Protecting public health with over 70,000 tests a year

Yarra Valley Water has released its Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2023-24 which highlights rigorous testing with over 70,000 water quality tests – an average of one every 8 minutes - ensuring tap water is fully compliant with Safe Drinking Water Regulations and pleasant to drink. 

Bridie Fennessy, General Manager Asset Services said Yarra Valley Water is committed to providing reliable, safe and pleasant water supplies for customers throughout its service area. 

“Our team collects 7,100 water samples from across our service area and carries out tens of thousands of tests every year, ensuring customers receive safe, great tasting water straight from the tap,” said Ms Fennessy.

Yarra Valley Water supplies around 3 billion litres of water every week to households and businesses in Melbourne’s north and east.

The team conducts microbiological testing for safety, as well tests for other factors such as alkalinity and colour, to ensure water tastes, looks and smells pleasant. Yarra Valley Water received the Victorian 2024 Ixom Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia Award last year in recognition of its high-quality drinking water after blind taste testing.

Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Pat McCafferty said the rigorous testing processes mean customers can rest assured they are getting premium tap water delivered to their homes and businesses.

“We test and treat water to ensure it’s the highest quality and delivers on our commitment to customers to provide safe and pleasant drinking water. I’m really proud of the work our team puts in to delivering world-class water to our community,” Mr McCafferty said. 

Yarra Valley Water’s Water Planning Engineer, Su Ann Neo, is responsible for overseeing testing processes that maintains water quality throughout the drinking supply.  

“As our communities grow, we’re expanding our testing network to stay ahead of demand and ensure accurate water quality monitoring. Our testing helps us to ensure the water that reaches customers taps is clean and meets the Safe Drinking Water Regulations,” Ms Neo said. 

In its Drinking Water Quality Report 2023-24, Yarra Valley Water reports that more than 7,100 samples for microbiological testing were fully compliant with regulations across all sampling sites.

The water corporation also actively seeks feedback from customers about the water it supplies to identify and respond to any water quality questions early.

Yarra Valley Water publishes drinking water test results on its website at www.yvw.com.au/ water-quality-reports