Goldenfields Water has begun using a mobile filtration truck across its communities, introducing a different approach to cleaning and filtering water mains.
The utility invested in the company-owned unit, described as one of only a few of its kind in Australia, to provide a faster and more efficient method of cleaning water mains.
The truck has already completed works in Grong Grong, Junee, West Wyalong, Coolamon and Temora.
Goldenfields Water says early results have been strong, with staff now validating the system’s impact on water quality and customer calls.
How does the mobile filtration truck work?
Traditional water main cleaning often relies on flushing, where fire hydrants are opened and water is discharged into the street.
Goldenfields Water’s mobile filtration truck takes a different approach.
The unit connects to two fire hydrants and creates a temporary above-ground loop. Water is circulated through the loop, cleaned by a filtration system and returned to the pipe.
The truck moves water between the hydrants at a velocity designed to stir up sediment and remove build-up from the sides of the pipes.
That process is intended to deliver a more effective clean than traditional flushing while saving water that would otherwise be discharged.
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Why did Goldenfields Water trial it in Grong Grong?
The mobile filtration truck began operations in Grong Grong in October 2025.
Goldenfields Water deliberately selected the smaller community because it represented a lower risk of service impacts while staff tested the system.
The trial allowed staff to make minor modifications and improvements before wider deployment.
Since then, the truck has been used for mains cleaning in several other communities across the utility’s network.
Could the truck reduce discoloured water complaints?
Goldenfields Water Chairperson Cr Alan White said the program could help reduce discoloured water calls and avoid larger treatment costs if intended results are achieved.
“Staff are currently working through the process of validating the impact of this new system, and the results being achieved have been impressive,” White said.
“If we are able to achieve our intended results with this system, we should see a significant reduction in overall discoloured water customer calls, and it could potentially save millions of dollars in future capital expenditure by preventing the need to construct new major treatment plants to improve water quality results.”
For water utilities, discoloured water complaints can create customer confidence issues and operational pressure.
A mains cleaning system that reduces sediment build-up without wasting large volumes of treated water could provide both service and efficiency benefits.
What will residents notice?
Goldenfields Water said residents will receive mail notifications when the truck is scheduled to operate in their community.
They may also see digital notifications and physical signage while works are underway.
The project is still progressing, with Goldenfields Water expected to share further milestones as more communities are serviced and performance data is validated.
The key test will be whether the technology can consistently reduce discoloured water reports and defer or avoid larger capital works while maintaining reliable water quality across the network.
