SA Water will change the chemical added to Fleurieu water supplies from 1 December and will carry out a community information campaign in the lead up to the changeover.

Chloramine will be used to treat water from the Myponga Reservoir, instead of chlorine, affecting the water supply to Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay; Middleton, Goolwa and Hindmarsh Island; and Willunga Sellicks and parts of Aldinga Beach.

SA Water says the change will overcome water quality challenges due to source water and long pipelines in the region.

It follows a similar change for residents of Myponga in late 2018 and Normanville, Carrickalinga and Yankalilla earlier this year.

“In South Australia, drinking water has been safely disinfected with chloramine since the 1980s. 

“About 220,000 people across the state currently receive chloraminated water, including Milang, Clayton Bay, Strathalbyn and Tailem Bend as well as northern towns including Port Augusta, Crystal Brook, Port Pirie and Whyalla. 

“Chloraminated water is also used on the Yorke Peninsula, and in parts of the Adelaide Hills.

The drinking water supply will not be interrupted during the changeover, but there may be a change in the taste and smell that will take two to three weeks to settle.

SA Water will monitor and test the water as it moves through the pipes through the changeover period.

“As the new water moves through the pipes, it may lift organic matter than has built up on the inside of pipes over time. This is called biofilm and while the water is safe to drink, it may temporarily discolour the water."

SA Water will hold community information session in Victor Harbor, Goolwa and Willunga:

Thursday & Friday 11-12 November – Victor Central Shopping Centre 10am to 7pm.

Saturday 13 November – Victor Harbor Farmers’ Market 8am to 12.30pm.

Thursday 18 November – Goolwa Village Shopping Centre 10am to 7pm.

Friday 19 November – Willunga Library Car Park 10am to 6pm.

Saturday 20 November – Willunga Farmers’ Market 8am to 12noon.

From Wednesday 1 December, the new chloraminated water will start to flow through the network. This may take several weeks to flow to taps depending on location. 

For more information visit the SA Water website.