18/1/19 – Balgal Beach/Toolakea (Queensland) – Lead

18/1/19 Balgal Beach/Toolakea (Queensland) – Lead 0.012mg/L and 0.013mg/L.

No lead detections elsewhere in the system or at the WTP on this date or in previous weeks. It was determined that this was a localised issue at the two sample taps. Resample did not detect lead and previous samples at  these points had not detected lead. Sample points were replaced with dedicated Ned Kelly sample points and lead has not been detected since.

Lead Australian Drinking Water Guideline 0.01mg/L

“… Lead can be present in drinking water as a result of dissolution from natural sources, or from household plumbing systems containing lead. These may include lead in pipes, or in solder used to seal joints. The amount of lead dissolved will depend on a number of factors including pH, water hardness and the standing time of the water.

Lead is the most common of the heavy metals and is mined widely throughout the world. It is used in the production of lead acid batteries, solder, alloys, cable sheathing, paint pigments, rust inhibitors, ammunition, glazes and plastic stabilisers. The organo-lead compounds tetramethyl and tetraethyl lead are used extensively as anti-knock and lubricating compounds in gasoline…ADWG 2011