Conference Papers | 2008 Conference Papers

IN THE DEEP END! BUSHFIRES, FLOODS, MUDSLIDES AND SWIMMING POOLS

Mark Samblebe, Water Treatment Technologist, Gippsland Water.

DOWNLOAD FULL PAPER (pdf 352K)

ABSTRACT

Licola is a small town in the high country of Gippsland. In 1969 the then derelict logging town was purchased by
the Lions Club of Victoria, and restored to provide a high country experience for children of all backgrounds.
In Summer 2006-07 the community was under siege by bushfires which passed right through the town, burning trees
and bushes within meters of buildings and homes. The fires caused extensive damage to the towns water distribution
system, melting pipes both above and below ground. While the dedicated team of Lions volunteers set about
rebuilding the distribution system, another problem was brewing. Loss of ground cover and deposits of ash in the
catchment area sent the historically pristine Macalister River to a dirty muddy creek, with worse still to come.
The Lions Club approached Gippsland Water for assistance in treating the water to supply the camp and town.
Chemical dosing options were assessed, and the town swimming pool was modified and utilised as an emergency
clarifier, with some generous assistance from water industry suppliers the system was a success.

KEYWORDS

Dirty Water, Turbidity, Water Treatment, Bushfire, Mudslide.