Barrington (Tasmania) – Chlorella Detection
March 2 2016 Water Treatment Plant Outlet Sample Point. Chlorella (Algae) Detected 950 cells/mL
Barrington (Tasmania) – Lead
November 4 2015: Barrington (Tasmania) – Lead 0.0106mg/L
Based on health considerations, the concentration of lead in drinking water should not
exceed 0.01 mg/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…
Lead can be absorbed by the body through inhalation, ingestion or placental transfer. In adults,
approximately 10% of ingested lead is absorbed but in children this figure can be 4 to 5 times higher. After absorption, the lead is distributed in soft tissue such as the kidney, liver, and bone marrow where it has a biological half-life in adults of less than 40 days, and in skeletal bone where it can persist for 20 to 30 years.
In humans, lead is a cumulative poison that can severely affect the central nervous system. Infants, fetuses and pregnant women are most susceptible. Placental transfer of lead occurs in humans as early as the 12th week of gestation and continues throughout development.
Many epidemiological studies have been carried out on the effects of lead exposure on the intellectual development of children. Although there are some conflicting results, on balance the studies demonstrate that exposure to lead can adversely affect intelligence.
These results are supported by experiments using young primates, where exposure to lead causes significant behavioural and learning difficulties of the same type as those observed in children.
Other adverse effects associated with exposure to high amounts of lead include kidney damage, interference with the production of red blood cells, and interference with the metabolism of calcium needed for bone formation…” ADWG 2011
Barrington – Tasmania – Iron
July 8 2015: Barrington (Tasmania) Crockers Rd – Iron 984ug/L
September 2 2015: Barrington (Tasmania) Crockers Rd – Iron 473ug/L
October 14 2015: Barrington (Tasmania) Crockers Rd – Iron 925ug/L
November 4 2015: Barrington (Tasmania) Crockers Rd – Iron 355ug/L
November 19 2015: Barrington (Tasmania) Crockers Rd – Iron 824ug/L
December 2 2015: Barrington (Tasmania) Crockers Rd – Iron 1100ug/L
January 6 2016: Barrington (Tasmania) Crockers Rd – Iron 1150ug/L
February 2 2016: Barrington (Tasmania) Crockers Rd – Iron 712ug/L
April 6 2016: Barrington (Tasmania) Crockers Rd – Iron 2400ug/L
May 4 2016: Barrington (Tasmania) Crockers Rd – Iron 2490ug/L
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
Barrington (Tasmania) – Manganese
November 19 2015: Barrington (Tasmania) – Manganese 0.129mg/L
Manganese: ADWG Guidelines 0.5mg/L. ADWG Aesthetic Guideline 0.1mg/L
Manganese is found in the natural environment. Manganese in drinking water above 0.1mg/L can give water an unpleasant taste and stain plumbling fixtures and laundry.
Barrington (Tasmania) – Zinc
July 8 2015: Barrington (Tasmania) – Zinc 2.180mg/L (highest level 2015/16)
Based on aesthetic considerations (taste), the concentration of zinc in drinking water should
be less than 3 mg/L. No health-based guideline value is proposed for zinc.
Zinc is widely distributed and occurs in small amounts in almost all rocks, commonly as the sulfide. It is used as a coating to prevent corrosion of iron and steel products, and in the manufacture of brass. Zinc oxide is an important component in the manufacture of paint and rubber products, including tyres.
In surface and ground waters, the concentration of zinc from natural leaching is usually less than 0.01 mg/L. Tap water can contain much higher concentrations as a result of corrosion of zinc-coated pipes and fittings. Zinc concentrations in galvanised iron rainwater tanks are typically 2 mg/L to 4 mg/L but have been reported as high as 11 mg/L.
Taste problems can occur if the zinc concentration in drinking water exceeds 3 mg/L. Water with a zinc concentration above 5 mg/L tends to be opalescent, develops a greasy film when boiled, and has an undesirable dry ‘metallic’ taste. Zinc is present in plant and animal tissues, and food is the major source of zinc intake. Drinking water usually makes a negligible contribution to total intake. 2011 ADWG