Water used by Hobart City comes from supply sources maintained by Hobart Water. Hobart Water is responsible for the treatment and distribution of water to Council networks.
The three water supply sources for Hobart City are Lake Fenton, Northwest Bay River and the River Derwent. Supply originating from the different sources has different characteristics. Water from the West Derwent Scheme has been fully treated (chlorinated, fluoridated and filtered) at Bryn Estyn near New Norfolk. Water from Lake Fenton is siphoned from the dam before being chlorinated and fluoridated. Different areas around the city will generally receive water from different sources. Lenah Valley generally receives water from Lake Fenton. Sandy Bay generally receives water from Lake Fenton and Northwest Bay River in winter and Lake Fenton and West Derwent Scheme in summer. City low level and New Town low level distribution zones are primarily fed from the West Derwent Scheme supply while the City high level is mainly fed by Lake Fenton. The supply source will also, in some cases, be partially dependent on season.
The numerous smaller reservoirs around the city serve as intermediate water storages for different parts of the city.
Council aims to supply water where pressure does not fall below 300kPa. The minimum required flow and pressure for fire protection purposes is 10L/s and 250kPa.
