2009/17 – Birdsville (Queensland) – E.coli, Fluoride, Total Dissolved Solids

Birdsville (Queensland): E.coli
2011 E.coli 15 organisms/100mL (highest detection)
The positive E.coli readings in early 2011 were associated with failure of the reservoir roof. It had rusted badly and was allowing access for birds and possibly small animals. The roof was replaced and is now vermin-proof. No E.coli have been detected since.
https://www.diamantina.qld.gov.au/documents/800087/3941578/Diamantina%20DWQMP%20v2a%20%28ID%20113389%29.pdf
2009/17: E.coli Number of samples 81. Maximum value 1 CFU/100mL. Average value 0.025 CFU/100mL. 2 Exceedances

“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

Birdsville (Queensland) – Fluoride

2009/13: Birdsville (Queensland) – Fluoride 2.5mg/L (Highest Level) – 1.75mg/L (average)

2009/17: Birdsville (Queensland) – Fluoride 2.5mg/L (highest Level) – 1.703mg/L (average). 0.6mg/L (lowest). 2.225 95th percentile.  22 exceedances.

Based on health considerations, the concentration of fluoride in drinking water should not exceed 1.5 mg/L.

“Fluoride occurs naturally in seawater (1.4 mg/L), soil (up to 300 parts per million) and air (from volcanic gases and industrial pollution). Naturally occurring fluoride concentrations in drinking water depend on the type of soil and rock through which the water drains. Generally, concentrations in surface water are relatively low (<0.1–0.5 mg/L), while water from deeper wells may have quite high concentrations (1–10 mg/L) if the rock formations are fluoride-rich.” 2011 ADWG

Birdsville – Queensland – Total Dissolved Solids

2009/13: Birdsville (Queensland) – Total Dissolved Solids 1000 mg/L (Maximum Level)

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.