Water Quality Issues

Ballarat Benalla Water supplies

January 2005 - March 2010 Bendigo Benalla

By Anthony Amis

Water Quality Report 2005/2010

Funded by the Estate of the Late Blanch Brooke Hutchings, managed by Perpetual. Table of Contents

1. Introduction 3. Key Findings 5. Recommendations

Part One

9. Benalla 13. Ballarat 27. Bendigo 33. Coliban / Campaspe 38. Eppalock

Part Two

39. Goulburn System 47. Goulburn Weir/ Goulburn Weir Pool 57. Puckapunyal 59. Waranga Basin 60. Waranga Western Channel/ Groves Weir 63. Lake Eildon

65. Glossary 69. Appendices 71. References

Lake Eppalock - November 2009 This report looks at the land use 2005-2010, were for water authorities, the The Ballarat supply includes ~22 different It would appear that from assessing this contained in the water supplies of most difficult they may ever encounter. communities. It was decided to limit the list, Bendigo had the best quality water in three regional Victorian Communities. was in the grip of serious drought study to impacts of water supplies ~15km 2007/8 in terms of health and aesthetic The communities are Bendigo, Ballarat conditions. Ballarat and Bendigo almost from Ballarat. This then would include; factors when comparing Bendigo, Ballarat and Benalla. The study focuses on ran out of drinking water and authorities Ballarat Central, Ballarat North/Nerrina, and Benalla. Time constraints have not the years 2005-2010 with the main were forced by necessity to construct a Bungaree, Buninyong/Mt Helen, Cardigan allowed a similar report to be conducted attention placed on the risk of pipeline to connect these cities to the Village, Haddon, Napoleons, Sebastopol and for 2008/9 or other years included in this pesticide movement from agricultural water supply of the Wendouree. Communities such as Ballan, report, yet it is Friends of the Earth’s opinion land into water supplies. system. Arguably, the Goldfields Superpipe Creswick, Enfield, Fiskville, Glenmore, that the list is useful in determining where marked the largest ever ‘shake-up’ of water Gordon, Lal Lal, Linton, Mt Egerton, Skipton, Ballarat, Bendigo and Benalla sit in relation The report was funded by a generous infrastructure for Ballarat and Bendigo. Smythesdale and Wallace were outside to water quality with to the rest of Victoria. grant from the Estate of the Late Blanch Benalla’s water supply was also impacted as the scope of this study even though their Brooke Hutchings. The Grant was a result of the Tolmie fires in January 2007 drinking water comes from the same source 2007/8 ratings from Victoria Wide Survey managed by Perpetual and sourced from which effectively burnt out almost the entire as Ballarat. Dean was also not included in their 2009/10 funding round. Friends of water supply catchment for the town. The this study, as their drinking water is sourced 126. Bendigo Southern () the Earth would like to thank the Estate February 2009 bushfires in the headwaters from a separate supply. 129. Bendigo Northern (Coliban Water) 143. Strathfieldsaye (Coliban Water) of the Late Blanch Brooke Hutchings and of the Goulburn River system also most 144. Maiden Gully/Marong (Coliban Water) Perpetual for assistance with the funding likely impacted on water quality. For the sake of consistency the Bendigo 180. Ballarat North/Nerrina (Central Highlands supply system was treated the same way of this project. Water) To provide safe drinking water during as Ballarat. Communities within 15km 186. Big Hill (Coliban Water) Friends of the Earth would like to thank these trying times, must have been a of Bendigo were included in the study 199. Buninyong/Mt. Helen (Central Highlands Anthony Amis for researching and writing difficult exercise and credit must be given including; Big Hill, Epsom, Junortoun, Water) the report, John Poppins for his Computer to the three water authorities (Coliban Maiden Gully, Marong, Spring Gully and 227. Junortoun (Coliban Water) Mapping Expertise and Callum Watson for Water, Central Highlands Water and North Strathfieldsaye. however was not 244. Bendigo Spring Gully (Coliban Water) the design of the report. East Water) that had the responsibility included. 256. Bungaree/Wallace (Central Highlands of supplying drinking water to Ballarat, Water) Anthony can be contacted at ; anthonyamis@ Bendigo and Benalla. 286. Benalla (North East Water) hotmail.com In late 2009, Friends of the Earth produced 290. Napoleons (Central Highlands Water) 350. Haddon (Central Highlands Water) This report in no way should be seen as an unpublished list compiling which town 358. Sebastopol(Central Highlands Water) Callum can be contacted at futureprimitive@ being critical of the performance of the in Victoria has the best quality drinking 362. Cardigan Village (Central Highlands Water) live.com.au water authorities. The report is basically water based on assessing maximum result 386. Ballarat Central (Central Highlands Water) a collation of information, sourced from a readings from all Water Authority Water 397. Wendouree (Central Highlands Water) range of publications, which may enlighten Quality Reports published by the Victorian the reader to better understand where their Government over the 2007/8 year. The drinking water is sourced from and the type list compiled all the results for the 472 of land use that occurs within the areas communities in Victoria who have treated where the water is sourced. drinking water. Findings Key *Of the three communities, Ballarat district *Lack of adequate testing by water *Very turbid water detected in Puckapunyal had the most breaches to the Australian authorities for a range antibiotic and Military Base, (up to 20 times higher than Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), several hormone products used in agricultural, the ANZECC Guidelines for Freshwater times the breaches recorded for Bendigo particularly in the dairy industry. Some of in lowland rivers) in water monitoring and Benalla combined. these substances are known endocrine conducted for the Department of Defence. disruptors (for lists see Appendix 1). Water leaves the 40,000 ha Puckapunyal *The Ballarat breaches were dominated by site less than 20 km upstream of Goulburn aesthetic issues (mainly pH, Total Dissolved *Pesticides are not regularly tested for at Weir and the off takes to the Waranga Basin. Solids and Hardness), however lead Lake Nagambie, Waranga Basin or Waranga Total sediment and toxicant loads from detections were frequent in 2006/7, with Western Channel by Goulburn Murray Water. Puckapunyal remain unknown. Haddon recording a lead reading 63 times Small traces of Atrazine and Endosulfan above the ADWG in 2006/7. Ballarat Central were detected in Waranga Western Channel *Plantations. Central Highlands Water recorded high lead levels at least once and Lake Nagambie in a 3 year study owned plantations could be using between during 2006/7, 2007/8 and 2008/9. conducted by Goulburn Murray Water $17.7 million and $26.6 million worth of published in 2006 (39). Bendigo and Ballarat water per year. Foreign owned plantations *Blue Green Algae was detected in most are now connected to the Waranga Western in Benalla’s catchments could be using $11 of the that provide Ballarat and Channel via the Goldfields Superpipe. million of water per year. Bendigo with drinking water. *Endosulfan detected in Lake Nagambie/ *Logging of native forest, particularly in the *Manganese has been a problem in Ballarat Goulburn Weir in the Goulburn Murray Water ash forests of the Goulburn system likely to and Bendigo storages. study (39) is likely to have been sourced use vast quantities of water. from cropping, not fruit and vegetable *The algal generated toxins MIB and Geosim growing as suggested by the EPA. (32) *According to Water Quality Reports Coliban were detected by Central Highlands Water in Water test for the least number of Organic White Swan . *Without the Goldfields Superpipe Bendigo Compounds of the three water authorities and particularly Ballarat could have run out studied. *Lack of adequate pesticide testing by of water. Coliban Water and Central Highlands, *In October 2008, Coliban Water purchased particularly for pesticides currently used *Reservoir Levels dropped considerably 6900ML of water from the Murrumbidgee in agriculture. This is strange because particularly between April 2007-April 2008, region of . The quality agriculture is the main land use within the with White Swan (Ballarat) 6.7% April 2008, and exact source of this water could not be water supplies of Bendigo and Ballarat. (Bendigo) <1% April-July determined in this study. According to data supplied by Drinking 2007, Newlyn (Ballarat) 3% May 2007, Lake Water Quality Reports. Central Highlands Eildon (Ballarat/Bendigo) 5% May 2007 and Water (Ballarat) and Coliban Water Waranga Basin (Ballarat/Bendigo) 3% 2003. (Bendigo) test for only a fraction of currently used pesticides within their catchments. *Weed control in Lake Nagambie could Friends of the Earth estimates that in the cause potential pesticide problems for Ballarat catchments, 59 pesticides of high downstream users (Ballarat and Bendigo). risk to water quality could be used and for Bendigo catchments 38 pesticides of high *Waranga Western Channel is connected to risk to water quality could be used within potential agricultural runoff at Groves Weir, those catchments. 7km south east of . 1b. Recommendations. Those recommendations were/are;

