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Flood areas can make drinking water dangerous.

Flood areas can make drinking water dangerous.

woman holds small child with flood waters in background

Parts of south east Queensland and northern NSW have been experiencing what has been called a “Rain bomb”. “. Conserve drinking water.

Water authorities explained that severe weather and heavy rain caused the closures of two SEQ drinking waters treatment plants (Mt Crosby Water Treatment Plants, and North Pine Water Treatment Plants) early Sunday morning. North Pine has been restored and the Gold Coast Desalination Plant is providing additional supply.

People who live in areas that are prone to flooding, such as south east Queensland, should use less tap water. This will help authorities conserve water as they try to restore their water treatment system back to normal.

What could have caused this during a time of excess water?

Dangerous waters

After an Already wetter than normal this summerFlood waters have quickly risen from extremely heavy rainfall in saturated catchments.

Floodwaters’ high velocity and energy are causing soil erosion and river banks to disappear. SEQ Water was created as a result. EstimatesThe cloudiness of raw water has increased up to 100 times more than normal.

Floodwater footage and photos show it as a milky chocolate brown. This is a very dangerous sight for those working in the water industry. It can cause serious health problems if it gets into their water supply.

People should be cautious about Wading into floodwatersBecause they are often highly contaminated by disease-causing germs, both from human and animal wastes, In flood and wet weather, urban sewage systems can also overflow.

Drinking water can also be affected by cloudiness. Referred to as “turbidity” in the water industry, it is caused by Solid particulatesIn water. This suspended matter could be soil or silt.

Dirty water can lead to a variety of problems. significant problemsFor TreatmentSafe and clean drinking water. Particularly, dirty water can cause problems in various stages of the treatment process, such as clogging filters. It can also affect the effectiveness of water disinfection.

High standards

The treatment of drinking water is a crucial step. Chlorine additionIt can be used alone or in combination with other chemicals. This helps to ensure that water is clean from any disease-causing germs before it reaches your home. Water that has been treated properly is free from cloudiness. Water has to have “crystal clear” turbidity for disinfection to be effective.

Australian drinking water suppliers must meet the highest standards for safe and clean drinking water quality. They must adhere to a stringent set of protocols that are covered by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. If they are unable or unwilling to meet the standards, they must inform their customers.

For example, after bad storms Hit VictoriaStorm damage to the water infrastructure caused potential contamination to enter the system in June 2013. Yarra Valley Water was able, because of this, to Send a warningCustomers in certain suburbs were advised not to drink tap water. Unusually, the authorities warned customers that boiling water would “Do not remove contaminants” to make it safe to drink.

The entire system must be flushed when there is suspected water contamination. Extensive water testing is then conducted before the “all clear” is given to drink tap water again. This is the case with Yarra Valley water. took two days.




Read more:
Victoria’s wild storms demonstrate how easily disasters can affect our water supply


A changing climate

Experts Long awaited Australia’s water security is under threat due to climate change.

Like flooding, bushfires can also lead to problems in the supply of drinking water. Combining heavy rain, storms, and flooding after bushfires can lead to a very dangerous combination. Bushfires can cause havoc. High levels of metals, nutrients and other contaminants can be found in burnt residue.

There were several water quality problems after Australia’s Black summer bushfires, including Water quality concerns in Sydney’s largest water storage facility: Warragamba Dam.

This was due to bushfires of high intensity that destroyed catchment vegetation. The storage reservoir was then flooded and subject to heavy rains.

Cleaning up after such an event is difficult. Contaminants can be removed from streams or containment booms placed on rivers and storages. collect floating debris.

woman holds small child with flood waters in background

If you live in an area that is susceptible to flooding, be sure to have plenty of clean water.
AAP Image/Darren England



Continue reading:
Climate change is warping our fresh water cycle – and much faster than we thought


Prepare

It pays to plan ahead if you are concerned about the quality and safety of your tap water.

First, be on the lookout for reports about water quality problems in media, from health authorities, or from your water provider. Consider filling large containers with water from the tap if flooding is imminent.

If you live in a low-lying location – that is, on a floodplain, near a river, close to sea or ground-level, where flooding is more likely – be prepared. You should also pack food and clothing in case of flooding, or any other natural disaster. You may not have much warning that a “rain bomb” is coming your way.

Flood waters will likely rise faster than expected, given the already saturated landscape from this wet summer. Follow these guidelines. The helpful list prepared by the SES on the preparations and supplies you should have ready, but hopefully won’t need, in case of flood.

If you live in an area already affected by flooding, make sure to follow the instructions of authorities regarding safe drinking water.

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