Australian Drinking Water Map

Ballarat Central (Victoria): E.coli
 
25 June 2010. Ballarat Central Customer Tap. E. coli – 1 orgs/100mL.Further resampling and site investigation. No E. coli detected in resamples. Informed DH of initial and
resample results. (Central Highlands Water Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2009-10)
 
3 June2011: Ballarat Central Customer Tap. E. coli – 1 orgs/100mL. Site investigation and locality resamples collected. Confirmed disinfectant levels and conducted flushing at location. Checked for burst mains and assessed operation of meter backflow device. Sample point maintenance conducted and sampling methodology reviewed. Informed DH of initial and resample results. Decision to relocate sample point to a more appropriate location to minimise interferences during sampling processes. (Central Highlands Water Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2010-11)

“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

Ballarat Central  (Victoria) – Lead

2008/9: Ballarat Central (Victoria) – Lead 0.012mg/L (Highest Detection)

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…

Ballarat Central – Victoria – Hardness

2008/09: Ballarat Central (Victoria) – Hardness 210mg/L (Highest Detection Only)

GUIDELINE

“To minimise undesirable build‑up of scale in hot water systems, total hardness (as calcium
carbonate) in drinking water should not exceed 200 mg/L.

Hard water requires more soap than soft water to obtain a lather. It can also cause scale to form on hot water pipes and fittings. Hardness is caused primarily by the presence of calcium and magnesium ions, although other cations such as strontium, iron, manganese and barium can also contribute.”

Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011

2008/11 – Ballarat Central (Victoria) – E.coli, Lead, Hardness

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Ballarat Central (Victoria): E.coli
25 June 2010: Ballarat Central Customer Tap. E. coli – 1 orgs/100mL.Further resampling and site investigation. No E. coli detected in resamples. Informed DH of initial and
resample results. (Central Highlands Water Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2009-10)
3 June2011: Ballarat Central Customer Tap. E. coli – 1 orgs/100mL. Site investigation and locality resamples collected. Confirmed disinfectant levels and conducted flushing at location. Checked for burst mains and assessed operation of meter backflow device. Sample point maintenance conducted and sampling methodology reviewed. Informed DH of initial and resample results. Decision to relocate sample point to a more appropriate location to minimise interferences during sampling processes. (Central Highlands Water Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2010-11)
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

Ballarat Central  (Victoria) – Lead

2008/9: Ballarat Central (Victoria) – Lead 0.012mg/L (Highest Detection)

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…

Ballarat Central – Victoria – Hardness

2008/09: Ballarat Central (Victoria) – Hardness 210mg/L (Highest Detection Only)

GUIDELINE

“To minimise undesirable build‑up of scale in hot water systems, total hardness (as calcium
carbonate) in drinking water should not exceed 200 mg/L.

Hard water requires more soap than soft water to obtain a lather. It can also cause scale to form on hot water pipes and fittings. Hardness is caused primarily by the presence of calcium and magnesium ions, although other cations such as strontium, iron, manganese and barium can also contribute.”

Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011