Most people in Quorn won’t drink the water even though it’s up to standard. So what are the standards?
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sa-regional-drive/quorn-water-what-are-the-water-quality-standards/103081296
8 November 2023
Most Quorn residents in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges won’t drink the water despite the fact it passes the state’s quality standards.
So what are the standards, and should they be reviewed?
James Findlay asked David Cunliffe, SA Health’s Principal Water Quality Advisor, what he thought about a water quality standard review.
Quorn (South Australia) – Gross Alpha Activity
23/2/21: Quorn 23/2/21 Gross Alpha Activity 0.81Bq/L
23/2/21: Quorn 23/2/21 Gross Alpha Activity (K-40 corrected) 0.364Bq/L (+-0.24)
31/5/21: Quorn 31/5/21 Gross Alpha Activity 0.68Bq/L (+-0.11)Bq/L
31/5/21: Quorn 31/5/21 Gross Alpha Activity (K-40 corrected) 0.3Bq/L (+-0.24)
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.
Quorn (South Australia) – Chloride
September 19 2016 Quorn (South Australia) Chloride 423mg/L
January 9 2017 Quorn (South Australia) Chloride 423mg/L
April 3 2017 Quorn (South Australia) Chloride 372mg/L
June 26 2017 Quorn (South Australia) Chloride 397mg/L
2018/19: Quorn (South Australia) Chloride 405mg/L (max), 383mg/L (av.)
2019/20: Quorn Chloride 409mg/L (max). 390.2mg/L av.
2022/23: Quorn Chloride 419mg/L (max). 2019/20 av. 399mg/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
Quorn – South Australia – Calcium Hardness
September 19 2016: Quorn (South Australia) – Calcium Hardness 202mg/L
2018/19: Quorn (South Australia) – Hardness 204mg/L (max), 196.5mg/L (av.)
2018/19: Quorn (South Australia) – Hardness as CaCO3 518mg/L (max), 495mg/L (av.)
2019/20: Quorn Total Hardness as CaCO3 521mg/L (max), 502.4mg/L av.
2019/20: Quorn Calcium Hardness as CaCO3 204mg/L (max), 197.5mg/L av.
2022/23: Quorn Calcium Hardness as CaCO3 208mg/L (max), 201mg/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
Quorn (South Australia) – Sodium
19/9/16 Quorn Sodium 227mg/L
9/1/17 Quorn Sodium 253mg/L
3/4/17 Quorn Sodium 229mg/L
26/6/17 Quorn Sodium 237mg/L
2018/19: Quorn (South Australia). Sodium 254mg/L (max), 233.5mg/L (av. 2018/19)
30/3/20: Quorn Sodium 247mg/L (max), 236.8mg/L (av. 2019/20)
30/3/20: Quorn Sodium 252mg/L (max), 229.25mg/L (av. 2022/23)
“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
Quorn (South Australia) – Total Dissolved Solids
2018/19: Quorn (South Australia) Total Dissolved Solids 1200mg/L (max), 1175mg/L (av.)
2019/20: Quorn Total Dissolved Solids (by EC) 1210mg/L (max), 1176mg/L (av.)
2022/23: Quorn Total Dissolved Solids (by EC) 1220mg/L (max), 1200mg/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
Quorn mayor and residents plead for better water source for Flinders Ranges town
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-01/flinders-ranges-town-quorn-faces-hurdle-in-improved-water-supply/103048496
Residents of a South Australian town have been left disappointed their plea for drinkable mains water has again fallen on deaf ears.
The township of Quorn, 40 kilometres north-west of Port Augusta, has been calling on SA Water to improve its water quality.
Just 3 per cent of the town’s 1,232 residents drink the mains water, an SA Water survey found. The remainder rely on rainwater or bottled water, which they say could be resolved if a desalination plant were built.
Residents complain of high salinity and mineral levels in the water, which they say makes it unpleasant to drink and leads to build-up in appliances.
Barbara Walker has been living in Quorn for two decades and says the tap water is of low quality.
“I can’t use the town water in the shower because it affects my skin and my feet and my hands … we’re paying for our water in Quorn, and we can’t use it,” Mrs Walker said.
Flinders Ranges Council mayor Ken Anderson travelled with residents to Adelaide to show the extent of damage to their plumbing and call for immediate action.
The Flinders Ranges Council said they have been lobbying SA Water for better water quality for three decades, with no action.
Corroded plumbing, low water quality
Quorn was identified by SA Water as one of three “priority” towns in its long-term plan for improving drinking water aesthetics, looking at water quality across the state.
SA Water’s plan found half of Quorn residents have had to replace their taps three or more times in the past five years.
Mayor Anderson said the town has been facing this crisis for more than three decades, with residents footing costly bills for corroded plumbing and alternative water sources.
“We’ve had long discussions with SA Water and it’s falling on deaf ears,” Mayor Anderson said.
SA Water released its 2024 Regulatory Determination which excluded Quorn once more, leaving the local mayor and residents dismayed.
“We’re pretty disappointed to be left out of the four-year plan again, which means the community has to wait for another four, maybe eight years to get this problem solved,” Mayor Anderson said.
Local Government Association chief executive Clinton Jury said he has seen “similar issues” in other regional communities, but never as bad as in Quorn.
“Even the dogs won’t drink the water,” Mr Jury said.
“We’re coming into a really, hot dry summer and the issue is only going to get worse.”
Pensioners feeling the bite
Quorn has a significantly older population on average, with a median age of 53 compared to 41 across the state.
Research undertaken by the Council on the Ageing SA’s operation The Plug-In and funded by the Department for Environment and Water and the Consumer Advocacy Research Fund found elderly residents were struggling to use alternative water sources.
“My mum is 78 … and trying to scrub a bathroom because of the water quality, there’s a risk of falls because she’s carrying something and her balance is off,” one respondent said.
“I’ve got a whole heap of taps that are frozen now, but I just don’t use them,” another said.
“I can’t afford to get them fixed on a pension … one bathroom doesn’t work.”
Desalination cost too high
The council wants to see a groundwater desalination plant built in the township to supply Quorn with higher-quality water. However, the $50.9 million price tag was deemed too hefty by SA Water.
A spokesperson said the desalination plant would cost $42,000 per benefiting resident in Quorn.
“We understand this may not be the outcome desired by the local community. However, we cannot currently support expenditure for this aesthetic water upgrade to one community in lieu of other projects supporting the delivery of our essential water and sewer services across the state,” a spokesperson said.
State Environment Minister Susan Close said the cost to build the desalination plant could not be justified in the current economic climate.
“It has not been included as part of the 2024–28 regulatory proposal due to the utility’s need to prioritise meeting its existing obligations without putting excessive pressure on water prices … Quorn’s water supply is deemed safe to drink and currently meets Australian standards,” Minister Close said.
An SA Water spokesperson said Quorn will remain “a priority area” and they would continue to assess the inclusion of any water quality upgrades as part of future regulatory proposals.