Blue-Green Algae
We are the convening agency within the region for blue-green algae (BGA) monitoring, reporting and response. We monitor levels of blue-green algae in the Murray River, within our service region.
Water is sampled as it enters each of our nine Water Treatment Plants in our region. These plants treat raw river water via a series of processes and turn it into safe drinking water for towns with urban water supplies. When BGA is detected at these sites, it is able to be adequately treated with chemicals so that the drinking water supplied is free from BGA and adheres to Australian standards.
Water is also monitored at key sites along the river to enable us to inform our rural customers (those supplied with river water for the purposes of an irrigation supply or unpotable domestic and stock supply) of the water quality as it changes. Rural water supplies are untreated and not suitable for drinking at any time.
LMW rural customers can register to receive SMS update alerts for BGA and other items, by contacting our Mildura office on 03) 5051 3400.
Broader monitoring of the Murray River for BGA is undertaken by staff from WaterNSW and reported back through the Sunraysia Regional Algal Coordination Committee.
Lower Murray Water Rural Charter – Your Rights and Obligations Rural Water Supply Quality
We will endeavour to supply water to Customers at a quality that is at least the same as the source water from where it is taken (Murray River).
LMW will monitor water quality and endeavour to inform Customers of changes in water quality which are likely to impact on the purposes for which water is used by Customers.
On-Site Storage
We recommend that Customers provide adequate storage for 6 weeks’ normal use in irrigation or Rural districts. Customers should be aware that this is raw river water that is untreated and River conditions, including Blue Green Algae and Black Water events may render water unsuitable for use for a considerable period of time.
Water Carters
Water Carters: Mildura region
- Danco – M: 0418 502 656
- Richardson Bros – M: 0419 359 561
- Jimmy Caristo (Mildura and surrounding areas) – M: 0447 882 126
Water Carters: Robinvale
- Marcovic Management, Ken Hensgen – M:0409 806 101
Water Carters: Swan Hill & Boundary Bend
Water carters in the Swan Hill area registered to access LMW infrastructure for the purposes of water delivery are:
- Northvic Water Supplies – Ron Thompson: 0418 500 890
- Swan Hill Water Carriers – Clive Power: 0428 322 823
- PJ Fitzgerald (Piangil) – Peter Fitzgerald: 0428 261 956
Potable water standpipe: Mildura and Swan Hill areas
If you are in a rural area and require access to potable water, please contact Mildura Rural City Council for a list of licensed water carters for this purpose.
In some instances, access to potable water is made available to the public via standpipes located within the LMW service region.
Utility Relief Grant Scheme – Water Carting Costs
The application forms for the Utility Relief Grant Scheme (non-mains can be obtained by calling 1800 658 521
SMS UPDATES TO CUSTOMERS:
To register please call our Mildura office on 03) 5051 3400 or visit WaterNow (water ordering platform) .