Contamination of the George River

Alison Bleaney

IT is disheartening to learn that after all the issues relating to chemical use in the water catchments over the past three years, the public now find out through an inaccurate media release from the Tasmanian Government that toxic chemicals were in the water of the George River at the water intake for St Helens.
Methyl chloro phenoxy acetic acid (MCPA) a herbicide for the control of broad leaf weeds was found in the George River consistently over three days (10 – 13 Feb 2007) and was still found at the end of testing. MPCA has no Guideline Value (GV) or Health Value (HV) as the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines have determined that it should not be in drinking water.

In addition to MCPA, on 10 and 11 Feb dichloro phenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) another broad leaf herbicide was also found in the George River. 2,4-D is allowed to be used in Tasmania at this time of year only under permit. Detections were above the GV for 2,4-D and since 13 February 2007 there has been no public information regarding pesticides in the George River, and no investigations as to the cause of the pesticide contamination, or indeed for how long the contamination lasted. In fact no pesticide results have been made publicly available since the last positive result on 13 February 2007.

The Break O’day Council (BODC), the water body for St Helens, was apparently not aware of the above results before the news release on Tuesday 20 March 2007.

How can this situation arise?

How can chemicals be applied to water catchments with no routine water testing after their application?

How can the responsible water body not be in charge of their own water catchment with regard to chemical use, risk assessment, and water quality control?

Why is the community put at such risk from this dangerous situation, which has been highlighted so many times in the past?

The community has a right to safe and clean drinking water free from pesticides.

The Tasmanian Government and the local water body (BODC) must do better than this. The community at least deserves a responsible and accountable approach to drinking water management.

Alison Bleaney is an East Coast doctor