2008/11 – Kirwans Bridge (Victoria) – Chlorophenols

2008-11 – Kirwans Bridge (Victoria) – Chlorophenols

14/10/2008: Kirwans Bridge 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol = 0.7 µg/L

10/02/2009: Kirwans Bridge 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol = 1 µg/L

3/08/2010: Kirwans Bridge 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol = 0.6 µg/L

4/01/2011: Kirwans Bridge 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol = 0.7 µg/L

8/02/2011: Kirwans Bridge 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol = 2 µg/L

8/11/2011: Kirwans Bridge 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol = 0.5 µg/L

ADWG Guidelines: 2,4,6-trichlorophenol Health: 20 µg/L Aesthetic: 2 µg/L

No Guideline exists for 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol

Chlorophenols

Included with the Freedom of Information request from Goulburn Valley Water were detections for 2,4,5 Trichlorophenol (8 detections) (highest level: 460 µg/L 18/10/11 Strathbogie) and 2,4-6 Trichlorophenol (96 detections) (highest level 5.2µg/L: Strathbogie 16/11/15).

According to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

“ Chlorophenols may be present in drinking water as a result of chlorination of water that contains phenol or lower chlorophenols, or from contamination of water sources. Chlorination of water containing natural organic compounds can produce very low concentrations of chlorophenols. Degradation of phenoxy herbicides such as 2,4,5 – T and 2,4 – D also generates chlorophenols…

Chlorophenols are used commercially as preservatives, moth – proofing agents, germicides and anti – mildew agents…. No data are available on concentrations of chlorophenols in Australian drinking waters. If present at all, it is likely that concentrations would be extremely low.”

2,4,6 Trichlorophenol is listed under the 2002-3 Goulburn Valley Water – Water Quality Annual Report as “Health – Related Organics – Organic chemicals that can impact on the health of consumers are rarely present in drinking water supplies, but could potentially be present in raw water sources as a result of accidental spills or misuse.”

Due to the unknown source of the Trichlorophenols, these detections were not included in the final pesticide data in this report, but are assumed to be a byproduct of disinfection. Average level of 2,4,6 Trichlorophenol detected 2008-16 in 33 locations: 0.93µg/L. Average level 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol detected 2011-15 in 4 locations: 72.87µg/L.

“Under the Radar” Pesticide Detections Victorian Water Supplies 2007-2016 – Anthony Amis – Friends of the Earth Melbourne October 2017