Question regarding water quality in Laverton, specifically nitrate levels and the suitability of subsidised rainwater tanks for drinking water, given potential contamination. The government acknowledges nitrate issues for infants but states rebates are available for rainwater tanks, with extra rebates for plumbed-in systems.

AnsweredQoN 489Legislative Council
Asked
11 March 2003
Portfolio
Government Enterprises

QuestionView source ↗

With regard to subsidised rainwater tanks and water quality in Laverton -
(1) What are the water quality statistics for the Town of Laverton?
(2) How do these compare against State and National guidelines?
(3) Are there significant Nitrate levels in the current water supply?
(4) If answers to (1), (2) and (3) indicate higher than normal allowable drinking water levels in Laverton, are subsidised water tanks provided under the Government scheme allowed to be used as drinking water?
(5) If answers to (1), (2) and (3) indicate higher than normal allowable drinking water levels in Laverton and the subsidised water tanks provided under the Government scheme are allowed to be used as drinking water, will the Government provide extra subsidy to allow these tanks to plumbed in a drinking water system?
(6) If no to (5), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
1 April 2003
Responded by
Minister for Government Enterprises
Response time
21 days
(3) Nitrate levels in Laverton can exceed Guideline values but are only an issue for infants under the age of three months. The Water Corporation has an Operating Licence Exemption from the Health Department for Nitrates. Alternative arrangements (provision of bottled water) are in place with the Health Department with regard to infants under three months of age. (4) Yes. Under the Government State Water Strategy householders in Laverton who purchase a rainwater tank after 11 February 2003 are eligible for a rebate. However, consumers are urged to follow the advice in the Department of Health publications 'Is the Water in your Rainwater Tanks Safe to Drink' and 'Urban Rainwater Collection'. (5) Yes. Under the Government's State Water Strategy, an extra rebate of $150 is available if a rainwater tank has a capacity of greater than 2000 litres and is plumbed into the house by a licensed plumber. This rebate is available for all rainwater tanks provided they are connected to the household plumbing after 11 February 2003 (6) Not applicable
(4) Yes. Under the Government State Water Strategy householders in Laverton who purchase a rainwater tank after 11 February 2003 are eligible for a rebate. However, consumers are urged to follow the advice in the Department of Health publications 'Is the Water in your Rainwater Tanks Safe to Drink' and 'Urban Rainwater Collection'. (5) Yes. Under the Government's State Water Strategy, an extra rebate of $150 is available if a rainwater tank has a capacity of greater than 2000 litres and is plumbed into the house by a licensed plumber. This rebate is available for all rainwater tanks provided they are connected to the household plumbing after 11 February 2003 (6) Not applicable
(5) Yes. Under the Government's State Water Strategy, an extra rebate of $150 is available if a rainwater tank has a capacity of greater than 2000 litres and is plumbed into the house by a licensed plumber. This rebate is available for all rainwater tanks provided they are connected to the household plumbing after 11 February 2003 (6) Not applicable
(6) Not applicable

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