1. Increase pesticide monitoring by Central 6. Water authorities need to be in better In 2008 Friends of the Earth published a 4. The pesticide control of use legislation Highlands Water to take into account contact with the Department of Defence Report looking at impacts of pesticides in must be amended to require commercial currently used pesticides in the catchments regarding water testing leaving Puckapunyal domestic water supplies in Victoria (63). users of pesticides operating in domestic of Ballarat as well as pesticides used in the Commonwealth Area via Major Creek into The recommendations from that report still water supplies, to maintain records for Goulburn Catchment above Lake Nagambie. the Goulburn River. A monitoring program hold as being what should be enacted for an indefinite period. Copies of pesticide needs to start focussing on a range of Bendigo, Benalla and Ballarat. records should be made available to water 2. Increase pesticide monitoring by Coliban toxicity testing that may be associated with authorities and the DPI. Water to take into account currently used military training exercises. 1. Water authorities must undertake detailed pesticides in the catchments of Bendigo catchment surveys to determine which 5. Positive pesticide detections must be as well as pesticides used in the Goulburn 7.Water authorities should investigate pesticides are being used in what volumes followed up with an investigation by water Catchment above Lake Nagambie. impacts of tree plantations within their in different parts of their catchments to aid authorities and/or the DPI to determine domestic water supplies in terms of loss in the design of more effective monitoring the source of the pesticide contamination. 3.Implement recommendations made by of revenue associated through water programs. Catchment protection should Remedial action must be taken to stop the Friends of the Earth and the National Toxics consumption by the plantations. be a priority including multiple barriers to source of pesticide contamination entering Network in relation to the 2008 Friends of prevent pests and toxic chemicals getting waterways. Positive pesticide results, at the Earth Report ‘Survey of Pesticides in into waterways. Rapid implementation of any level must be made public by water Surface Waters of Domestic Water Supplies’ water protection policies also needs to authorities. (see below). occur. 6. Water authorities managing high risk 4.Goulburn Murray Water, in conjunction 2. Water authorities must be transparent catchments should invest in water treatment with Coliban Water and Central Highlands and accountable in relation to pesticide facilities which incorporate the use of Water need to increase pesticide monitoring monitoring in water supplies. The number treatments to remove pesticide residues to include Lake Nagambie, Waranga Basin of pesticides tested and the frequency of such as carbon filters and/or reverse and Waranga Western Channel (including testing needs to be reviewed to ensure the osmosis filtration. Groves Weir) programs are relevant and are measuring currently used pesticides. 5.Coliban Water, Central Highlands Water and Goulburn Murray Water need to start 3. A list of Restricted Use “Water Supply” programs which monitor for antibiotic and pesticides must be determined by the hormones in drinking water associated with Department of Primary Industries, after runoff from agricultural practices such as public consultation, and circulated to all Dairying. pesticide users within domestic water supply catchments. This could be regarded as an extension of the current ‘restricted use’ provisions already in operation. If restricted pesticides continue to be detected they should be banned from use in domestic water supply catchments. Water Supply location map for Ballarat Bendigo Benalla

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1 - Ballarat Water Supplies 4 - Waranga Basin (Ballarat and Bendigo) 2 - Colliban System (Bendigo) 5 - Goulburn System (Ballarat and Bendigo) 3 - Groves Weir (Ballarat and Bendigo) 6 - Ryans Creek (Benalla) Benalla Main Water Quality Issues: History:

Ryans Creek lies on the northern section Main problems appear to be with aesthetic Ryans Creek Catchment (Benalla Water Theoretically any runoff would be of the Tolmie Highlands and is part of issues. According to Water Quality Reports Supply) was prepared for consideration concentrated in McCallsay Reservoir as the catchment. The water published by North East Water, in 2004/5 by the Land Utilization Advisory Council in this is the reservoir that would collect the aluminium readings were recorded above February 1970. A Land Use Determination of residues first. It is however possible that supply is almost completely forested Australian Drinking Water Guidelines the Ryan’s Creek Catchment was prepared Loombah Weir could also be affected. with Wet Schlerophyll (Manna Gum, (ADWG) Aesthetic Guidelines and almost by the Land Conservation Council in June Loombah Weir lies about 13km downstream Messmate & Blackwood) dominating above ADWG guidelines in 2005/6. In 1974. Ryans Creek was declared a Special of the nearest plantation headwaters the headwaters, with Narrow-leaf 2006/7 and 2007/8 Manganese readings Area (Water Supply Catchment) on October on Whiskey Creek and the 1983 Forest peppermint and Candlebark on the drier were above Aesthetic guidelines (in 2006/7 30 1974 (covering 7,964ha). Hardwood Commission study did detect Lontrel 13km sites. There are also ~800ha of pine by three times). Relatively turbid water was logging was then the dominant land use, downstream. plantations located in the upper reaches also recorded in 2007/8 and 2008/9. In with pine plantations planted on both ex of the catchment managed by Hancock 2007/8 Benalla recorded one Iron level over native forest sites and ex farmland. Fire Approximately 800ha pine plantations Victorian Plantations. Erosion hazard on the ADWG aesthetic limit. Overall the quality burnt through almost all of the catchment in located in the catchment are managed by the steep slopes is high. Parent rocks of Benalla’s drinking water appears to be December 2006/January 2007. 33,000ha of Hancock Victorian Plantations, who own in the catchment are Upper Devonian good. forest in the region was burnt in the the plantations in perpetuity. (Theoretically porphyritic dacites. The headwater fires, including 1,100 ha of pine plantations. these plantations could be using 7200ML In January February 2007, low reservoir The fires burnt right up to the surrounds of of water per year. The current price of water region near Acherton is on basalt, with levels at Benalla meant elevated levels of Loombah Weir and McCallsay Reservoirs. paid by North East Water customers is the majority of the rest of the catchment manganese which caused discolouration $1564.50 meaning that these plantations located on acid igneous type rocks. to the water. Additional water quality Potential Problems: In 1983 the Forest could be using $11,264,400 worth of water monitoring was needed and additional water Commission conducted research into the per year. This means potentially that one Source of Water Supply: Ryans Creek treatment methods were implemented.(1) aerial application of 3,6-DCPA (Lontrel) into hectare of plantation in the Ryans Creek (McCallsay (1000ML) and Loombah 56ha’s of pine plantations near Archerton catchment could be worth $14,080/yr in Reservoirs (740 ML)). (Raw water from Almost all of the catchment consists of in Benalla’s water supply. The Lontrel was terms of the water that the plantation uses. Loombah Reservoir is piped to Kelfeera native forest, most of which was burned in sprayed at 2.5kg/ha and stream water was This is far greater than the $4000-$5000ha Service Basin and then piped to Benalla the January 2007 fires. These burnt forests sampled just below the sprayed area and that Hancock paid for the plantations Treatment Plant). will, in the future, consume large amounts at a point 13km downstream over a 19 day when they purchased them from the State of water. period. During this time there were seven Government in 1998). Water Authority: North East Water. substantial rainfall events totalling 143mm. Climate Change Affected Yield will drop from The highest recorded level of Lontrel was Very little native forest logging appears Loombah Weir is situated 30km south 1700ML (2004-5) to 1200ML (2054-55) (2). 15ug/L detected just below the sprayed to be now occurring within the catchment, east of Benalla, with the catchment being Total demand 1800ML (2004-5), 3200ML area, whilst at the downstream sampling however an as yet undetermined amount 8000ha in size. As of early February 2010, (2054-55). Additional entitlements are held point, Lontrel was detected at 1ug/L. of water will be reduced in the catchment Benalla Reservoirs held ~90% of capacity. on the Broken River, with a possible pipeline (3) According to Freedom of Information due to the recent 2007 bushfires and past Bulk Water Entitlement (North East Water) from the Broken River being suggested. documents sourced by Friends of the Earth, logging practices. 2324ML. Location of the future pipeline was not in late 1993 175ha of silver Wattle was determined in this report. sprayed with 1496 litres of Lontrel. Little is Treatment: Flocculation, Floatation, known of how much of the pesticide was pH Correction, Chloramination (Added washed downstream. Lontrel is listed by substances: (Powder Activated Carbon, the Pesticide Action Network as being a Potassium Permanganate available). potential groundwater contaminant. Aluminium sulphate, Soda Ash, Ammonia, Chlorine).

