Media Statements - New water treatment for Two Rocks

11/9/00

An initiative to improve the aesthetic quality of water supplied to Two Rocks is up and running.

Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames said calgon water treatment would lead to a noticeable reduction in the scale forming on the elements of kettles and hot water systems. However, there would be no change to water taste or appearance.

“Calgon water treatment was introduced to Yanchep last year, but Two Rocks residents have had to wait while negotiations were conducted regarding the preferred site for the water treatment facilities,” Dr Hames said.

“The Two Rocks community has waited long enough and their patience has been rewarded.”

Two Rocks, Yanchep and some other coastal towns have a water supply that can be described as ‘hard’ due to the levels of calcium and magnesium in coastal groundwater.

Although the quality of the water supplied to these communities meets the requirements of the Water Corporation’s Operating Licence, a number of customers have expressed concerns about its ‘hardness’.

When ‘hard’ water is heated, the natural salts convert to white crystals and form a scale on household appliances and hot water systems that may contribute to their premature failure.

“The new water treatment responds to customers’ requests,” Dr Hames said.

“Calgon is a registered food additive that is approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council for use in drinking water to reduce the effects of scaling.”

Media contact: Sandy Gater 9424 7455