The oldest of Glen Innes’s town pipelines were installed 83 years ago and heavy deposits of manganese and iron that are endemic to water in this region had built up over time, resulting in the formation of secondary bacteria. All three influences restricted flow, reduced the affects of chlorine additives and directly diminished water flows and quality.

After three weeks of planning air scouring was progressively used to clean 70kms of pipeline serving the town. With careful consultation and planning there was minimum disruption to town residents, business and public services. As part of this process a number of malfunctioning valves were identified and subsequently noted on Council’s system maps. Large amounts of manganese and iron were removed, and clean water restored to the town.