Fluoridation started in Benalla December 2009.

9 10 Benalla Continued Map of Ryans Creek Water Supply Herbicides used on Pine Plantations in North East 14 pesticides tested, 7 deregistered = 7 currently Victoria by Hancock Victorian Plantations. (Unsure used pesticides. Testing occurs for only 1/6th of whether herbicide application by State Government the pesticides used on pine plantations in the Ryans in the Ryans Creek Catchment followed January 2007 Creek catchment. fires). Organic Compounds tested for by North East Carfentrazone-Ethyl, Clopyralid, Glyphosate, Water: 1,1-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethene, Hexazinone, Metsulfuron-Methyl, Triclopyr. 1,2-Dichlorethane, 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichlorobenzene, What Pesticides North East Water test for (annually): 1,3-Dichlorobenzene, 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, 2,4,6- 2,4-D, Aldrin, Amitrole, Atrazine, cis-Chlordane, DDT, Trichlorophenol 2,4-Dichlorophenol, 2-Chlorophenol, Dieldrin, Endosulfan 1, Endosulfan 2, Endosulfan Benzene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Carbontetrachloride, CIS- Sulphate, Glyphosate, Heptachlor Epoxide, 1,2-Dichloroethene, Ethylbenzene, Hexachloro-1,3- Hexazinone, Lindane, Methoxychlor, trans-chlordane. Butadiene, M-&_P-Xylene. (Note: Aldrin banned 1994, Chlordane banned in 1997, DDT use banned in 1990, Dieldrin banned 1988, Heptachlor banned 1997, Lindane dergistered in 1985, Methoxychlor banned 1987). Hancock Victorian Plantation Native Forest within Ryans Creek

11 12 Ballarat Communities Supplied: The Ballarat supply

Ballarat drinking water is treated by two Supply Includes ~22 different communities. In regards to the catchment use of the Newlyn Reservoir. Built 1880 (3,280 ML) treatment plants, White Swan and Lal For this study it was decided to limit the Moorobool reservoirs the following located on Birch Creek, is a deep lake Lal (there is also a disinfection plant at impacts of water supplies ~15km from descriptions were written in 1979 and are surrounded by grazing land. The lake has Ballarat West). The treatment at each Ballarat. This then would include; Ballarat still useful to use now (please note that little aquatic vegetation and water is often Ballarat Water Commissioners would now turbid.(5) “...colour and turbidity levels plant varies slightly. Chloramination is Central, Ballarat North/Nerrina, Bungaree, Buninyong/Mt Helen, Cardigan Village, read as Central Highlands Water); together with numbers of coliforms and used in both plants. White Swan treats Haddon, Napoleons, Sebastopol and E.Coli generally exceed desirable levels set the water with lime, aluminium sulphate, Wendouree. Communities such as Ballan, Moorabool (1915): 3026ha: 60% forested, for drinking water standards”. (6) “With Poly electrolyte, chlorine gas, aqueous Creswick, Enfield, Fiskville, Glenmore, remainder potato cropping and dairying. respect to sediment and turbid runoff, the ammonia. Powder Activated Carbon and Gordon, Lal Lal, Linton, Mt Egerton, Skipton, Wilsons (1891): 841ha: Ballarat Water hazard it poses to the water supply will Commissioners 500ha. Remainder potato be greatest during periods of high runoff Potassium Permanganate are used if Smythesdale and Wallace were outside cropping/freehold. from the following areas: the intensively required. Lal Lal’s process is the same the scope of this study even though their drinking water comes from the same source Pincotts (1867): Leigh Creek, northern cropped land to the south and south-east of except soda ash is used instead of lime. as Ballarat. Dean was also not included in slopes of Mt Warrenheip. Creswick... Hazards created by the presence (19). this study, as their drinking water is sourced Gong Gong (1877): 2553ha, mostly freehold, of the above pollutants in the water supply from a separate supply. used for grazing and potatoes, also Ballarat could arise from: the generally unrestricted Fluoridation started in Ballarat in November Water Commissioners. access that stock and humans have to 2009. Source of Water Supply: Ballarat initially White Swan (1952): 1117ha mostly native the streams, and that stock have to the sourced its drinking water from Gnarr Creek forest and Ballarat Water Commissioners storages, thus providing an opportunity According to a US EPA 2001 report published (1852) and (construction (4). for the entry of pathogens to the water in the United States, “conventional began 1858). Water from both these sources by way of direct contact with faecal treatment has little or no effect on was deemed unsatisfactory. Kirks Reservoir Due to the recent drought Central Highlands contamination, contamination of streams the removal of mobile (hydrophilic or was purchased and then enlarged by the Water has also had to add capacity to their with urban drainage, or polluted runoff from hydrophobic) pesticides...Powder Activated local municipality. By 1891 there were five water supply network. This was done by the the intensively cropped areas, the grazing Carbon (PAC) filtration, Granulated Activated reservoirs in use. commissioning of the Goldfields Pipeline in land and unsewered areas, giving rise to Carbon (GAC) filtration and reverse osmosis 2008. the possibility of streams and storages (RO) have been demonstrated to be highly Moorabool Reservoir* (6738ML) was containing toxic chemicals, high levels of effective processes at removing organic completed in 1915, White Swan (14,107ML) Cosgrove Reservoir (once water supply nutrients and pathogenic organisms”. (6). chemicals, including certain pesticides was completed in 1952 and Lal Lal for Creswick) was also reconnected to the (primarily acetanilide herbicides), but (60,000ML) was constructed in 1972, Ballarat system in 2006. Newlyn Reservoir specific data on removal of most pesticides although Lal Lal water was also shared with was connected in 2008 (via the Newlyn are not available”. (64) , under the West Moorobool Water Interconnector) and accessing groundwater Act. This act specified that Ballarat Water via the Cardigan Aquifer (July 2007) Treatment: Conventional DAFF plants Board was entitled to 2/3rds of the supply and Bungaree Aquifer (mid 2007). Both situated on White Swan and Lal Lal and the Geelong and District Water Board the Cosgrove and Newlyn reservoirs lie Reservoirs under 25 year contract with entitled to the remaining residual yield. downstream of farmland and could be very United Water (95% owned by Veolia Water). susceptible to agricultural runoff. Bungaree (DAFF is Dissolved Air Filtration Flotation (*The Moorabool supply system also has a groundwater is drawn from a depth of ~54m plant). For definition see here: http://www. number of smaller reservoirs. (see below)). and Ballarat West 100m. It is interesting waterit.com.au/index.php?q=node/58 to note that in earlier times, the quality of water sourced from Newlyn and Cosgrove reservoirs was questioned.

