http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?cid=13571&cat=dis&lang=engA blue-green algal bloom has taken over most of Warragamba Dam and small levels of toxins have been found just below the surface. But water and health experts say Sydney's drinking water is not under threat. Water Minister Phil Koperberg said the bloom now stretched across 75 per cent of the dam - more than 58 kilometres. He said drinking water was being sourced from 48 metres below the surface so the quality was not under threat. Mr Koperberg said warmer weather had provided the perfect conditions for the bloom to grow and could be present until Christmas. "Testing is being conducted regularly by the Sydney Catchment Authority and Sydney Water of both the raw and treated water before it is supplied to Sydneysiders to drink," Mr Koperberg said. Mr Koperberg said it was possible Sydney's drinking water could be mildly affected, but any effects would be limited with water being safely drawn from 48 metres below the algae. "There could be a discernible odour or taste with the water in the coming months,'' he said. "It is not a health risk whatsoever, even though part of the rigorous testing that Sydney Water and Health undertake has detected some microcystins - which are a group of molecules which contain some toxicity. "Those levels are well below the Australian standards for drinking water safety. The main issue with this bloom is its visibility.'' Recent testing of the algae had shown three positive samples of detectable levels of microcystins, toxins that could cause skin irritations and stomach upsets in large doses. Acting NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the levels were very low and had been found from just below the surface, not from where drinking water was being sourced.)
--------------------------------
cripe
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
