RICHMOND’S newly filtered town water supply was judged the tastiest drop at this year’s Mount Isa semi-final for Orica’s Best of the Best Queensland Water Taste Test. The North West shire relies on bore water to keep its residents hydrated – a source often known for its distinctive odour and taste. Conference guests were asked to blind test water from Mount Isa, Barcaldine and Richmond and vote on the best sample based on taste, smell and overall quality.
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Despite Barcaldine Shire Council water and waste officer Brett Harvey dubbing his shires “completely natural” bore water the best; Richmond’s town water sample was selected for the next round of judging.
Aeramix Pty Ltd representative Mark Samblebe said the filtration plant commissioned by the council to remove the “rotten egg” smell from its water supply hadn’t been built yet.
The sample used for judging was taken from a pilot treatment plant built to show the quality of water the final plant would provide.
“Historically the supply has had very little treatment, disinfection only,” he said.
“[Our solution] basically works on aeration to remove the gas and the odour, combined with a very small dose of chlorine for iron and manganese oxidation.”
Qldwater chief executive officer Dave Cameron said the theme of this year’s competition and conferences was “how to do more with less”.
Mr Cameron said Richmond was a perfect example as other solutions involving more expensive chemical treatments would have cost Richmond Shire Council considerably more to build.