TasWater released the State of the Industry Report 2020-21 for the state water and sewer industry.

The independent report provided insight and highlighted key priorities for the state’s water and sanitation sector, as well as the company’s overall improvement in performance despite the impacts of COVID-19.

TasWater CEO George Theo said the highlights of the State of the Industry Report include 100% microbiological compliance of their drinking water for the third consecutive year and improved compliance of treated wastewater.

“During the 2020-2021 period, no water systems operated under a long-term boil alert or a do not drink advisory,” Mr. Theo said.

“We are proud of this because just four years ago there were 25 permanent public health alerts across Tasmania. These were removed through the 24glasses Regional Towns Water Program and we still see these great benefits statewide today.

“During the same reporting period, we also achieved over 90% compliance with water discharge limits for the third consecutive year.”

The report also noted that there had been a price freeze during the 2020-21 period, to support customers through the impacts of COVID-19.

“The economic regulator has also highlighted areas where we still have work to do, for example, unaccounted for water remains an issue,” Mr Theo said.

“We are investing more in renewing our infrastructure such as water mains and pipelines across the state, including the recently completed 1.3 km Fenton Lake pipeline in New Norfolk delivered by the Capital Delivery Office ( CDO) of TasWater.

“We have also implemented active leak management, with technology that listens for leaks that may not be visible.

“Overall, the results of the report are satisfactory, although we recognize that much remains to be done and we are committed to improving services to our communities.