Australian Drinking Water Map

Melrose (South Australia) – Gross Alpha Activity

12/6/24: Melrose (South Australia) Total Alpha Activity 0.61* +-0.09 Bq/L

Radium-226 and Radium-228 should be determined if the gross alpha radioactivity in drinking water exceeds 0.5 Bq/L, or the gross beta activity (with the contribution of potassium-40 subtracted) exceeds 0.5 Bq/L.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Radium isotopes are formed as a result of radioactive decay of uranium-238 and thorium-232, both of which occur naturally in the environment. The two most significant isotopes in this process, in terms of radiological health, are radium-226 (uranium series) and radium-228 (thorium series), which have half-lives of 1620 years and 5.8 years, respectively.
Radium-226 is an alpha emitter. It has been used, separated from its parent uranium, in cancer therapy.
Of the radionuclides that comprise the natural thorium and uranium series, radium-226 and radium-228 are those most likely to be found in drinking water, and this occurs more commonly in supplies derived from groundwater. Concentrations in surface water are likely to be extremely low. Concentrations of radium isotopes in groundwater vary according to the type of aquifer minerals and dissolved anions such as chloride, carbonate, and sulfate anions, which tend to increase the mobility of radium.
Radium is widespread in the environment and trace amounts are found in many foods. The average dietary intake is estimated to be 15 Bq per year (UNSCEAR 2000).
TYPICAL VALUES IN AUSTRALIAN DRINKING WATER
In supplies derived from groundwater sources, radium-226 and radium-228 concentrations vary
considerably depending on the aquifer, and it is not uncommon in small supplies to find concentrations up to, or exceeding, 0.5 Bq/L. Radium concentrations in Australian surface water supplies are generally below 0.02 Bq/L.

Melrose (South Australia) – Chloride

August 16 2016 Melrose (South Australia)  Chloride 547mg/L

November 7 2016 Melrose (South Australia)  Chloride 527mg/L

February 27 2017 Melrose (South Australia)  Chloride 543mg/L

May 22 2017 Melrose (South Australia)  Chloride 567mg/L

2018/19: Melrose (South Australia) Chloride 584mg/L (max), 573.25mg/L (av.)

2019/20: Melrose (South Australia) Chloride 573mg/L (max). 561.75mg/L av.

2022/23: Melrose (South Australia) Chloride 597mg/L (max). 582.75mg/L av.

“Chloride is present in natural waters from the dissolution of salt deposits, and contamination from effluent disposal. Sodium chloride is widely used in the production of industrial chemicals such as caustic soda, chlorine, and sodium chlorite and hypochlorite. Potassium chloride is used in the production of fertilisers.

The taste threshold of chloride in water is dependent on the associated cation but is in the range 200–300 mg/L. The chloride content of water can affect corrosion of pipes and fittings. It can also affect the solubility of metal ions.

In surface water, the concentration of chloride is usually less than 100 mg/L and frequently below 10 mg/L. Groundwater can have higher concentrations, particularly if there is salt water intrusion.

Based on aesthetic considerations, the chloride concentration in drinking water should not exceed 250 mg/L.

No health-based guideline value is proposed for chloride.” 2011 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

Melrose (South Australia) – Sodium

16/8/16 Melrose  Sodium 411mg/L

7/11/16 Melrose Sodium 388mg/L

27/2/17 Melrose Sodium 408mg/L

22/5/17 Melrose Sodium 393mg/L

2018/19: Melrose (South Australia). Sodium 419mg/L (max), 414.75mg/L (av.)

19/11/19: Melrose (South Australia) Sodium 450mg/L (max), 417mg/L (av. 2019/20)

2022/23: Melrose (South Australia) Sodium 452mg/L (max), 405.75mg/L (av.)

2024/25: Melrose (South Australia) Sodium 445mg/L (max), 407mg/L (av.)

“Based on aesthetic considerations (taste), the concentration of sodium in drinking water
should not exceed 180 mg/L….The sodium ion is widespread in water due to the high solubility of sodium salts and the abundance of mineral deposits. Near coastal areas, windborne sea spray can make an important contribution either by fallout onto land surfaces where it can drain to drinking water sources, or from washout by rain. Apart from saline intrusion and natural contamination, water treatment chemicals, domestic water softeners and
sewage effluent can contribute to the sodium content of drinking water.” ADWG 2011

Melrose (South Australia) – Total Dissolved Solids

2018/19: Melrose (South Australia) Total Dissolved Solids 1600mg/L (max), 1525mg/L (av)

2019/20: Melrose (South Australia) Total Dissolved Solids (by EC) 1600mg/L (max), 1515mg/L av.

