2017/18 – Grovely (Queensland) – E.coli

Grovely (Queensland): E.coli
4/1/17 E. coli Grovely The first non-compliance was a detection of E. coli from a routine sample taken on 4/1/17 at SP264. 6MPN E. coli organisms per 100mL was detected. Follow up samples indicated no continued presence of E. coli. Grovely 2 reservoir required major roof works. Once complete, the roof was flood tested to stress test works before acceptance. Vermin proofing
enhancements and gutter improvement have been applied. Grovely 2 reservoir is now equipped with online chlorine monitoring.
21/4/17 E. coli Grovely The non-compliance was a detection of E. coli from a routine sample taken on 20/4/17 at SP264. 1MPN E. coli organisms per 100mL was detected. Follow up samples indicated no continued presence of E. coli. In collaboration with our bulk water supplier, Seqwater, we are undertaking further development of site specific, disinfection targets and corrective actions to detect disinfection levels, and alert when levels are outside normal operational parameters.
https://www.urbanutilities.com.au/~/media/quu/pdfs/about%20us/publications/drinking%20water%20quality%20management%20plan%20report%20201617%20final.ashx
27/12/17: The non-compliance was a detection of E. coli from a routine sample taken on 27/12/17 at SP264. 1MPN E. coli organisms per 100mL was detected. Follow up samples exhibited no continued presence of E. coli.
6/2/18: The non-compliance was a detection of E. coli from a routine sample taken on 6/2/18 at SP79. 1MPN E. coli organisms per 100mL was detected. Follow up samples exhibited no continued presence of E. coli.

“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