Managing the risks and responsibilities of resource companies providing potable water
Chris Hewitson A , Eva Dec A and Tony Lines AInside Infrastructure
The APPEA Journal 53(1) 407-412 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ12036
Published: 2013
Abstract
This peer-reviewed paper examines the risks and responsibilities of water providers and the process resource companies should undertake to document how they will deliver a safe and secure water supply to their employees and contractors, and the communities in which they operate, thereby reducing the risks of water quality incidents and managing the impact to the organisation should an incident occur.
Water quality incidents can have major impacts to human health and the brand perception of the resource company supplying the water, and can potentially shutdown resource abstraction. Resource companies have a duty of care to provide a secure and safe drinking water supply. This is reinforced by state health departments directing resource organisations to comply with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), which were updated in 2011 (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2011).
Organisations in the CSG industry experience an additional challenge—managing water by-product from gas extraction. There are drivers for the beneficial use of this water—including irrigation, aquifer recharge and municipal supply—resulting in changes to legislation in Queensland (DERM, 2010) that require a process similar to ADWG recommendations, where beneficial use or disposal may impact potable supplies.
The ADWG provides clear guidance to potable water providers—whether they are supplying a few consumers or major towns requiring a Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQM System). This guidance includes documenting a clear process to securing a clean water source, making the water safe to consume and proving it is safe.
Developing a DWQM System enables resource companies to understand issues in supplying drinking water through regular review and improvement, while minimising and managing the health risks to consumers.
Chris Hewitson has worked in the water industry since 1995, supporting both water utilities and resource companies. Chris has a PhD in balancing health risks from water quality against infrastructure cost and, at previous organisations, has advised on how to improve drinking water quality for city systems, including in Las Vegas and Adelaide. Chris is a director at Inside Infrastructure where his team is developing Drinking Water Quality Management Systems for resource companies, and advising water utilities on their water supply and treatment challenges. His team has also reviewed water assets and projects for the oil and gas industry. Chris graduated with BEng (Hons) from the University of Adelaide, is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, and a Registered Professional Engineer in Queensland. chewitson@insideinfrastructure.com.au |
Eva Dec is an industry-qualified environmental manager with experience in environmental auditing of water data in the resources sector. Eva was previously a data analyst for the Hydrogeology Project Team on the Olympic Dam Expansion Project. Eva holds a degree in Environmental management and is currently undertaking a Masters Degree in this field. edec@insideinfrastructure.com.au |
Tony Lines is a chartered civil engineer with 20 years of experience working on operations and maintenance, and infrastructure projects. His experience and knowledge includes a rare background in general management, business management, and design operations. Tony has worked abroad as a general manager for United Water’s New Zealand operations, where he established the utility as a market leader through the professional delivery of industry services. Tony provides advisory services to the water utility and resources sectors in water management and has directed the delivery of drinking water quality management systems. tlines@insideinfrastructure.com.au |
