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.