Timor (Victoria) – E.coli
 
14 October 2010 (5 days): Timor Reticulation (Victoria) 1org/100mL.
(Site investigation and resample collected. Confirmed disinfectant levels. No E. coli detected in resample. Informed DH of initial and resample results). (CHW Water Quality Report 2010/11)
 
“E.coli

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

Timor (Victoria) – Trihalomethanes

7 & 8 July 2008 Timor (Customer Tap) – Maryborough System – Trihalomethanes 0.380mg/L. Commissioning of chloramination plant in November 2008 for water quality improvements. Informed DHS. One Section 22 submitted for all THM non-compliances expected to occur
until 30 August 2009. (CHW Water Quality Report 2008/9)

7 October 2008 Timor (Customer Tap) – Maryborough System – Trihalomethanes 0.470mg/L. Commissioning of chloramination plant in November 2008. Informed DHS. One Section 22 submitted for all THM non-compliances expected to occur until 30 November 2008. (CHW Water Quality Report 2008/9)

11 November 2008 Timor (Customer Tap) – (Maryborough System) -Trihalomethanes 0.290mg/L Commissioning of chloramination plant in November 2008. Informed DHS. One Section 22 submitted for all THM non-compliances expected to occur until 31 December 2008. (CHW Water Quality Report 2008/9)

2007/8: Timor 0.560mg/L THM’s (Highest Level Only)

2014/15: Timor Trihalomethanes 280ug/L

Trihalomethanes Australian Guideline Level 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

Timor – Victoria – Total Dissolved Solids

2008/9: Timor (Victoria) – Total Dissolved Solids 1600 mg/L

2009/10: Timor (Victoria) – Total Dissolved Solids 850 mg/L

2010/11: Timor (Victoria) – Total Dissolved Solids 900 mg/L

2015/16 Timor Total Dissolved Solids 700mg/L

2016/17Timor Total Dissolved Solids 700mg/L

GUIDELINE

“No specific health guideline value is provided for total dissolved solids (TDS), as there are no
health effects directly attributable to TDS. However for good palatability total dissolved solids
in drinking water should not exceed 600 mg/L.

Total dissolved solids (TDS) consist of inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter that are dissolved in water. Clay particles, colloidal iron and manganese oxides and silica, fine enough to pass through a 0.45 micron filter membrane can also contribute to total dissolved solids.

Total dissolved solids comprise: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulfate, bicarbonate, carbonate, silica, organic matter, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, nitrite and phosphates…” Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011

Timor – Victoria – Hardness

2008/09: Timor (Victoria) – Hardness 840mg/L

2009/10: Timor (Victoria) – Hardness 370mg/L

2010/11: Timor (Victoria) – Hardness 420mg/L

2014/15: Talbot Hardness 220mg/L

2014/15: Timor Hardness 280mg/L

2015/16 Timor Hardness 390mg/L

2016/17: Timor Hardness 390mg/L

2018/19: Timor Hardness 220mg/L

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

Timor –  Victoria – Iron

2008/09: Timor (Victoria)  – Iron 0.41mg/L (Highest level only)

2020/21: Timor (Victoria)  – Iron 0.44mg/L (Highest level only)

Based on aesthetic considerations (precipitation of iron from solution and taste),
the concentration of iron in drinking water should not exceed 0.3 mg/L.
No health-based guideline value has been set for iron.

Iron has a taste threshold of about 0.3 mg/L in water, and becomes objectionable above 3 mg/L. High iron concentrations give water an undesirable rust-brown appearance and can cause staining of laundry and plumbing fittings, fouling of ion-exchange softeners, and blockages in irrigation systems. Growths of iron bacteria, which concentrate iron, may cause taste and odour problems and lead to pipe restrictions, blockages and corrosion. ADWG 2011

Timor (Victoria) – pH (alkaline)

Average pH: 2017-18: 8.8 pH units

Average pH: 2018-19: 8.7 pH units

Average pH: 2020-21: 8.7 pH units

Based on the need to reduce corrosion and encrustation in pipes and fittings, the pH of
drinking water should be between 6.5 and 8.5.

New concrete tanks and cement-mortar lined pipes can significantly increase pH and
a value up to 9.2 may be tolerated, provided monitoring indicates no deterioration in
microbiological quality.

pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration of water. It is measured on a logarithmic scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, greater than 7 is alkaline, and less than 7 is acidic.

One of the major objectives in controlling pH is to minimise corrosion and encrustation in pipes and fittings. Corrosion can be reduced by the formation of a protective layer of calcium carbonate on the inside of the pipe or fitting, and the formation of this layer is affected by pH, temperature, the availability of calcium (hardness) and carbon dioxide. If the water is too alkaline (above pH 8.5), the rapid deposition and build-up of calcium carbonate that can result may eventually block the pipe.

2019/20 – Timor (Victoria) – Lead

2019/20: Timor (Victoria) – Lead 0.012ug/L

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

2020/21 – Timor (Victoria) Turbidity

2020/21: Timor (Victoria) – Turbidity 7.1NTU (max), 0.5NTU (av.)

Chlorine-resistant pathogen reduction: Where filtration alone is used as the water treatment process to address identified risks from Cryptosporidium and Giardia, it is essential that filtration is optimised and consequently the target for the turbidity of water leaving individual filters should be less than 0.2 NTU, and should not exceed 0.5 NTU at any time
Disinfection: A turbidity of less than 1 NTU is desirable at the time of disinfection with chlorine unless a higher value can be validated in a specific context.
Aesthetic: Based on aesthetic considerations, the turbidity should not exceed 5 NTU at the consumer’s tap.

