Gooburrum (Queensland) – Nitrate

On 14 May 2015 during routine analysis, it was found that a sample taken in the Gooburrum WTP reservoir exceeded the ADWG health value of 50.0mg/L for Nitrate. The reported level was 51.32mg/L

2015/16: Gooburrum (Queensland) – Nitrate 52.496mg/L (High), 51.947mg/L (average)

2016/17: Gooburrum (Queensland) – Nitrate 57mg/L (High), 54mg/L (average)

2017/18: Gooburrum (Queensland) – Nitrate 59mg/L (High), 49.4mg/L (average)

Incident Resolved: Gooburrum WTP –Nitrate Exceedance.The remedial work as reported in the 2016/2017 DWQMP Annual Report was completed in February 2018. This work has returned the Nitrate level back under the ADWG Health value (50mg/L). Nitrate levels are now averaging around the mid-thirties.It may be noted that the maximum and average results on page 22 do not reflect this, however this is due to the higher Nitrate levels that were being experienced prior to the completion of the remedial work. Conversely, the minimum result does reflect where the Nitrate level is now sitting…

Nitrate: ADWG Guideline 50mg/L. Nitrate is the product of oxygenated nitrogen created from the breakdown of organic matter; lightning strikes; inorganic pesticides; or explosives. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines recommend that nitrate levels between 50-100mg/L are a health consideration for infants less than three months, although levels up to 100mg/L can be safely consumed by adults. Mainly a problem in Northern Territory and some communities in Western Australia. “Cue, Meekatharra, Mount Magnet, New Norcia, Sandstone, Wiluna and Yalgoo have been granted an exemption from compliance with the nitrate guideline by the Department of Health. The water supplied is harmless to adults and children over the age of 3 months of age. Carers of infants younger than three months should seek advice from the Community Health Nurse regarding the use of alternative water sources for the preparation of bottle feeds. The Water Corporation provides bottled water free of charge for this purpose.”