Port MacDonnell (South Australia) – E.coli
August 23 2016: Port MacDonnell (South Australia) – E.coli 5 cfu/100ml
September 20 2016: Port MacDonnell (South Australia) – E.coli 5 cfu/100ml
Escherichia coli should not be detected in any 100 mL sample of drinking water. If detected
in drinking water, immediate action should be taken including investigation of potential
sources of faecal contamination.
“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
Port MacDonnell (South Australia) – Sodium
23/8/16 Port MacDonnell Sodium 281mg/L
15/11/16 Port MacDonnell Sodium 260mg/L
6/3/17 Port MacDonnell Sodium 273mg/L
30/5/17 Port MacDonnell Sodium 274mg/L
2018/19: Port MacDonnell Sodium 288mg/L (max), 275.75mg/L (av. 2018/19)
3/9/19: Port MacDonnell Sodium 267mg/L (max), 262.25mg/L (av. 2019/20)
29/11/22: Port MacDonnell Sodium 275mg/L (max), 263.75mg/L (av. 2022/23)
3/12/24: Port MacDonnell Sodium 260mg/L (max), 249.75mg/L (av. 2024/25)
“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
Port MacDonnell (South Australia) – Total Dissolved Solids
2018/19: Port MacDonnell (South Australia) Total Dissolved Solids 700mg/L (max), 690mg/L (av)
2019/20: Port MacDonnell Total Dissolved Solids (by EC) 705mg/L (max), 701.25mg/L av.
2022/23: Port MacDonnell Total Dissolved Solids (by EC) 705mg/L (max), 698.25mg/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
Port MacDonnell (South Australia) – Bromate
2024/25: Port MacDonnell (South Australia) 1.27mg/L (max), 0.93 (av.)
Highest bromate levels in Australia? (31.75% of ADWG)
Guideline (endorsed 2011)
Based on human health considerations, the concentration of boron in drinking water should not exceed 4 mg/L.
General description
Boron can be present in drinking water through the natural leaching of boron-containing minerals, or by contamination of water sources. The environmental chemistry of boron is not well understood. In water, the predominant form is probably boric acid, which does not dissociate readily.
Boron compounds are used in glass manufacture, cleaners, wood and leather preservatives, flame retardants, cosmetic products, antiseptics, and occasionally food preservatives; and as agricultural fertilisers, algicides, herbicides and insecticides.
In other countries, concentrations of boron in uncontaminated water sources are usually less than 1 mg/L. Concentrations up to 6.5 mg/L have been reported in ground water supplies, but these higher concentrations are associated with seawater intrusion.
Boron is present naturally in many food products, with high amounts found in foods of plant origin, especially fruits, leafy vegetables, nuts and legumes. It has been estimated that intake of boron from food is about 10 times that from water. The daily consumption of boron is 10-25 mg.
This value, however, will vary from country to country depending on population dietary habits, geographical area and soil geochemistry. In the United States, average intake values for adults range from 0.87 to 1.34 mg/day and 90 percentile intakes are about 1.5 to 2 mg/day (IOM 2001,
USEPA 2008a). In Australia, the estimated dietary intake for boron is 2.2 mg/day (Samman et al. 1998). ADWG 2011