2022/23: Melrose (South Australia) Total Dissolved Solids (by EC) 1540mg/L (max), 1502.5mg/L av.

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

Melrose (South Australia) – Hardness

2018/19: Melrose (South Australia) Hardness as CaCO3 351mg/L (max), 345mg/L (mean)

2019/20: Melrose (South Australia) Total Hardness as CaCO3 363mg/L (max), 351.25mg/L av.

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

Melrose (South Australia) – Selenium

15/2/22: Melrose Selenium 0.0031mg/L

15/2/22: Melrose 28-30 Stuart Street Selenium 0.003mg/L

15/2/23: Melrose 28-30 Stuart Street Selenium 0.003mg/L

Based on health considerations, the concentration of selenium in drinking water should not exceed 0.004 mg/L (2011-2025 guideline 0.01mg/L). “General description Selenium (Se) and selenium salts are widespread in the environment. Selenium is released from natural and human-made sources (such as the burning of coal). Selenium is also a by-product of the processing of sulfide ores, chiefly in the copper refining industry. The major use of selenium is in the manufacture of electronic components. It is used in several other industries, and selenium compounds are used in some insecticides, in hair shampoos as an antidandruff agent, and as a nutritional feed additive for poultry and livestock. Selenium copper alloys have also been identified as a potential replacement for lead copper alloys in plumbing products. Further information on lead replacements in plumbing products (such as selenium copper alloys) is available in Information Sheet 4.1 – Metal and metalloid chemicals leaching from plumbing products. Selenium concentrations in drinking water source waters are generally very low and depend on local geochemistry, climatic conditions (e.g. drought), pH and the presence of iron salts. Selenium in water is mainly present as inorganic compounds, predominantly selenate. Weathering of rocks and soil may result in low levels of selenium in water, which may be taken up by plants (SLR 2022). Food is the major source of intake for Australians. Cereal and grain products contribute most to intake, while fish and liver contain the highest selenium concentrations.” ADWG 2025

2016/25 – Melrose (South Australia) – Gross Alpha Activity, Chloride, Sodium, Total Dissolved Solids, Hardness, Selenium

