Our drinking water sources
Drinking water sources within our area of operations include dams, ground water and rivers.
What's in your water
Drinking water supplied by us is from natural surface and groundwater water sources, making it clean, safe and beneficial for health, hygiene and the wellbeing of our community.
The water is treated to remove impurities, disinfected to safeguard the microbial quality of the water and fluoridated for dental health (as required under State legislation). The water is then transported and stored within a closed, well-maintained distribution system to ensure that high-quality drinking water is delivered to our customers.
We have a comprehensive water quality monitoring program in place. Sampling and analysis by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited lab is routinely undertaken at raw water sources, water treatment plants and from within the distribution system.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
As required under our operating licence, water supplied by Hunter Water consistently meets the requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Did you know?
A report summarising the quality of water supplied to our customers is published monthly on our website. View our monthly reports
Frequently asked questions
-
Why is the water chlorinated?
Water is disinfected before it enters the system so that any disease-causing microorganisms are destroyed. And because chlorine is a highly effective disinfectant, a residual concentration of this added to the water can help guard against microbial contamination in the water distribution system.
-
What level of chlorine is in drinking water supplied by Hunter Water?
The concentration of chlorine in drinking water supplied by Hunter Water ranges from 0 to about 1.5 mg/L. This is within the recommendations of the National Health and Medical Research Council Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Based on health considerations, the guideline for chlorine is that the total chlorine residual should be less than 5 mg/L.
-
Why is fluoride added to the water?
Fluoride is added to community water supplies in a process called water fluoridation. Throughout this process, the levels of fluoride are adjusted so that dental decay can be reduced.
We are required to fluoridate in accordance with the NSW Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1957.
-
What level of fluoride is in drinking water supplied by Hunter Water?
The typical concentration of fluoride in drinking water supplied by us is one milligram per litre. This is within the recommendations of the National Health and Medical Research Council Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The dosing range used by Hunter Water is specified in regulations administered by NSW Health.
Resources
An easy way to learn about your water.
Water Treatment Plants
We ensure we meet the required drinking water guidelines by following a careful treatment process at our water treatment plants.