What Is Actually Changing?
As the Victorian Department of Health reviews and updates the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2015, water utilities across the state are preparing to adapt to new standards and requirements. These changes aim to enhance the safety and quality of drinking water, ensuring that all Victorians have access to clean and safe water. At Lutra, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with regulatory changes, and we are here to help Victorian water utilities navigate this transition smoothly.
Understanding the New Regulations
The Victorian Department of Health is currently reviewing the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2015, with the new regulations expected to be implemented by July 2025. The review aims to assess the performance of the existing regulations and consider future regulatory and drinking water quality risks. The updated regulations will continue to place obligations on water suppliers and water storage managers to provide safe, quality drinking water. This includes implementing risk management plans, conducting regular water quality monitoring, and reporting any non-compliance or potential health risks to the Department.
Key Proposed Changes
The proposed updates to the regulations focus on several key areas:
- Risk Management Plans (RMPs):
Aligning RMP requirements with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG).
Clarifying processes for operational monitoring, control, and asset inspection.
Introducing new requirements for documenting critical control points (CCPs) and incorporating microbial health-based targets (HBTs). - Drinking Water Quality Standards:
Retaining standards for E. coli, total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), and turbidity.
Introducing health-based standards linked to ADWG guideline values and aesthetic standards for drinking water. - Sampling and Reporting:
Removing the restriction on consecutive samples from the same location.
Requiring water suppliers to report exceedances of health-based and aesthetic standards. - Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS):
Assessing the impact of the proposed regulations, including cost-benefit analysis and preferred options for risk management, microbial risk management, water sampling localities, and drinking water quality standards.
What Lutra Can Offer
1. Comprehensive Risk Management Plans
Lutra specializes in developing and implementing comprehensive risk management plans tailored to the specific needs of water utilities. Our team of experts will work closely with your organization to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. This includes conducting thorough assessments of your water supply systems and ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to comply with the new regulations.
2. Advanced Monitoring and Reporting Solutions
With the upcoming changes, water utilities will need to enhance their monitoring and reporting capabilities. Lutra's Infrastructure Data (ID) platform is designed to streamline these processes by capturing data from multiple sources, including SCADA, lab, and field data. Our platform then transforms this data into automated reports and dashboards, making it easier for utilities to monitor compliance and plant performance in real-time.
3. Expertise in Health-Based Targets and Log Removal Targets
The new regulations will require utilities to report on health-based targets and log removal targets. Lutra's team has extensive experience in these areas and can provide the necessary support to ensure compliance. Our advanced process modules can help utilities optimize their treatment processes to meet these targets, reducing the risk of non-compliance and ensuring the safety of drinking water.
4. Tailored Training and Support
At Lutra, we believe that knowledge and expertise are key to successful compliance. We offer tailored training programs for your staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the new regulatory requirements. Our support services are designed to provide ongoing assistance, helping your team stay up to date with the latest best practices and regulatory changes.
Conclusion
As Victorian water utilities prepare for the new drinking water regulations, Lutra is here to provide the expertise, tools, and support needed to ensure a smooth transition. Our comprehensive risk management plans, advanced monitoring solutions, and tailored training programs are designed to help utilities meet the new standards and continue providing safe, quality drinking water to their communities.
Why not visit Lutra’s stand at Ozwater’25 in Adelaide to discuss how we can help your organisation with this transition (or anything else water or wastewater related,
OR
visit our website at https://www.lutra.com, you can also contact our Australian office at 1800 879 026.
