2007/8: 2 Non-Complying Samples. Max Result: 1 orgs 100/mL. 97.6% of samples no E.coli.

Mt Beauty and Tawonga E.coli detections occurred in October, January and February. As a result of the ongoing noncompliance issues, and a lack of multiple treatment barriers, DHS directed North East Water, under section 34 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, to put in place a BWN. The BWN was in place from 14 February to 1 May 2008.

22/10/07: E.coli detection (2 orgs/100ml, Boil Water Notice already in
place. Retests were clear.

14/1/08: E.coli (1 org/100 ml), Boil Water Notice already in
place. Retests were clear.

21/12/09 Mt Beauty E. coli detection 1org/100mL was found in Mt Beauty basin and Tawonga South reticulation sites. Ozone plant was checked. Clear water storage basin was chlorinated as part of risk management plan due to proximity of holiday period, hot weather and expected influx of visitors . Reticulation sites and Basin were resampled and results were clear.

1/02/10 Mt Beauty Enterococci detection 9org/100mL in treated water basin 3org/100mL in Mt Beauty reticulation Confirmed Ozone Plant was operating properly and ongoing monitoring was in place. Chlorine dosing due for implementation by mid February.

15/02/10 Mt Beauty E. coli in treated water basin, Mt Beauty 2orgs/100mL Confirmed Ozone Plant was operating within approved parameters and ongoing monitoring in place. Checked surrounding area of the treated water basin. No sign of any possible cause for the contamination was found. Chlorine dosing due for implementation by end February. Resample was taken and result was clear.

“Coliforms are Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria that are capable of aerobic and facultative anaerobic growth in the presence of bile salts or other surface active agents with similar growth-inhibiting properties. They are found in large numbers in the faeces of humans and other warm-blooded animals, but many species also occur in the environment.

Thermotolerant coliforms are a sub-group of coliforms that are able to grow at 44.5 ± 0.2°C. E. coli is the most common thermotolerant coliform present in faeces and is regarded as the most specific indicator of recent faecal contamination because generally it is not capable of growth in the environment. In contrast, some other thermotolerant coliforms (including strains of Klebsiella, Citrobacter and Enterobacter) are able to grow in the environment and their presence is not necessarily related to faecal contamination. While tests for thermotolerant coliforms can be simpler than for E. coli, E. coli is considered a superior indicator for detecting faecal contamination…” ADWG 2011