Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has completed its latest round of floodwater testing, revealing that it found fluctuating levels of contaminants at all of its testing sites.
Chief Environmental Scientist at EPA, Mark Taylor said testing of Maribyrnong River floodwater showed that while contaminants of potential concern were generally below health guidelines, bacteria levels in the water fluctuated widely and its recreational water quality was poor.
“Bacteria levels subside quickly but our testing shows at some locations on the river, E.coli levels were many times above the guidelines, at least for a period of time,” Professor Taylor said.
“For example, E.coli results at Footscray Rowing Club on 2 November were 410, under the 550 Most Probable Number per 100 ml (MPN/100ml) guideline,” he said.
“But our tests on 9 November showed an increase to 1,600 MPN/100ml.”
Professor Taylor warned that rains washed more contamination into the water which would then subside, and the EPA expected to see some wide variations.
He said low E. coli levels were detected at Little Murray River at Swan Hill, Murray River at Swan Hill, Campaspe River upstream of Rochester, Campaspe River at Rochester, Murray, Goulburn and Campaspe Rivers at Echuca.
“Our advice remains to avoid contact with flood water wherever possible,” the Chief Scientist said.
“E. coli indicates that faecal contamination is present.
“Just because E. coli levels are low does not mean that there is no risk to health,” he said. “We’re being cautious because the situation is highly variable.”
Further information from EPA on the flood-impacted rivers can be accessed at this PS News link.
