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Bush Fires Impacting On Water Quality

East Gippsland Water is maintaining a close watch on the quality of water in the river systems as concerns grow about the impact rain is having on the levels of ash and bush fire debris washing down the region’s waterways.

By East Gippsland Water - 22nd February 2007 - Back to News

Inspection of the Mitchell River at the Authority’s Glenaladale Pumping Station yesterday (Tuesday 20 February) showed a water supply dark brown in colour following recent rain in the upper catchment. Other catchments may also be affected depending on the severity and extent of the recent fires.

Said East Gippsland Water’s Chief Executive Officer, Les Mathieson: "What’s happening now comes as little surprise. Back in January both we and the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority were predicting that this was likely to happen as rain washed sediment from the bush fires down the Mitchell and Nicholson river catchments and into our rivers.

"We are endeavouring to keep providing good quality water to all our customers and are ensuring that drinking water remains safe for human consumption.

"All of our customers within the Mitchell Supply System - which includes Bairnsdale, Paynesville and Lakes Entrance and those previously receiving temporary water supplies from the Nicholson Dam – are being supplied from the reserve storage at Woodglen Reservoir.

"This reservoir is currently only sixty per cent full. Given the quality of water in the Mitchell River, it’s unlikely that East Gippsland Water will be able to divert water from this river to replenish the reservoir’s dwindling supply and customers using the Mitchell River Supply System may face increased water restrictions.

"There is no doubt that challenging times lie ahead. It’s likely that water restrictions will continue into the longer term and we would urge customers to do everything they can to conserve water supplies."

Needless to say, East Gippsland Water will be closely monitoring the situation - together with the catchment management authority and the Department of Sustainability and Environment – and will keep customers informed of any developments.


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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