2007/21: Timor (Victoria) – E.coli, Trihalomethanes, Total Dissolved Solids, Hardness, Iron, pH, Lead, Turbidity

Timor (Victoria) – E.coli
14 October 2010 (5 days): Timor Reticulation (Victoria) 1org/100mL.
(Site investigation and resample collected. Confirmed disinfectant levels. No E. coli detected in resample. Informed DH of initial and resample results). (CHW Water Quality Report 2010/11)
“E.coli

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

Timor (Victoria) – Trihalomethanes

7 & 8 July 2008 Timor (Customer Tap) – Maryborough System – Trihalomethanes 0.380mg/L. Commissioning of chloramination plant in November 2008 for water quality improvements. Informed DHS. One Section 22 submitted for all THM non-compliances expected to occur
until 30 August 2009. (CHW Water Quality Report 2008/9)

7 October 2008 Timor (Customer Tap) – Maryborough System – Trihalomethanes 0.470mg/L. Commissioning of chloramination plant in November 2008. Informed DHS. One Section 22 submitted for all THM non-compliances expected to occur until 30 November 2008. (CHW Water Quality Report 2008/9)

11 November 2008 Timor (Customer Tap) – (Maryborough System) -Trihalomethanes 0.290mg/L Commissioning of chloramination plant in November 2008. Informed DHS. One Section 22 submitted for all THM non-compliances expected to occur until 31 December 2008. (CHW Water Quality Report 2008/9)

2007/8: Timor 0.560mg/L THM’s (Highest Level Only)

2014/15: Timor Trihalomethanes 280ug/L

Trihalomethanes Australian Guideline Level 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

Timor – Victoria – Total Dissolved Solids

2008/9: Timor (Victoria) – Total Dissolved Solids 1600 mg/L

2009/10: Timor (Victoria) – Total Dissolved Solids 850 mg/L

2010/11: Timor (Victoria) – Total Dissolved Solids 900 mg/L

2015/16 Timor Total Dissolved Solids 700mg/L

2016/17Timor Total Dissolved Solids 700mg/L

GUIDELINE

“No specific health guideline value is provided for total dissolved solids (TDS), as there are no
health effects directly attributable to TDS. However for good palatability total dissolved solids
in drinking water should not exceed 600 mg/L.

Total dissolved solids (TDS) consist of inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter that are dissolved in water. Clay particles, colloidal iron and manganese oxides and silica, fine enough to pass through a 0.45 micron filter membrane can also contribute to total dissolved solids.

Total dissolved solids comprise: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulfate, bicarbonate, carbonate, silica, organic matter, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, nitrite and phosphates…” Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011

Timor – Victoria – Hardness

2008/09: Timor (Victoria) – Hardness 840mg/L

2009/10: Timor (Victoria) – Hardness 370mg/L

2010/11: Timor (Victoria) – Hardness 420mg/L

2014/15: Talbot Hardness 220mg/L

2014/15: Timor Hardness 280mg/L

2015/16 Timor Hardness 390mg/L

2016/17: Timor Hardness 390mg/L

2018/19: Timor Hardness 220mg/L

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

Timor –  Victoria – Iron

2008/09: Timor (Victoria)  – Iron 0.41mg/L (Highest level only)

2020/21: Timor (Victoria)  – Iron 0.44mg/L (Highest level only)

Based on aesthetic considerations (precipitation of iron from solution and taste),
the concentration of iron in drinking water should not exceed 0.3 mg/L.
No health-based guideline value has been set for iron.

Iron has a taste threshold of about 0.3 mg/L in water, and becomes objectionable above 3 mg/L. High iron concentrations give water an undesirable rust-brown appearance and can cause staining of laundry and plumbing fittings, fouling of ion-exchange softeners, and blockages in irrigation systems. Growths of iron bacteria, which concentrate iron, may cause taste and odour problems and lead to pipe restrictions, blockages and corrosion. ADWG 2011

Timor (Victoria) – pH (alkaline)

Average pH: 2017-18: 8.8 pH units

Average pH: 2018-19: 8.7 pH units

Average pH: 2020-21: 8.7 pH units

Based on the need to reduce corrosion and encrustation in pipes and fittings, the pH of
drinking water should be between 6.5 and 8.5.

New concrete tanks and cement-mortar lined pipes can significantly increase pH and
a value up to 9.2 may be tolerated, provided monitoring indicates no deterioration in
microbiological quality.

pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration of water. It is measured on a logarithmic scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, greater than 7 is alkaline, and less than 7 is acidic.

One of the major objectives in controlling pH is to minimise corrosion and encrustation in pipes and fittings. Corrosion can be reduced by the formation of a protective layer of calcium carbonate on the inside of the pipe or fitting, and the formation of this layer is affected by pH, temperature, the availability of calcium (hardness) and carbon dioxide. If the water is too alkaline (above pH 8.5), the rapid deposition and build-up of calcium carbonate that can result may eventually block the pipe.

2019/20 – Timor (Victoria) – Lead

2019/20: Timor (Victoria) – Lead 0.012ug/L

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

2020/21 – Timor (Victoria) Turbidity

2020/21: Timor (Victoria) – Turbidity 7.1NTU (max), 0.5NTU (av.)

Chlorine-resistant pathogen reduction: Where filtration alone is used as the water treatment
process to address identified risks from Cryptosporidium and Giardia, it is essential
that filtration is optimised and consequently the target for the turbidity of water leaving
individual filters should be less than 0.2 NTU, and should not exceed 0.5 NTU at any time
Disinfection: A turbidity of less than 1 NTU is desirable at the time of disinfection with
chlorine unless a higher value can be validated in a specific context.
Aesthetic: Based on aesthetic considerations, the turbidity should not exceed 5 NTU at the
consumer’s tap.