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Water cleaning program in the pipeline

The Water Corporation has brought forward a major pipe cleaning program to address discolouration issues in Australind.

Water Minister Bill Marmion said today program would be scheduled for the end of winter a number of problems reported in the area.

Mr Marmion confirmed there had been 60 customer complaints since the discoloration occurred on Tuesday night, with the majority on Wednesday.

“The discoloration was the result of sediment in the supply pipe being ‘stirred up’ by changes in flow rates, and had largely cleared by Thursday afternoon,” he said.

“The discoloured water poses no health risk but it is an inconvenience, and the corporation has apologised to its customers.”

The sediment consists primarily of iron and manganese which occur naturally in groundwater and build up in the scheme over time, causing discolouration when stirred up.

The Minister said the pipe cleaning program would include pipe scouring or flushing and tank cleaning throughout the Australind-Eaton water supply scheme.

“Work will begin in July and the corporation will contact customers with more information when details about the program are finalised,” he said.