Water is important for a healthy life. We use water for many needs; drinking, cooking and cleaning. However drinking water doesn’t always meet standards of taste or cleanliness. Factors that impact the quality of fresh drinking water:
Waterborne bacteria and viruses
- Can be caused by human and animal waste matter contamination. Parasitic diseases including cryptosporidium and giardia may cause serious illness and cysts.
Chemical waste
- Pesticides, herbicides and other chemical waste products can leach into waterways.
Environmental waste
- Single use plastic products and other rubbish cause tiny microscopic toxins and
- microplastics.
Severe weather events
- Bushfires and floods can increase the concentration of debris and pathogenic microorganisms in source water.
