Implementation of a Fully Automated Rotech Sodium Hypochlorite Disinfection System
The Jim Jim Falls Ranger Station serves as a vital hub for the park rangers of Kakadu National Park who live and work within the park, primarily managing the area surrounding the Jim Jim Falls location. Situated in a remote part of the park, approximately 280 km from Darwin and 55 km south of Jabiru, the station provides essential water infrastructure for a small community of approximately 10-12 houses accommodating park rangers and staff of Parks Australia. The station’s remote location underscores the critical need for effective and reliable water management to support the daily lives and operational requirements of its rangers and community.
The primary challenge faced by the Jim Jim Falls Ranger Station was the need for a safe and reliable water disinfection system that met all relevant Australian safety and regulatory standards. The station’s water supply is sourced from Jim Jim Creek, which experiences significant fluctuations in quality throughout the year. Notably, during the wet season, the creek water exhibits higher turbidity (murky water) and increased nutrient levels. This variability in the raw water source underscored the necessity for a robust disinfection system capable of consistently producing a safe potable water supply for both staff and the community accessing the ranger station for essential purposes, particularly given the remote location and the logistical challenges associated with accessing resources and service personnel.
This task involved the design and installation of a complete water chlorination system, including chemical dosing equipment, Grundfos variable speed controlled pump sets, electrical systems, and air conditioning units. Additionally, the system needed to be fully automated with remote access capability to minimise manual intervention and ensure maximum operational efficiency. Logistics were also a key challenge, as the necessary materials and equipment had to be delivered to the remote location while adhering to stringent timelines.
Think Water Darwin contributed to the design, supply, and install of a fully automated pumping and sodium hypochlorite disinfection system at the Jim Jim Falls Ranger Station. We worked closely with the Directors of National Parks as well as water treatment specialists, Rotech Water in Western Australia, to design a reliable and automated solution for continuous water disinfection, ensuring that the potable water supply met all required safety standards.
As part of our involvement, Think Water Darwin supplied all the necessary equipment, including pumps, steel-lined water tanks, the chemical dosing system, and remote monitoring and control systems. We also played a key role in the project management of certain aspects of the installation, working alongside contractors to ensure the project was executed smoothly and efficiently.
To achieve this, Think Water Darwin designed a self-contained, weatherproof, and lockable container to house the Rotech disinfection system, which was transported from Western Australia to Darwin. This container was built to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as high temperatures and heavy rainfall. The system was fabricated at our water treatment specialist premises and transported from Think Water Darwin in Cooolalinga, 280 km to the ranger station, along with the necessary materials and chemicals for installation.
Upon arrival at the station, the installation team connected the new disinfection system to the existing water reticulation and new storage steel-lined water tanks from Great Northern Tanks. The installation process was followed by rigorous testing to ensure the system met performance and functionality expectations.
Additionally, Think Water Darwin provided comprehensive training to local staff, ensuring they were equipped to operate and maintain the system.
The successful installation and commissioning of the automated sodium hypochlorite disinfection system has provided the Jim Jim Falls Ranger Station with a reliable and compliant potable water supply. This upgrade ensures that both staff and community have access to safe, high-quality water that meets all Australian safety standards, without the need for constant manual oversight.
The integration of remote monitoring and control has empowered the station’s maintenance team to manage and troubleshoot the system efficiently, reducing reliance on external support and optimising operational workflows. This also allows for real-time monitoring of water quality and system performance, ensuring any issues are addressed promptly.
Think Water Darwin’s expertise in designing, supplying, and project managing the implementation of this custom-built solution in a remote and challenging environment underscores our commitment to providing practical and sustainable water management solutions. The new disinfection system represents a significant improvement in water quality management, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Jim Jim Falls Ranger Station and its role as a critical gateway to Kakadu National Park.
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