• Overview
• Waterways operating charter
• Drinking water quality
  • Parameters & Reporting Levels
  • Microbiological parameters
  • Pathogen monitoring
  • Routine physical parameters
  • Inorganic chemical parameters
  • Chemical and radiological parameters
  • Organic chemicals
• Environmental Performance
  • Eastern Treatment Plant
  • Western Treatment Plant
  • Rivers and creeks
  • Energy and greenhouse data
  • Water recycling initiatives
• Consultative committees

Pathogen monitoring

Melbourne Water's drinking water quality management system is based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles with multiple physical barriers (protected catchments, large storages, closed systems and disinfection) against contamination. Two microbiological testing programs support the water quality management system. These involve routine microbial monitoring using the indicator organism, E.coli, within the supply and distribution systems, and specific protozoan, bacterial and viral pathogen monitoring of source waters.

Melbourne Water's general monitoring programs are based on guidance in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2004) that emphasises a risk management approach. The Guidelines recommend that routine microbial monitoring be used for operational purposes and as a final check to verify water quality and that the barriers to contamination are in place and working properly.

Melbourne Water's pathogen monitoring program is also based on the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2004) and these do not recommend routine monitoring of treated water for specific pathogens. Melbourne Water's testing for specific pathogens is in source waters and has been implemented to reflect the degree of risk posed from individual harvesting sources. This is a move away from routine monitoring to ongoing investigation and research programs.

Monitoring of bacterial and viral pathogens was shifted from treated waters to source waters in 2005. Detection of pathogens in the treated water was very rare.