13 14 Water Quality Issues: 2004/5

Newlyn Reservoir is a Goulburn Murray Blue Green Algae reached detectable trigger High lead readings were recorded at Ballarat Ballarat North/Nerrina, Ballarat Central, Water storage. In 2003 potentially toxic levels at White Swan Reservoir. Ballarat Central 0.110mg/L (11 times over the Bungaree Wallace, Buninyong/Mt Helen, Anabaena spp were reported at Alert Levels North/Nerrina recorded an aluminium ADWG), Ballarat North/Nerrina 0.064mg/L, Cardigan Village, Haddon, Sebastopol and for the first time since 1999, reaching Alert reading of 0.2mg/L which is the ADWG Bungaree/Wallace 0.098mg/L, Buninyong/ Wendouree all recorded THM levels between Level 3 in March. Low water levels (15% guideline limit for this substance. Ballarat Mt Helen 0.140mg/L, Cardigan Village 0.092mg/L and 0.233mg/L at least once of capacity in July) and elevated levels of Central recorded a Turbidity reading of 12 0.07mg/L, Haddon 0.630mg/L (63 times during the year. Ballarat/Enfield levels nutrients were seen to be the cause of the NTU and Skipton 6.9NTU. Several locations over the ADWG), Napoleons 0.03mg/L, peaked between November/December 2006 problems. (7). BGA also recorded at high also recorded pH levels above the 8.5 as Sebastopol 0.033mg/L and Wendouree and Ballarat Napoleons peaked in November levels in March April 2004. Storage capacity specified by the ADWG. Ballan 8.8, Ballarat 0.160mg/L. The nearby community of Enfield possibly as a result of the change of reached a low of 5% in May (increasing to Central 8.8, Bungaree/Wallace 9.1, Cardigan also recorded a lead level of 0.610 or 61 disinfection method. Ballarat North/Nerrina 100% by September). 2007 also saw BGA Village 8.8, Haddon 9.0, Sebastopol 8.6 times over the ADWG for lead. The lead issue recorded an aluminium reading of 0.2mg/L problems with alert level 3 being reached and Wendouree 8.8. Ballarat North/Nerrina at Ballarat appears to be the most frequently which is the guideline level. in January and February 2007. Levels of recorded an iron reading above the ADWG of reported lead problem in Victoria over the the reservoir dropped to 3% in May 2007 0.65mg/L. past few years. Aesthetic guidelines were breached for (an historic low). Nitrogen levels were also pH at Ballarat Central, Bungaree/Wallace, high during the year and phosphorus levels 2005/6 One sample of E.coli was detected at Mount Cardigan Village, Haddon, Sebastopol and increased significantly in 2003, 2006 and Rowan Tank (Wendouree Reticulation) on Wendouree. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 2007. 2006/7 was easily the peak year In 2005/6 there were three detections of 28/3/07. Central Highlands Water was levels were breached at Ballarat Central, in terms of BGA algal counts at Newlyn ecoli (one in the Buninyong Tank and two also forced to switch disinfection methods; Bungaree/Wallace, Buninyong/Mt Helen, Reservoir, with 17 counts above 500 cells/ml in the Warrenheip Basin). White Swan and “In order to maintain water quality due Cardigan Village, Haddon, Napoleons, being recorded. (8). Lal Lal also had taste and odour problems to low water levels there was a change Sebastopol and Wendouree. and Powder Activated Carbon was required. on the Ballarat and district water supply Cosgrove Reservoir: “The following potential There were 4 breaches to the ADWG with disinfection method from chloramination to hazards to water supply exist: … An existing Ballarat Central recording one turbidity chlorination...Notification of the return to problem associated with turbid runoff reading almost 3 times the ADWG. Elevated the chloramination disinfection method was from cropping areas and roading. The pH levels were also detected at Buninyong/ provided with the change in supply notice possibility of toxic chemicals used in crop Mt.Helen, Haddon and Wendouree. issued on the 24th November 2006” (11) management entering the watercourses Bungaree/Wallace also recorded (Note: Chloramination blends ammonia with and storages. An increase in nutrient levels Trihalomethane (THM) levels of 0.161mg/L, chlorine). in the storages as a result of high levels which is below the Australian Guideline, but of fertiliser use, this could lead to algal above the American Guideline. THM levels increased substantially at one blooms and eutrophication of storages” point during 2007. Napoleons breached the (9) The 680ML Reservoir was built in 1977 2006/7 ADWG with a level of 0.281mg/L. but did not meet drinking water guidelines when it was removed from service... Central There were numerous breaches to Highlands Water has followed expert advice the ADWG, with a serious lead and in connecting water from Cosgrove Reservoir Trihalomethane (THM) problem occurring in with the White Swan Reservoir and treating nine communities covered in this study. it to a high quality there” (10)

15 16 2007/8 2008/9

Almost all of the breaches, the most of Several breaches of the ADWG occurred, any year, concerned aesthetic breaches with Ballarat Central and Cardigan Village to water quality, although there was also recording lead levels of 0.012mg/L and two breaches to health guidelines. This 0.011mg/L respectively. included a lead reading of 0.015mg/L for Ballarat Central (this was the second highest Haddon, Napoleons, Ballarat Central, lead level recorded in Victoria in 2007/8) Cardigan Village, Bungaree/Wallace and 3 4 and an aluminium reading of 0.25mg/L at Wendouree all breached the ADWG at least Wendouree. Ballarat Central also breached once in regards to both Hardness and TDS. the ADWG aesthetic guidelines at least once Ballarat North/Nerrina breached guidelines in 2007/8 for turbidity, pH, hardness, iron for TDS. There were also several breaches of levels and Total Dissolved Solids. In March pH above 8.5. 2009, ecoli was detected at Cardigan Village Tank. In November 2009 ABC reported concerns over discoloured water in the Ballarat Ballarat North/Nerrina, Bungaree/Wallace, supply system. United Water also wrote that Buninyong/Mt Helen, all had at least one because of drought “Reservoir levels were stance of breaches for pH, hardness and critically low, resulting in poor raw water Total Dissolved Solids. Cardigan Village quality prior to treatment. This included and Haddon had aesthetic breaches for pH, increased alkalinity and organic content hardness, Iron and Total Dissolved Solids. and a higher level of Manganese” (12) Napoleons and Sebastopol had at least one Manganese problems were also reported at breach for hardness, iron levels and TDS and Lal Lal and White Swan Reservoir. Wendouree had breaches for turbidity, pH, hardness, Iron and Total Dissolved Solids. On 19/12/07 the Courier reported that Ballarat’s drinking water was of a consistently high quality. “The few glitches 2 for the Ballarat water supply included higher than recommended levels of trihalomethanes at Enfield and Napoleons, while Enfield also failed to comply with a colour requirement.”

Water Supply location map for Ballarat (excluding groundwater sources).

1 - Moorabool Catchment 2 - Lal Lal Catchment

17 Catchment Background

In 1979 the Soil Conservation Authority “The basalt plains have two main types of The most common forms of land use in Pests outlined by Soil Conservation wrote “The Ballarat catchments are fairly soil; the red gradational (or krasnozemic the Lal Lal catchment in the 1970’s were Authority occurring in Lal Lal catchment in intensively used for agriculture and other type) or grey sodic duplex soils. The red potatoes in the northern section of the 1977; Pasture Cock Chafer, Red Legged Earth uses. The water quality consequences is gradational soils are well structured, fertile catchment on the red soils (red clay loams) Mite, Underground Grass Caterpiller, Fried and well drained and are predominantly not at all time ideal. The Ballarat Water and sheep, cattle grazing and dairies. Other Cricket, Southern Army Worm, Wingless used for potato cropping. The grey sodic crops in the catchment include turnips and Grasshoppers, Plague locusts, Potato Commissioners have actively pursued duplex soils tend to occur lower in the oats. <5% of the catchment was forested. Moth and Aphids. Weed/fungal control a policy of buying critical areas of land landscape. They are poorly drained, and Little has changed in the catchment since was required in potatoes, haulms killing close to reservoirs and streams to help difficult to cultivate, and are used mainly that time. of potatoes, post maturity weed control in protect water quality. The main water for grazing and occasionally for cereal potatoes, weed control in cereals, weed quality problems are algal growth, crops...There are several dairy farms in the “Sheep and cattle grazing are the most control in pastures, furze, blackberries. high iron concentrations, occasional catchment”. (4) prevalent uses of the land in the Lal Lal Pesticides used included Lindane, Phosmet, undesirable turbidity and bacterial catchment, although in the northern half Dimethoate, Chlorfevinphos, Maldison, levels. Colour is above desirable “The “runoff” yield from the total catchment of the catchment potato cropping is a Fenitrothion, Azinophosetyl, Demeton- objectives on most occasions.”. (4) area of 10.150ha is approximately 28.2% significant use”. “Northern half of the Lal Lal S-Methyl, Metribuzin, Diquat, Amitrole, of annual rainfall”. In 1979 the Soil catchment is dominated by potatoes, peas, Paraquat, Bromonoxynil, MCPA, Trifluralin, In terms of pesticide monitoring, little Conservation Authority highlighted the dairy cattle, fat lambs, cereals. The Southern 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. (13) following hazards to water supplies in the appears to have changed in 30 years. half: grazing (sheep and cattle), some cereal Ballarat catchment: “Pathogens (including and cash cropping” (13) It was estimated in stock and domestic effluents), Nutrients the 1970’s that 2190ha of the catchment was (particularly through fertiliser use in potato cropped, with 18,180ha grazed. Cropping cropping), Toxicants “The potential exists at that time was estimated to use 1095Kg “Pesticides and for pesticides and weedicides to enter the Nitrogen and 3636kg nitrogen from grazing. water from cropping and other agricultural herbicides are enterprises”, Sediment, Metals (particularly iron with potential problems with lead and In 1977 the Soil Conservation Authority used widely in the mercury)”. (4) wrote: “Pesticides and herbicides are used widely in the catchment...It is not known catchment...It is not The catchment of the Lal Lal Reservoir was whether any of these chemicals persist in proclaimed a Water Supply catchment the water supply at dangerous levels to known whether any on the 6th of June 1973, but the Ballarat health” (13) water supplies were excluded from this of these chemicals proclamation at the request of the Ballarat Water Commissioners. Eventually it was persist in the water declared a Water Supply Catchment on December 19 1979. The size of the supply at dangerous catchments are: Ballarat Water supply: 9,413ha. Lal Lal: 21,042ha.= 30,455ha. levels to health” (13)

