Fitzsimmons, Bernard (2023) Value risk matrix for water source selection for Dalby QLD. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
WDRC has expressed interest in the investigation of water source selection and operational cost analysis within the Dalby region. With the increasing costs throughout the industry, including increase in labour/operator hourly rates, increasing in costs for electricity, chemicals for appropriate treatment, and Council overheads, this project aims to optimise the strategy for water source development to achieve a reliable, cost effective potable water supply for Dalby QLD.
To achieve this aim, the key objectives of this report are to:
1. To develop an evaluation method by which the water source development can be optimised.
2. Access the current cost, and current/future risks of water supply for Dalby.
3. Make a recommendation for future planning upgrade considerations for Dalby's water supply.
The findings quantify water source selection through the use of creating an evaluation method built in the form of a value risk matrix. An operational cost analysis was completed on each available water source and incorporated into the value risk matrix.
This project has identified that the 'A' level alluvium bores present the most favoured water source from a value to risk consideration from the evaluation tool created. However the 'A' level bore source alone can't solely meet the average daily demand of 4.58 ML/day. In combination with another source, this source combination ultimately becomes the most favoured source combination due to the low value and risk scores associated with the 'A' level bore source. In lower turbidity conditions, from 20 NTU to 100 NTU the Loudoun Weir in combination with 'A' level bores becomes the most preferred option. However as the turbidity increases in the Loudoun Weir beyond the 100 NTU level, so does the value score associated with this source making 'B' level bores in combination with 'A' level bores the preferred source combination. Based on the results suggesting that Loudoun Weir should be more utilised in lower turbidity conditions (0-100 NTU range) and on current infrastructure conditions, an upgrade to Dalby's surface water treatment plant is recommended be undertaken.
Based on historic operation approach to Dalby's water source prioritisation generally supporting the results of the evaluation method created in the form of a value risk matrix, this evaluation tool would be beneficial to be as a guide in short to medium term water source selection (one to three months).
Overall, the research project has provided valuable insight to the Western Downs Regional Council providing evidence in assisting with signifying which water source should be prioritised and utilised available for Dalby's water supply. The project has provided an operation strategy based on value and risk. While this report does focus specifically on water treatment operations in the Western Downs area, similar results would be expected to be achieved in similar situations for other drinking water service providers.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Baillie, Justine |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Sep 2025 04:40 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Sep 2025 04:40 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | water source; operational costs |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52943 |
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