TasWater has lifted Boil Water Alerts from both Ringarooma and Legerwood after extensive testing by Department of Health and Human Services showed that water from the tap is now safe for consumption.
Ringarooma and Legerwood are part of the five towns in the surrounding area supplied by the Ringarooma Valley Drinking Water Scheme, sourced from the Upper Ringarooma Irrigation Dam.
The towns of Winnaleah, Branxholm and Derby remain subject to public health alerts and are currently undergoing stringent testing procedures before the alerts can be removed.
Mary Schramm, a local resident of Ringarooma is pleased with the progress TasWater has made with the water quality improvements and the new treatment plant constructed south of the town.
“Many of us check on the progress of the treatment facilitates as we drive past on East Maurice Road and we’ve certainly noticed that the water coming through our pipes is now clean and it tastes good,” Ms Schramm said.
The new $4 million Ringarooma water treatment plant incorporates nano filtration, along with ultraviolet and chlorine disinfection to provide water which meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Ms Schramm believes the lifted Boil Water Alert will have a positive impact on the town.
“When people consider coming to live in Ringarooma, and quite a few retirees from the mainland have done this, the water quality certainly is a factor.
“It’s a factor for all the businesses or for anyone thinking of setting up a business here. It’s a very good thing that we have the same quality of water as the cities have now.”
The Ringarooma area water supply upgrade represents an investment of more than $14 million by TasWater and is part of the significant works being done to remove public health alerts from 24 towns in Tasmania by August 2018.
TasWater Chairman Miles Hampton is pleased both Ringarooma and Legerwood can safely drink water from the tap.
“TasWater is getting on with the job of improving drinking water quality across the state. Ringarooma and Legerwood are the first of the five towns to come off public health alerts in the area, with Branxholm, Winnaleah and Derby soon to follow,” Mr Hampton said.
“The improved water supply scheme will hopefully provide a boost for local businesses and tourism in the area.”