19 20 Impacts of Drought & The Goldfields Superpipe. In 2007/8 water levels in White Swan United Water specifies the reservoir off take On the 25th of March 2008, it was reported In August 2005, the Victorian Reservoir dropped below 10% which caused to be used but is not responsible that “extra water from Cosgrove Reservoir, Government agreed to reconnect unprecedented algal growth. Reservoir level for catchment management or reservoir Newlyn Reservoir, Ballarat West Ground- Cosgrove Reservoir to the Ballarat bottomed out in April 2008 at 7%... Water water quality... Ballarat and surrounding water Supply and Bungaree Groundwater supply system (White Swan Reservoir). also had to be taken from the lowest off areas have received below average rainfall were keeping Ballarat above the worst case Cosgrove was taken out of service in take, meaning potentially higher levels for 8 consecutive years. The low reservoir scenario in regards to the drought”. These December 2000, when the town of of manganese, iron, colour and turbidity. levels currently encountered at White additional water sources had been promised Creswick was connected to the Ballarat Methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosim are Swan and Lal Lal have caused a number by the Labor Party in the 2006 State Elec- system. Cosgrove was constructed in created by the algae. MIB was detected of problems”. Stratification is occurring tion. 1977 and has a 680ML capacity. It did at White Swan Reservoir at levels in much where a distinct separation of a layer of On the 22nd of April 2008, The Courier not meet Australian Drinking Water higher numbers and a prolonged dosing of warmer water at the top and colder layer reported that Ballarat’s water supplies Guidelines when it was removed from Powder Activated Carbon (PAC) occurred. of anaerobic water at the bottom. When A temporary aeration installation was outside temperature drops eg at autumn the had fallen to below 8% for the first time. service. installed in October 2007 (with a permanent two layers mix, with manganese oxidised (White Swan 6.7% (946ML) and Lal Lal 9.6% installation commissioned on January 2 during this process.” (15) (3820ML). Central Highlands Water esti- On October 18 2006. The Age reported a 2008). Cyanobacteria was also detected. mated that without rainfall the reservoirs $300m State Government package to help Alum dosing was increased to deal with “In Ballarat the drought brought different could fall to 6.5% by June, or the same time ease the state’s water crisis. Included in this these problems. PAC was successful at challenges. Reservoir levels were critically as the Gold Fields Pipeline was due to come package was a $180m Goldfields Superpipe removing 80% of the taste and odour low, resulting in poor raw water quality on line. that would link Ballarat and Bendigo to the compound of MIB (14) prior to treatment. This included increased Waranga Western Channel. The pipe would alkalinity and organic content and a higher The Goldfields Superpipe came online on deliver 10,000ML/yr potentially increasing The contractual requirement for manganese level of manganese, which can contribute to May 19 2008. Water was piped into White to 18,000ML/yr. Also announced was to (Mn) at the White Swan and Lal Lal WTPs is water quality issues … including dirty water, Swan Reservoir ,with works six weeks before Interconnect Cosgrove Reservoir (290- 0.02mg/L, much lower than the ADWG or taste and odour” (16) schedule. Ballarat’s water supply at the time 450ML), Interconnect Newlyn Reservoir WHO guideline values... Raw water quality had dropped to 7.4%. It was initially de- by 2007 (320-350ML) and the pumping of risk lies with United Water who is required In October 2007, agreed to signed to come on line for 2010 but was fast 10,000ML from Cardigan Aquifer (1700ML to meet the treated water specification transfer its existing 750ML share of water in tracked. until 2010). regardless of the raw water quality. Lal Lal Reservoir to Central Highlands Water, due to the drought situation. The water On October 7 2008, the ABC reported that Under the proposal Lal Lal reservoir United Water specifies the reservoir off take was required so that Central Highlands Ballarat’s water supplies were about 13% with Ballarat almost entirely reliant on the Gold- would then be freed up to solely supply to be used but is not responsible Water would have enough supply until Geelong’s needs. The Goldfields pipeline fields Superpipe. To meet demand Central for catchment management or reservoir the Goldfields Superpipe came on line. In Highlands Water managed to pump 240ML from was eventually funded by $71m from water quality... Ballarat and surrounding November 2009, the Mooroobool received the Victorian Government, $90m from a disused Kaolin mine near Lal Lal and a bore areas have received below average rainfall its first environmental flows in some time. sunk near western Ballarat. Commonwealth Government and $19m from for 8 consecutive years. The low reservoir The Mooroobool River was according to The Central Highlands Water. There was also levels currently encountered at White Courier 22/12/09 “..the most flow-stressed discussion about piping water from Lake Swan and Lal Lal have caused a number of in the state”. Cairn Curran in the Loddon Catchment. problems”

21 22 United Water/Ballarat Water Central Highlands Water and Plantations.

A 25-year Build Own Operate Transfer Central Highlands Water manage about Brush Off (Metsulfuron Methyl 600g/kg) or Herbicides: 2,4-D, Amitrole, Atrazine, (BOOT ) contract was awarded to $5.7 million worth of timber plantations, Roundup Biactive (Glyphosate 360g/L). Of Chloridazon, Chlorthal Dimethyl, the plantation pesticides used by Central Clomazone, Clopyralid, Dicamba, Thames Water in April 1999 and extends most of which are located in the Ballarat Highlands Water only Glyphosate is tested Dichlobenil, Diquat, Diuron, Ethofumesate, until 12 July 2025. “Under the Water Water Supply Catchment. Many were planted as a means of stabilising and for. Glyphosate, Hexazinone, Imazapic, Services Deed (WSD), Thames Water protecting soils around water supplies and Imazethapyr, Imidacloprid, Isoxaben, became responsible for the operation in terms of water quality the plantations What Pesticides Central Highlands Water MCPA, Metsulfuron Methyl, Molinate, of the existing bulk water pumping and are probably a better option than potato test for (annually*) in Ballarat Catchments: Monosodium Methylarsonate, Norflurazon, chemical treatment facilities. It was farms. Yet the plantations are not without Oryzalin, Paraquat, Picloram, Prometryn, also contracted to build, commission their own environmental challenges. These DDT (isomers), Aldrin and Dieldrin, Propyzamide, Sethoxydim, Simazine, and operate for 25 years, two 65ML/day plantations amount to ~1400ha and could Hexachlorobenzene, Heptachlor/epoxide, Tebuconazole, Tebuthiuron, Terbacil, Dissolved Air Flotation Filtration (DAFF) use up to 12.6GL of water per year (based Gamma-HCH (lindane), Methoxychlor, Terbutryn, Thiobencarb, Tralkoxydim. water treatment facilities and associated on the assumption that they use 9ML/ 2,4-D. pipelines”. (17) ha). About 30-35ha are clear felled each Insecticides: Acephate, Carbaryl, year, with another 100ha being thinned. (Note: DDT use banned in 1990, Chloropicrin, Diazinon, Dimethoate, It also appears that Ballarat Water is 100% Central Highlands Water earnt about $1.2 Dieldrin banned 1988, Aldrin banned Disulfoton, Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Maldison, owned by The Infrastructure Fund managed million in 2008/9 (19) from the plantations. 1994, Heptachlor banned 1997, Lindane Methamidophos, Methidathion, Methomyl, by Hastings Funds Management (since Current water prices for water users in dergistered in 1985, Hexachlorobenzene Phosmet, Piperonyl Butoxide. 2007). “Ballarat Water recorded a revenue Ballarat vary between $1405.30ML and banned for general use in 1985-87, of $7.3million and EBITDA of $3.3million $2108ML. At these prices Central Highlands Methoxychlor banned 1987). Fungicides: Azoxystrobin, Chlorothalonil, for the year, representing an increase of 2.9 Water plantations could be using between Dimethomorph, Fludioxonil, Iprodione, percent and 5.8 percent respectively relative $17.7million and $26.6million worth of *An email from Central Highlands Water Mancozeb, Metalaxyl, Metiram. to the previous corresponding period... water each year. No native forest logging (dated 25/2/10) states that Central Ballarat Water volumes were under budget appears to occur within Ballarat’s water Highlands Water also scan for OC/OP Organic Compounds tested for by Central for the full year due to ongoing drought supplies, except perhaps for firewood in the Pesticides, Atrazine, Chlordane, Glyphosate Highlands Water (annually): Benzene, conditions and Stage 4 water restrictions” Wombat Forest near Barkstead. and Simazine. Benzo[a]pyrene, Carbon Tetrachloride, (18). Hastings Fund Management is owned 1,1-Dichloroethene, 1,2-Dichlorethane, by Westpac Banking Corporation. In 2000, Central Highlands Water use 3 types of 14 pesticides tested, 7 deregistered = Tetrachloroethene, Trichloroethene, 2,4,6 Hastings was appointed by the Board of herbicides on their plantations. During 5 currently used pesticides (excluding Trichlorophenol. The Private Capital Group as trustee and establishment, Velpar DF (Hexazinone Organophosphorus Scan). Manager of The Infrastructure Fund. 750g/ha) or Velmac G (for spot application Total Goulburn Catchment ‘most at risk – Hexazinone 200g/ha) can be used in tree Pesticides most likely to be of most risk to water’ Pesticides above Colbinnabbin The Goldfields Pipeline not only secured rows meaning that 33% of area would be to water quality in Ballarat Water Supply Offtake for Goldfields Superpipe. sprayed. During the second year Velmac G Catchments. water supply for Ballarat, but also secured Now that Ballarat source drinking water from the profits for the shareholders of Ballarat is spot applied at 2g/tree or 2.6kg/ha. For Goulburn Catchment, pesticide scans should be Water. under canopy weed control, Weedmaster Land Use: 1. Pasture. 2. Potatoes. 3. Cereals. increased in order to take account of pesticides used Duo (glyphosate 360g/L), 4. Lucerne. 5. Pine Plantations in the Goulburn Catchment.

