eFlash #543
Date: 12-Jul-2022
In this edition: NSW Regulatory and Assurance Framework Released| Qldwater Members only – Good Practice Guide to Water Treatment Plants
1. NSW Regulatory and Assurance Framework Released
The NSW government has recently released its Regulatory and assurance framework for local water utilities in regional NSW.
“We are amending our regulation, assurance, and oversight roles in collaboration with the sector as reform is required. Improved regulatory settings and approaches are crucial to allow local water utilities and their NSW Government regulators to identify risks and effectively and efficiently manage them. This new regulatory and assurance framework empowers and enables local water utilities to address risks and strategic challenges effectively and efficiently, based on locally developed plans and management systems. Our advisory and support role is not substantially affected by the new regulatory and assurance framework. The department’s Town Water Risk Reduction Program and its Water Utilities team has worked in partnership with the local water utility sector to produce this framework” which took effect on 1 July 2022.
The document provides guidance for the ongoing relationship between government and LWUs, reinforcing principles of collaboration (both between the sector and government, and across government agencies), transparency, continuous improvement and a focus on prioritising resources according to risk. It aims to enable LWUs to:
- conduct effective, evidence-based strategic planning for water supply and sewerage services that applies the principles of adaptive planning and integrated water cycle management, and considers climate risks
- identify and manage risks in strategic and effective ways
- implement robust and effective operational risk management, including effective and safe operation and maintenance of systems and robust emergency and incident management
- make fit-for-purpose infrastructure investments
- implement robust and effective processes to monitor performance
- protect and promote the interests of customers through efficient and affordable pricing
- be financially sustainable and manage finances prudently.
It incorporates relevant aspects of NSW government policy and regulation and funding programs including the $1B Safe and Secure Water Program.
2. qldwater Members only - Good Practice Guide to Water Treatment Plants
Water Research Australia and Coliban Water recently released a ‘Good Practice Guide to Water Treatment Plants’.
Coliban Water has kindly supported the publication of hard copies of the Guide and made a supply available for qldwater members.
In the Good Practice Guide to the Operation of Drinking Water Supply Systems for the Management of Microbial Risk (GPG), Peter Mosse and Bruce Murray have pooled their experience of working in hundreds of water treatment plants and water supply systems across Australia.
In identifying common problems associated with the operation of those systems, they have provided a concise reference document for senior managers and operational staff with responsibility for the operation of those systems, with the operational requirements to ensure the production of safe drinking water.
If you would like a couple of copies for your area, please email enquiry@qldwater.com.au with the number of copies you would like and mailing address to send these to. Alternatively we will be bringing copies to future events.
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