❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about nitrate contamination of drinking water in Seabird, Ledge Point, and Lancelin, and the Water Corporation's response. The Minister assures that nitrate levels are within guidelines, but acknowledges elevated levels in other locations.
AnsweredQoN 659Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Has the Water Corporation allowed the contamination of the drinking supply at Seabird, Ledge Point and Lancelin, with high levels of nitrates leaking into the watertable from unlined sewage holding ponds in Lancelin? (2) If so, what is being done about this potential risk to public health, especially for pregnant women and infants? (3) Has the Water Corporation rejected the idea of deep sewerage from Lancelin due to the high cost? (4) If so, how much would it cost the Water Corporation to pursue a deep sewerage option, and has it considered other options to avoid further contamination of the water supply? (5) Given that an article in The West Australian today states that, due to very high levels of nitrates, the quality of rural water in parts of the State is below the national health guidelines, how widespread is this problem? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(2) If so, what is being done about this potential risk to public health, especially for pregnant women and infants? (3) Has the Water Corporation rejected the idea of deep sewerage from Lancelin due to the high cost? (4) If so, how much would it cost the Water Corporation to pursue a deep sewerage option, and has it considered other options to avoid further contamination of the water supply? (5) Given that an article in The West Australian today states that, due to very high levels of nitrates, the quality of rural water in parts of the State is below the national health guidelines, how widespread is this problem? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(3) Has the Water Corporation rejected the idea of deep sewerage from Lancelin due to the high cost? (4) If so, how much would it cost the Water Corporation to pursue a deep sewerage option, and has it considered other options to avoid further contamination of the water supply? (5) Given that an article in The West Australian today states that, due to very high levels of nitrates, the quality of rural water in parts of the State is below the national health guidelines, how widespread is this problem? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(4) If so, how much would it cost the Water Corporation to pursue a deep sewerage option, and has it considered other options to avoid further contamination of the water supply? (5) Given that an article in The West Australian today states that, due to very high levels of nitrates, the quality of rural water in parts of the State is below the national health guidelines, how widespread is this problem? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(5) Given that an article in The West Australian today states that, due to very high levels of nitrates, the quality of rural water in parts of the State is below the national health guidelines, how widespread is this problem? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(2) If so, what is being done about this potential risk to public health, especially for pregnant women and infants? (3) Has the Water Corporation rejected the idea of deep sewerage from Lancelin due to the high cost? (4) If so, how much would it cost the Water Corporation to pursue a deep sewerage option, and has it considered other options to avoid further contamination of the water supply? (5) Given that an article in The West Australian today states that, due to very high levels of nitrates, the quality of rural water in parts of the State is below the national health guidelines, how widespread is this problem? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(3) Has the Water Corporation rejected the idea of deep sewerage from Lancelin due to the high cost? (4) If so, how much would it cost the Water Corporation to pursue a deep sewerage option, and has it considered other options to avoid further contamination of the water supply? (5) Given that an article in The West Australian today states that, due to very high levels of nitrates, the quality of rural water in parts of the State is below the national health guidelines, how widespread is this problem? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(4) If so, how much would it cost the Water Corporation to pursue a deep sewerage option, and has it considered other options to avoid further contamination of the water supply? (5) Given that an article in The West Australian today states that, due to very high levels of nitrates, the quality of rural water in parts of the State is below the national health guidelines, how widespread is this problem? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(5) Given that an article in The West Australian today states that, due to very high levels of nitrates, the quality of rural water in parts of the State is below the national health guidelines, how widespread is this problem? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(1) Water supply sampling results indicate that nitrate levels for Lancelin, Seabird and Ledge Point are well within the drinking water guidelines. Wastewater treatment plant monitoring does not indicate any leakage into the ground water system. (2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(2) Not applicable. (3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(3) Lancelin has a reticulated sewerage scheme. (4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(4) Not applicable. (5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
(5) Eleven locations served by the Water Corporation have nitrate levels that pose a formal health concern for babies less than three months old. The nitrate occurs naturally in the ground water and is not the result of contamination. As stated in the article in The West Australian , the problem is addressed by the provision of bottled water and education programs for parents.
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