23 24 Land Use: 1. Pasture. 2. Grapes. 3. Cropping. Fenthion, Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Maldison, 4. Turfgrass. Methidathion, Methomyl, Parathion Herbicides: 2,4-D, Amitrole, Atrazine, Methyl, Phosmet, Piperonyl Butoxide, Bromoxynil, Chlorthal Dimethyl, Clopyralid, Thiamethoxam. Dicamba, Dichlobenil, Diquat, Dithiopyr, Diuron, DSMA, Ethofumesate, Fluometuron, Fungicides: Azoxystrobin, Chlorothalonil, Glyphosate, Halosulfuron-Methyl, Cyprodinil, Dimethomorph, Fenarimol, Hexazinone, Imazapic, Imazethapyr, Fenhexamid, Fludioxonil, Iprodione, Isoxaben, MCPA, Mecoprop, Metsulfuron Mancozeb, Metalaxyl, Metiram, Methyl, Molinate, MSMA, Napropamide, Propiconazole, Pyraclostrobin, Norflurazon, Oryzalin, Paraquat, Picloram, Tebuconazole, Tebufenozide, Triadimefon. Prometryn, Propyzamide, Rimsulfuron, Quinclorac, Sethoxydim, Simazine, Fumigant: Chloropicrin. Tebuthiuron, Terbacil, Terbutryn, Thiobencarb, Trifloxysulfuron Sodium. Plant Regulator: Trinexapac-Ethyl Insecticides: Azinphos Methyl, Carbaryl, Diazinon, Dimethoate, Disulfoton, 76 ‘high risk to water’ pesticides used in Emamectin, Endosulfan, Fenamiphos, Goulburn System upstream of Colbinnabbin. B ALLARAT W ATER S U PP LY

Land use map for Ballarat Water Supply Catchments

Cropping (potentially high pesticide use) Primarily pasture (lower pesticide use) Horticulture/ Vineyards (potentially high pesticide use/) 25 Bendigo

Water Authority: Coliban Water In October 2008, Coliban Water announced Main Water Quality Issues: In 2003/4 The water was sourced from the Lake that the northern and southern areas of the Strathfieldsaye, one sample did not meet Eildon Water Quality Reserve, which in turn Source of Water Supply: Supply was from Coliban system were now operating as two the ADWG aluminium guidelines. In 2004/5 will also be directed to via the Malmsbury and Eppalock Reservoir. The distinct supplies. Southern towns such as Big Hill, Marong and Strathfieldsaye North-South Pipeline due to open in early water was transported via the Coliban Main and Castlemaine would be supplied reached the ADWG in terms of Bromate. 2010. The pipeline to the Bendigo supply Channel and stored in Sandhurst Reservoir. by the reservoirs located near Malmsbury, Strathfieldsaye had a pH level outside of the consisted of a 45km pipeline from Waranga The Coliban Main Channel usually runs whilst towns in the north including Bendigo guidelines of 6.4. In 2005/6 Edwards Road Western Channel to the Eppalock to Bendigo between November to May (irrigation would be supplied by the connection to Tank and Sandhurst reached ADWG levels pipeline and a 1.5km pipeline to Lake season) and then only one month at a time the Goulburn River, via the Goldfields for Bromate. Most complaints were from Eppalock. The pipeline then continues to to replenish the urban supply. There is also Superpipe.(20) Specimen Hill and Sandhurst mainly relating Ballarat’s White Swan Reservoir. a supplementary supply from Lake Eppalock to colour. which feeds into Sandhurst Reservoir via the Treatment: Microfiltered, taste/odour/ During 2006/7 Bendigo drinking water was “The Super-Pipeline’ may meet the immediate Eppalock – Sandhurst Pipeline. algae/toxin removal, pH correction, at the high end of hardness (although under crisis faced by those living within the Coliban disinfection. Added substances: (alum, alum ADWG). In 2007/8 Bendigo (Spring Gully) Water Supply District, however, such a solution draws water from other catchments in the Lower Supply system was created in 1877, when chloryhydrate, activated carbon, ozone, recorded a lead level of 0.011mg/L (ADWG lime/soda ash/caustic soda/carbon dioxide/ health guideline 0.01mg/L). Overall in terms Murray Darling catchment for which the future 65km of the Coliban Main Channel were “run-off” prognosis is alarming”. (21) constructed from Malmsbury Reservoir sulphuric acid, chlorite, ammonia, fluoride. of health and aesthetics Bendigo’s water to Bendigo. In 1902 the system was quality appears to be good. expanded when Upper Coliban Reservoir Fluoridation started in Bendigo in 2002. was constructed. was Water Quality and Goldfields January 26 2007, saw Minister John constructed in 1941. The Coliban supply Communities Supplied: Pipeline Thwaites, endorsing a joint proposal by system consists of over 500km of open the North Central Catchment Management channel (both concrete and earthen) and ~75,000 people. Between 2004-6, Coliban The Goldfields Superpipe which pipes Authority, Coliban Water and Goulburn pipeline. Water designated the supply zones as; Goulburn River water from Waranga Western Murray Water to loan the remaining Belvoir Park, Big Hill, Edwards Rd Tank, Channel (near Colbinabbin), was officially ‘environmental water’ in Lake Eppalock to Capacity of Reservoirs: Upper Coliban Huntly, Strathfieldsaye, Marong, Sandhurst opened at Bendigo on the 31st of August Coliban Water for urban supply. 37,500ML, Lauriston 19,870ML, Malmsbury and Specimen Hill. Almost 95% of water 2007. 20 billion litres of water would be 17,760ML, Sandhurst (Bendigo) 2500ML, supplied to Edwards Rd Tank, Sandhurst and allocated for the Pipeline, of which Coliban Spring Gully (Bendigo) 1700ML, Lake Eppal- Specimen Hill. Water had already purchased 10 billion litres ock 312,000ML. From 2007-9 Coliban Water supply zones of permanent water rights (water for 100,000 renamed to; Bendigo Southern, Bendigo people). (10GL=10,000 ML). Bendigo may Northern, Bendigo Spring Gully, Epsom- well have run out of water without this Huntly, Junortoun, Maiden Gully-Marong pipeline. Goldfields Pipeline represents and Strathfieldsaye. 3-4% total capacity of Waranga Western Channel.