in , , ,
Melrose (South Australia) – Gross Alpha Activity 12/6/24: Melrose (South Australia) Total Alpha Activity 0.61* +-0.09 Bq/L Radium-226 and Radium-228 should be determined if the gross alpha radioactivity in drinking water exceeds 0.5 Bq/L, or the gross beta activity (with the contribution of potassium-40 subtracted) exceeds 0.5 Bq/L. GENERAL DESCRIPTION Radium isotopes are formed as a result of radioactive decay of uranium-238 and thorium-232, both of which occur naturally in the environment. The two most significant isotopes in this process, in terms of radiological health, are radium-226 (uranium series) and radium-228 (thorium series), which have half-lives of 1620 years and 5.8 years, respectively. Radium-226 is an alpha emitter. It has been used, separated from its parent uranium, in cancer therapy. Of the radionuclides that comprise the natural thorium and uranium series, radium-226 and radium-228 are those most likely to be found in drinking water, and this occurs more commonly in supplies derived from groundwater. Concentrations in surface water are likely to be extremely low. Concentrations of radium isotopes in groundwater vary according to the type of aquifer minerals and dissolved anions such as chloride, carbonate, and sulfate anions, which tend to increase the mobility of radium. Radium is widespread in the environment and trace amounts are found in many foods. The average dietary intake is estimated to be 15 Bq per year (UNSCEAR 2000). TYPICAL VALUES IN AUSTRALIAN DRINKING WATER In supplies derived from groundwater sources, radium-226 and radium-228 concentrations vary considerably depending on the aquifer, and it is not uncommon in small supplies to find concentrations up to, or exceeding, 0.5 Bq/L. Radium concentrations in Australian surface water supplies are generally below 0.02 Bq/L. Melrose (South Australia) – Chloride August 16 2016 Melrose (South Australia)  Chloride 547mg/L November 7 2016 Melrose (South Australia)  Chloride 527mg/L February 27 2017 Melrose (South Australia)  Chloride 543mg/L May 22 2017 Melrose (South Australia)  Chloride 567mg/L 2018/19: Melrose (South Australia) Chloride 584mg/L (max), 573.25mg/L (av.) 2019/20: Melrose (South Australia) Chloride 573mg/L (max). 561.75mg/L av. 2022/23: Melrose (South Australia) Chloride 597mg/L (max). 582.75mg/L av. “Chloride is present in natural waters from the dissolution of salt deposits, and contamination from effluent disposal. Sodium chloride is widely used in the production of industrial chemicals such as caustic soda, chlorine, and sodium chlorite and hypochlorite. Potassium chloride is used in the production of fertilisers. The taste threshold of chloride in water is dependent on the associated cation but is in the range 200–300 mg/L. The chloride content of water can affect corrosion of pipes and fittings. It can also affect the solubility of metal ions. In surface water, the concentration of chloride is usually less than 100 mg/L and frequently below 10 mg/L. Groundwater can have higher concentrations, particularly if there is salt water intrusion. Based on aesthetic considerations, the chloride concentration in drinking water should not exceed 250 mg/L. No health-based guideline value is proposed for chloride.” 2011 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines Melrose (South Australia) – Sodium 16/8/16 Melrose  Sodium 411mg/L 7/11/16 Melrose Sodium 388mg/L 27/2/17 Melrose Sodium 408mg/L 22/5/17 Melrose Sodium 393mg/L 2018/19: Melrose (South Australia). Sodium 419mg/L (max), 414.75mg/L (av.) 19/11/19: Melrose (South Australia) Sodium 450mg/L (max), 417mg/L (av. 2019/20) 2022/23: Melrose (South Australia) Sodium 452mg/L (max), 405.75mg/L (av.) 2024/25: Melrose (South Australia) Sodium 445mg/L (max), 407mg/L (av.) “Based on aesthetic considerations (taste), the concentration of sodium in drinking water should not exceed 180 mg/L….The sodium ion is widespread in water due to the high solubility of sodium salts and the abundance of mineral deposits. Near coastal areas, windborne sea spray can make an important contribution either by fallout onto land surfaces where it can drain to drinking water sources, or from washout by rain. Apart from saline intrusion and natural contamination, water treatment chemicals, domestic water softeners and sewage effluent can contribute to the sodium content of drinking water.” ADWG 2011 Melrose (South Australia) – Total Dissolved Solids 2018/19: Melrose (South Australia) Total Dissolved Solids 1600mg/L (max), 1525mg/L (av) 2019/20: Melrose (South Australia) Total Dissolved Solids (by EC) 1600mg/L (max), 1515mg/L av. 2022/23: Melrose (South Australia) Total Dissolved Solids (by EC) 1540mg/L (max), 1502.5mg/L av. 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 Melrose (South Australia) – Hardness 2018/19: Melrose (South Australia) Hardness as CaCO3 351mg/L (max), 345mg/L (mean) 2019/20: Melrose (South Australia) Total Hardness as CaCO3 363mg/L (max), 351.25mg/L av. 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 Melrose (South Australia) – Selenium 15/2/22: Melrose Selenium 0.0031mg/L 15/2/22: Melrose 28-30 Stuart Street Selenium 0.003mg/L 15/2/23: Melrose 28-30 Stuart Street Selenium 0.003mg/L Based on health considerations, the concentration of selenium in drinking water should not exceed 0.004 mg/L (2011-2025 guideline 0.01mg/L). “General description Selenium (Se) and selenium salts are widespread in the environment. Selenium is released from natural and human-made sources (such as the burning of coal). Selenium is also a by-product of the processing of sulfide ores, chiefly in the copper refining industry. The major use of selenium is in the manufacture of electronic components. It is used in several other industries, and selenium compounds are used in some insecticides, in hair shampoos as an antidandruff agent, and as a nutritional feed additive for poultry and livestock. Selenium copper alloys have also been identified as a potential replacement for lead copper alloys in plumbing products. Further information on lead replacements in plumbing products (such as selenium copper alloys) is available in Information Sheet 4.1 – Metal and metalloid chemicals leaching from plumbing products. Selenium concentrations in drinking water source waters are generally very low and depend on local geochemistry, climatic conditions (e.g. drought), pH and the presence of iron salts. Selenium in water is mainly present as inorganic compounds, predominantly selenate. Weathering of rocks and soil may result in low levels of selenium in water, which may be taken up by plants (SLR 2022). Food is the major source of intake for Australians. Cereal and grain products contribute most to intake, while fish and liver contain the highest selenium concentrations.” ADWG 2025