OUR MISSION
Safe Water Hobart recognises that increased industrial activity combined with the effects of climate change are threatening the safety of Hobart's water supply.
Safe water means water free from toxic substances that are hazardous to human health. TasWater and Public Health must ensure they are aware of all the issues in the Derwent catchment and take appropriate action to address known and potential harmful effects.
Safe Water Hobart advocates that the Government:
A. Recognises that access to clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and ensures the water Tasmanians drink is clean and safe, and that harmful substances are unable to enter our food chains through irrigation water or residues in food from contaminated water.
B. Takes steps to ensure the community has faith that water from the timtumili minanya/Derwent catchment is safe to drink and applies the precautionary principle, and:
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Establishes a dedicated, coordinated Derwent catchment authority, to reduce pollutants and run-off from industries and activities
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Develops strong water quality standards
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Ensures the Derwent catchment is regularly tested for harmful elements such as toxins and pollutants
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Ensures any breach in these standards is acted upon and communicated to TasWater customers in an accurate and timely way
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Enforces strict safety guidelines - investigating any breaches of water safety and enforcing heavy penalties for breaches
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Commits to continuous improvement and public engagement on water quality.