27 28 Water Supply mapfor Bendigo (Coliban/Campaspe Catchments)

1

2 3 4

1 - Lake Eppalock Cropping (potentially high pesticide use) Hancock and other Pine Plantations 2 - Malmsbury Reservoir ( Upper Coliban System) Primarily pasture (lower pesticide use) Urban 3 - Lauriston Reservoir ( Upper Coliban System) Horticulture/ Vineyards (potentially high pesticide use/) 4 - Upper Coliban Reservoir 29 Bendigo continued

In March 2007, Goulburn Murray Water In October 2008, Coliban Water announced However some people were questioning Pesticides of most risk to water quality in announced a blue green algal alert for that they had purchased 6900ML of the role of the water authority in terms of the Bendigo Water Supply (Coliban and Lake Eppalock and Laanecoorie Reservoir, water from New South Wales (probably forward planning. ) advising the public to avoid direct bodily ) which would contact with water from Lake Eppalock. guarantee Bendigo a supply of water until Superpipe Saviour. “Labor’s Superpipe Land Use: 1. Pasture. 2. Cropping (lucerne), Five weeks later Goulburn Murray Water 2010. (By the time of printing this report saved Bendigo from running out of water last 3. Grapes. 4 Potatoes. stated “ we are pleased to see that the level could not determine the exact source of summer. And this summer the Superpipe of blue-green algae at Lake Eppalock and the water sent from NSW to Bendigo. The will stop us running out of water again.... Herbicides: 2,4-D, Amitrole, Atrazine, Laanecoorie Reservoir had reduced in recent Murrumbidgee is heavily farmed in some The 46.5km pipeline is able to transfer up Chlorthal Dimethyl, Clopyralid, weeks.” (22) locations). Inflows had dropped by 85% to 20 billion litres of water each year from Dicamba, Dichlobenil, Diquat, Diuron, into storages between 2005-8. (23) Stage 4 the Goulburn system to our system...The Ethofumesate, Fluometuron, Glyphosate, During April 2007, water pumping from water bans were implemented in Bendigo in Superpipe has supplied 70% of Bendigo’s Hexazinone, Imazapic, Imazethapyr, Lake Eppalock ceased due to levels of September 2006. urban water needs” (26) Isoxaben, MCPA, Metsulfuron Methyl, Manganese, ten times higher than normal Molinate, Napropamide, Norflurazon, being detected in the lake. Coliban Water On 1/2/08 Coliban Water announced that “There is little doubt Bendigo would Oryzalin, Paraquat, Picloram, Prometryn, announced in late March that they required they would be increasing monitoring at have run out of water if it was not for the Propyzamide, Sethoxydim, Simazine, 28 days to pump adequate volumes of Spring Gully after low levels of Blue Green Goldfields Superpipe...As recently as 2002, Tebuthiuron, Terbacil, Terbutryn, water from Lake Eppalock into Sandhurst Algae were detected in the storage, levels Coliban (Water) was selling perceived excess Thiobencarb. Reservoir, this followed a Ministerial dropped back to ‘normal’ 5 days later. (24) water into rural markets. It did not rain and direction to transfer ‘environmental’ hence the urgent need for the pipe...Bendigo Insecticides: Azinphos Methyl, Carbaryl, Di- water from the North Central Catchment In 2008/9 Coliban Water wrote; “...The has been using water from the Lake Eildon azinon, Dimethoate, Disulfoton, Emamectin, Management Authority to Coliban Water. increased level of manganese (and iron) in Water Quality Reserve over recent years; Endosulfan, Fenamiphos, Fenthion, Fipronil, some systems. These levels have increased water now claimed by Melbourne for the Imidacloprid, Maldison, Methidathion, Meth- In October 2008, Coliban Water announced either as a result of low storage levels (such North South Pipeline” (27) omyl, Parathion Methyl, Phosmet, Piperonyl that they had purchased 6900ML of as Lake Eppalock)...Extensive modifications Butoxide. water from New South Wales (probably are expected to be implemented, beginning What Pesticides Coliban Water test Murrumbidgee River) which would in 2010, to the water treatment process for (annually): 2,4-D, Chlordane, DDT Fungicides: Azoxystrobin, Chlorothalonil, guarantee Bendigo a supply of water until at both Bendigo and Castlemaine water (total isomers), Dieldrin, Aldrin, Epoxide, Cyprodinil, Dimethomorph, Fenarimol, Fen- 2010. (By the time of printing this report treatment plants to better manage the Heptachlor, Lindane. hexamid, Fludioxonil, Iprodione, Mancozeb, could not determine the exact source of variable water quality from Lake Eppalock Metalaxyl, Metiram, Pyraclostrobin, Tebu- the water sent from NSW to Bendigo. The and Waranga Basin”. (25) (Note: Chlordane banned in 1997, DDT conazole, Tebufenozide, Triadimefon. Murrumbidgee is heavily farmed in some use banned in 1990, Dieldrin banned 1988, locations). Inflows had dropped by 85% The Water crisis was being seen by Aldrin banned 1994, Heptachlor banned Total Goulburn Catchment ‘most at risk to into storages between 2005-8. (23) Stage 4 authorities of the Government as a potential 1997, Lindane dergistered in 1985). water’ Pesticides above Colbinnabbin Off- water bans were implemented in Bendigo in vote winner if they acted responsibly. (8 pesticides tested, 6 deregistered = 2 take for Goldfields Superpipe. September 2006. currently used pesticides). Now that Bendigo source drinking water Organic Compounds tested for by Coliban from the Goulburn Catchment, pesticide Water (yearly): Benzo(a)Pyrene scans should be increased in order to take account of pesticides used in the Goulburn Catchment.

31 32 Coliban/Campaspe

The location of Lake Eppalock at the “ A more recent evaluation of the Coliban In 1989 flows into Eppalock from the “Since 1992... there has been a steady junction of Coliban and Campaspe Rivers River concluded that much of the river has Campaspe and Coliban Rivers averaged decline in the average long term rainfall effectively marks a delineation of the upland been degraded for many years by sand 190,000ML, with approximately 60% of and drought conditions have dominated and lowland aquatic environments of the deposition and cattle grazing (DNRE 1997). this occurring between August to October. since 1997. The last 9 years have the lowest river system. The majority of streams in There are also indications of a nutrient Summer flows had tripled to meet demands average rainfall on record... Autumn rainfall the Campaspe catchment lie above Lake enrichment problem, likely to be the result of irrigation sector and winter flows had averages in the Upper Campaspe Catchment Eppalock. The Campaspe and Coliban of poor catchment and land use practices” halved to compensate for this. Almost have averaged 40% less over the last 14 provide about 75% of the inflow into Lake (28) 20% of the annual outflow occurs between years.” (21) Eppalock, with smaller amounts provided summer to March. Irrigation is by far the by Wild Duck Creek and Mt. Ida Creek. The Coliban Water Supply System extends largest user of water in the catchment. “Based on river flow records of the previous Improved Pasture is the main land use above for over 100km and was initially constructed dry sequence (1878 to 1952,) Lake Eppalock Lake Eppalock, with a small amount of to supply towns that had been established According to the Lake Eppalock Action Group was expected to average inflows of horticulture and cropping. during the gold rush with fresh water. in early 2008, historic average inflows into 153,000ML per year. This is in stark contrast Construction began on Malmsbury Reservoir Lake Eppalock are; Campaspe River 43%, to the actual inflow into Lake Eppalock Historically, the Lake Eppalock Catchment in 1866, however water didn’t flow from the 31.5%, Wild Duck Creek 15%, during the recent wet sequence (1952 to has suffered from land degradation, reservoir until 1877. It was also enlarged Mt Ida Creek 9%, other small streams 1.5%. 1996) which has delivered an average of caused by gold mining, land clearing, over between 1938-41. The Upper Coliban Average stream flow from these sources 206,000 ML inflow over the period 1962 to cultivation and the overgrazing by stock and Reservoir was added to the system in 1903, and rainfall was 205,000 ML. Between 1966 and is in further contrast to the last six rabbits. So severe were these problems that with upgrades in 1917 and 1925. Lauriston 2001 and 2008 however, stream flow data years (dry sequence) where the inflow has the Soil Conservation Authority targeted Reservoir was constructed between 1938- showed 20,000ML average (90% loss of averaged only 25,000ML per year” (21). the catchment in the 1960’s and 1970’s in 1941.These three reservoirs supply the the long term average inflow). Levels in order to control these problems. However system along with an allocation from Lake Eppalock were as recently low as 7%, even after these works high loads of Lake Eppalock. Eppalock was constructed “unsustainable amounts of Sales Water and “During 1874 to 1952 the catchment colloidal clays and suspended solids can between 1960-62. The Coliban system is the supplementary deliveries made to the averaged 153,000ML/per year)...1996 to still work their way through the catchment gravity fed, except for the water pumped Waranga Western Channel during the period 2007 yielded only 65,000ML/per year. and into Lake Eppalock. Water quality in from Eppalock to Bendigo. 2000 – 2002” were seen as a major reason 2001 to 2007 yielded only 20,000ML/per the Campaspe for instance gets worse the why Lake Eppalock reached such perilous year. The author’s apportion the reduced further downstream, with the quality of Streamflow of the Campaspe and Coliban levels. (29) catchment yield in the following way; water above Malmsbury Reservoirs quite River was greatly impacted by the building *Additional number of farm . good, “...water quality at Redesdale (Station of the Malmsbury, Lauriston and Upper “Past records show that Coliban’s share of 25,000ML/year. *Less autumn and winter 406213) has been monitored since 1976 and Coliban Reservoirs and Lake Eppalock. the water in Lake Eppalock to be 36,900ML rainfalls (less effective rainfall) 25,000ML/ at Ashbourne (Station 406208) since 1991. Mean annual flow just below Malmsbury per year, however due to the ongoing year. *All other listed factors 38,000ML/ At Redesdale there is only a 17% ANZECC Reservoir had been reduced by half because catchment and climate changes we should year” (21). compliance for pH, an 8% compliance for of the Reservoirs. expect only 10% of that”. (29) TN and a 67% attainment for TP. Further Pastures, particularly improved pastures, can be upstream at Ashbourne, a high attainment treated with a range of pesticides and fertilisers. At least 70 types of pesticides are registered for for the ANZECC guidelines for DO, EC, TN and use on pastures in Victoria. TP occurs (Water Ecoscience 1997).” (28)

