CEPU Tasmania Raises Serious Concerns Over Tasmanian Drinking Water and the Environment
Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union Tasmania Media Release 20th May 2026
The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union of Tasmania is raising serious concerns that proposed operational changes by TasWater will place public health and the environment at risk.
TasWater has announced plans that will reduce the physical site attendance of Operators who monitor water and sewerage treatment plants across the state, instead relying on remote systems and automation, that don’t meet the requirements of the Code of Practice.
The union says TasWater has refused to provide information that demonstrates how TasWater will comply with its obligations under legislation, public health requirements, environmental obligations, and operational codes of practice.
TasWater needs to come clean, concerns are there is a risk of over-dosing and/or under-dosing of fluoride in drinking water as well as a risk of an over-dosing and/or under-dosing of chlorine in treated sewage being release into Tasmanian waterways.
“Water and sewerage treatment plants are not ordinary workplaces they are critical public health infrastructure,” Amanda Coleman, CEPU Organiser said.
“Reducing physical site attendance while increasing reliance on remote monitoring systems without demonstrating compliance with their legal obligations is outrageous and raises serious questions about operational safety, environmental compliance and public health protection.”
TasWater needs to come clean and provide the requested information so the Tasmanian community can feel safe.
The CEPU says until TasWater can demonstrate this transparently, Tasmanians are entitled to be deeply concerned.
