Under the Water Supply Code of Australia and to protect public health, water authorities are required to disinfect new water mains where practicable before they are put into service.

Existing mains that have been repaired or refurbished are normally only flushed to remove potential contaminants before re-entering service. In Sydney the responsibility to deliver potable water to residents that is clean and free of harmful bacteria falls to the Sydney Water Corporation.

Sydney Water is responsible for ensuring that new mains, repairs or maintenance within their systems are undertaken according to agreed processes minimising the risk to public health.

Superchlorination was typically used to disinfect pipes and tanks for the distribution and storage of potable water. There is a significant downside to its use in that it can be time consuming, harmful to people and toxic to the environment.