2007/8 + 2012/13: Wonthaggi (Victoria) – E.coli, Trihalomethanes

Wonthaggi (Victoria) – E.coli
In response to E. coli detection for a Wonthaggi regulatory customer tap site sampled on the 13th November 2012, specific mains flushing was carried out prior to follow-up samples being collected from a total of nine sites in Wonthaggi. E. coli was not detected in any of these follow
-up samples taken on the 14th November. Additional actions included modification of the non
-conforming sampling tap to eliminate any risk of contamination from surrounding long grass, and prioritisation of flushing for the supplying section of the reticulation system to reduce possible stagnation of water within the mains.
https://www.sgwater.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2012-13-Annual-Drinking-Water-Quality-Report-OriginalRed3.pdf

Escherichia coli should not be detected in any 100 mL sample of drinking water. If detected
in drinking water, immediate action should be taken including investigation of potential
sources of faecal contamination.

“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

Wonthaggi (Victoria) Trihalomethanes

2007/8 Wonthaggi THM’s 0.270mg/L

Trihalomethanes Australian Guideline Level 250μg/L (0.25mg/L)

Why and how are THMs formed?
“When chlorine is added to water with organic material, such as algae, river weeds, and decaying leaves, THMs are formed. Residual chlorine molecules react with this harmless organic material to form a group of chlorinated chemical compounds, THMs. They are tasteless and odourless, but harmful and potentially toxic. The quantity of by-products formed is determined by several factors, such as the amount and type of organic material present in water, temperature, pH, chlorine dosage, contact time available for chlorine, and bromide concentration in the water. The organic matter in water mainly consists of a) humic substance, which is the organic portion of soil that remains after prolonged microbial decomposition formed by the decay of leaves, wood, and other vegetable matter; and b) fulvic acid, which is a water soluble substance of low molecular weight that is derived from humus”. Source: https://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/index.cfm