2017/18: Gulargambone (New South Wales) – Iron
The water supply in Gulargambone is drawn from the same aquafer as Coonamble; however regular testing program undertaken to date indicates that the Gulargambone water supply quality meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) current records show that only iron exceeds ADWG limits. Gulargambone water typically contains: Dissolved Iron 0.3 to 2.0 mg/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