Elliot (Northern Territory) – E.coli
2003/4: E coli (org/ 100ml) 3 positive samples. 93.8% compliance for year
2007/8: Elliot E. coli 1 exceedances 96.2% compliance for year
2008/9: Elliot (Northern Territory) – E.coli 1 exceedance
7/3/11: Elliott1 2 samples 3 and 6 (org/100ml)
2010/11: E. coli 2 positive detections 97.8% compliance for year
Elliot 16 July 2014: Samples with E.coli detections (1). Number of E.coli detected in sample (MPN/10ml) (4)
Elliot 18 August 2014: Samples with E.coli detections (1). Number of E.coli detected in sample (MPN/10ml) (1)
“Access by frogs or lizards was likely a contributing factor to the detection in Elliott on 18 August 2014 and was corrected by increasing the chlorine dosing, flushing the overflow pipework and sealing it with a one-way valve… The Elliott water supply had a series of E. coli detections in July 2014 that triggered a boil water alert. E. coli was detected from a sample taken from the distribution tank on 16 July 2014. When samples taken on 18 and 20 July 2014 found E. coli still present, a boil water alert was issued by the DoH. Power and Water took the tank offline, increased disinfection, flushed and resampled. Samples taken on 22 July 2014 were found to be clear. The boil water alert was lifted the following day….” Power and Water Corporation Water Quality Report 2016
“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
Elliott (Northern Territory) – Lead
2020/21: Elliott (Northern Territory) – Lead 0.01mg/L (95th %)
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
Elliot – Northern Territory – Hardness
2003/4: Elliot Hardness 380mg/L
2004/05: Elliott Hardness 385mg/L
2005/06: Elliott Hardness 386mg/L
2006/07: Elliot Hardness 395mg/L
2008/09: Elliott Hardness 412mg/L
2009/10: Elliot Hardness 396mg/L
2010/11: Elliot Hardness 396mg/L
2011/12: Elliot Hardness 407mg/L
2012/13: Elliot Hardness 404mg/L
2013/14: Elliot Hardness 403mg/L
2014/15: Elliot Hardness 440mg/L
2015/16: Elliot Hardness 440mg/L
2016/17: Elliot Hardness 453mg/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
Elliot – (Northern Territory) – Iodine
2007/08: Elliot Iodine 0.12mg/L
2008/09: Elliot Iodine 0.13mg/L
2009/10: Elliot Iodine 0.12mg/L
2010/11: Elliot Iodine 0.12mg/L
2011/12: Elliot Iodine 0.12mg/L
GUIDELINE
Iodide: Based on health considerations, the concentration of iodide in drinking water should
not exceed 0.5 mg/L.
Iodine: No guideline value has been set for molecular iodine.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The element iodine is present naturally in seawater, nitrate minerals and seaweed, mostly in the form of iodide salts. It may be present in water due to leaching from salt and mineral deposits. Iodide can be oxidised to molecular iodine with strong disinfectants such as chlorine.
Molecular iodine solutions are used as antiseptics and as sanitising agents in hospitals and laboratories.
Iodine is occasionally used for the emergency disinfection of water for field use but is not used for disinfecting larger drinking water supplies. Iodide is used in pharmaceutical and photographic materials.
Iodine has a taste threshold in water of about 0.15 mg/L.
Iodide occurs in cows’ milk and seafood. Some countries add iodide to table salt to compensate for iodide-deficient diets.
TYPICAL VALUES IN AUSTRALIAN DRINKING WATER
Concentrations of iodide in Australian source or treated water ranges from 0.005 to 2.9 mg/L (median 0.03 mg/L, mean 0.1 mg/L).
Elliot – Northern Territory – Total Dissolved Solids
2016/17: Elliot Total Dissolved Solids 748mg/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