone with concerns about their water supply can contact Wannon Water on 1300 926 666.
What does this algae look like?
According to the DELWP Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are a common seasonal occurrence in Victoria and a natural component of most aquatic systems, including streams, lakes, estuaries and the sea'.
Individual cells are very small and are normally not visible in a water body. But numbers can increase rapidly and blooms, or scums, become easily visible across the water surface.
Blooms can be triggered by nutrient levels, low inflows, lower storage volumes and warmer weather conditions.
Blooms can be unsightly, ranging in colour from dark-green to yellowish-brown. They develop a paint-like consistency as they dry out and often have a pungent smell.
Vic Health state on their website that blue-green algae can be found in almost all water systems, and can appear individually or in a group.
It makes the water appear dirty, green or discoloured and generally has a strong musty or earthy odour.
Blue-green algae occurs naturally and can reproduce quickly in favourable conditions where there is still or slow-flowing water, abundant sunlight and sufficient levels of nutrients.
How does Wannon Water control algae problems?
Wannon Water claims it has means of dealing with potential algae problems.
Algae prevention. Wannon Water regularly monitors water storages for the presence of algae. If algae are detected in high numbers, if possible, the affected water storage will be taken off line.
Water Treatment. Conventional water treatment plants, like the plant serving Warrnambool, Hamilton, Camperdown, Cobden, Terang, Balmoral, Glenthompson, Casterton and Simpson treat water by a filtering process that will remove the majority of sediments and some taste and odour compounds.
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