The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has partnered with the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) to sample and test floodwaters for disease-causing bacteria and contaminants.
Chief Environmental Scientist at EPA, Mark Taylor said VICSES members had been collecting samples of flood waters from impacted regions and waterways across Victoria to further understand the level of risk to human health and the environment.
“Once collected, the EPA then tests these samples for bacteria (E. coli, an indicator for faecal contamination) and a range of trace elements (such as metals and metalloids) and contaminants (organic chemicals such as pesticides, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and petroleum hydrocarbons),” Professor Taylor said.
“We treat all flood water as contaminated, and this testing will give us a greater understanding of what the statewide picture looks like.”
He said results from the first round tests showed a generally better than expected picture for contamination in most locations, with only the water from the Goulburn River at Shepparton showing very high levels of the faecal bacterial indicator E. coli.
Professor Taylor said the research showed the presence of faecal matter in all tested waters but at generally low levels.
“These results are only indicative but show a similar picture to what we found in other floodwater tests at the Maribyrnong River with a better-than-expected outcome,” the Chief Environmental Scientist said
“SES collected samples at multiple flood locations, and we can see a general trend that the high flow of water is reducing contamination,” he said.
“But this is going to be variable, and we need to continue to treat all flood water as contaminated and avoid contact with it wherever possible.”
Professor Taylor said water samples would continue to be collected once a week, for the next three weeks with results made available as soon as possible, along with any health advice that might be necessary.
He said to protect their health, people should always assume that all floodwater was contaminated.
“Avoid contact with polluted water and sediment if possible, and visit the EPA website for more information on how you can stay safe.”
The EPA website can be accessed at this PS News link.