33 34 “In the Lake Eppalock catchment, it was On 20 August 2009, Goulburn Murray found in 1994 that perennial pasture had Water and the North Central Catchment been sown in 77% of properties in the past Management Authority announced that 30 years. More than 75% of the surveyed they would be meeting residents over the farmers thought that they would increase following days to describe the availability of their sowing rates by an average of 21ha. water over the availability of water over the (30). A census survey found that in 1996/7, next season. Under a worst case scenario the proportion of pasture area fertilised in the water supply in both the Loddon and the North Central Region was 22.3%. A total Campaspe systems could be exhausted of 28.4% of farmers in the North Central before June 2010. Region applied fertiliser on farms. A further study found that half of respondents with a There are some plantations in the large proportion of perennial pasture were headwaters of the Coliban system, applying fertiliser annually or biannually. hardwood (largest plantation near Upper (30) 56% of perennial pasture growers Coliban Reservoir owned by EPFL) and said they practiced set stocking while the softwood near Woodend owned by Hancock remainder had some system of moving their Victorian Plantations. Native forest logging stock” (30). has occurred in the headwaters of the Coliban system in the . Pasture improvement can result in increases in stock carrying capacity. Clover, cocksfoot, phalaris and in the south ryegrass are commonly grown. Native pastures are mainly used for wool production. Fat lambs and beef are common in the higher rainfall southern portion of the catchment. Dairying is limited to area near Goornong, cropping occurs mainly in portions of the flatter northern part of the catchment. Oats, wheat and barley grown in most areas, with oat crops commonly cut for hay. Potatoes grown near Trentham. Other crops grown include rape, peas and lupins grown in rotation with cereals and pastures. Coliban Channel - Elphinston

35 LAKE EPPALOCK

Lake Eppalock is managed by Goulburn “Inflows into Lake Eppalock Murray Water. Alert Level 2 for the are not only influenced by the Potentially toxic BGA Microcystis was reached in May 2003 as a result of low wet and dry sequences but are water levels, increased water temperatures significantly reduced by Landcare and increased nutrients. Storage levels activities, improved farming reached historic lows at Eppalock during practices and other factors in the 2003, dropping to 7% of capacity in May and remaining at this level until August. catchment” (21) Eppalock reached a maximum capacity of 22% in October. Nitrogen levels peaked in September 2003. By June 2004, water storage levels dropped to 4.6% of capacity and Microcystis was again detected during the tear, with turbidity and electrical conductivity of the reservoir increasing.

Alert Level 3 for Toxigenic BGA was reached in May/June 2006 and increases in salinity also occurred during 2006. Alert Level 3 was also reached in February and March 2007 for Anabaena at levels higher than recorded in 2006. Storage levels reached <1% of capacity from April to July 2007 before reaching 7% by the end of year. The highest level of electrical conductivity was reached in July 2007. Nutrient and turbidity levels also increased. Of the 36 instances of BGA recorded at Lake Eppalock above 500 cells/ mL, 61% of these occurred in 2005/6 and 2006/7 (8).

The longest BGA algal bloom to occur at Lake Eppalock occurred between the 1st of March 2007 and 4th of April 2007, lasting for a total of 34 days.

On the 31st of August 2007, the Goldfields Superpipe opened which transferred 20,000ML of water per Lake Eppialock near junction of Coliban and year into the Eppalock to Bendigo Pipeline (not Lake Campaspe River (October 2009) Eppalock itself).

38 Goulburn System

The Goulburn River catchment is At Goulburn Weir, water is diverted into Goulburn Weir, which may also be a source The EPA report did say however; Victoria’s largest being 1.6 million the East Goulburn Main Channel. It is also pesticide laden runoff. According to the “Issues regarding environmental quality are hectares in size or 7.1% of Victorian diverted into the Stuart Murray Canal and Goulburn Broken Catchment Management also outlined by the EPA in an assessment Cattanach Canals which transport water Authority it also uses a variety of pesticides against the Victorian River Health Strategy. landmass. The Goulburn River is into Waranga Basin. Water is sent along to control gorse, blackberry, broome and responsible for providing irrigation the Waranga Western Channel in a north willow. Thousands of hectares of land are Eildon outlet structure to the limit of water to 200,000ha of farmland, with the westerly direction. At its furthest point, required to be controlled for weeds by the the influence of backwaters of the Goulburn Goulburn Murray Irrigation system being water from the Goulburn system can be sent CMA, although in comparison to volumes Weir (south of Nagambie): the largest in , covering over as far west as Ouyen, a distance of 600km used by agriculture this use would be small. River impacted by flow regulation...reduced 800,000 hectares. from Lake Eildon. Cropping would probably be the largest user water quality. of pesticides within the catchment With the construction of the Goldfields “Extensive water quality information has Goulburn Weir backwaters above Kirwans Superpipe, Ballarat and Bendigo are now been collected for the Goulburn Basin. In After a fish kill that occurred downstream Bridge (to the limit of the influence of the sourcing a large portion of their drinking total, over 13,000 sites have been used to of Goulburn Weir in 2004, the Victorian weir) including Lake Nagambie, and the water from the Goulburn catchment. collect hydrologic and water quality data”. Government initiated an investigation by eastern and western backwaters: River (31) the Environment Protection Authority which impacted by flow regulation, poor quality was released to the public in September physical habitat, many aquatic weed The first major supply works were the According to the EPA (32) , the quality of the 2005. http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/envaudit/ species, degraded lake margin in most areas construction of Goulburn Weir in 1890 and water from the Goulburn River deteriorates goulburn_river.asp due to stock access, possible water quality two diversion channels to the east and west. after leaving Lake Eildon. Water temperature and sediment quality problems. The Waranga Basin was constructed in 1905, for the Goulburn River downstream of The 2005 EPA audit was limited to channels with the Waranga Western Channel (WWC) Lake Eildon is up to 6.5C lower than if Lake and drains and the way they discharge into Kirwans Bridge to Goulburn Weir: also being constructed so that the Goulburn Eildon hadn’t been built, thereby affecting streams. Agricultural practices and runoff … water quality poor, riparian zone condition system could connect with the Loddon native fish. Scientists consider that the were not discussed. Rodney Main Drain and generally good, but stock access generally system. The WWC was later extended by environmental health of Goulburn Weir and No.3 were included in the study, uncontrolled, channel modification another 170km to supplement the Wimmera- the Nagambie is poor to moderate. however both of these drains discharge significant...”(32). Stock and Domestic System. Lake downstream of the Goulburn Weir. Areas and Eildon was originally constructed in The dominant land use in the Goulburn, is land use upstream of Goulburn Weir, were 1922 and enlarged in 1955. Lake Eildon dryland agriculture. However the region also not investigated by the EPA in their 2005 is the Goulburn River’s largest storage supports irrigated pasture and cropping report. and supplies the southern section of the where pesticides may be used. Some Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID). vineyards are also located near

39 40 1

2

3

Goulburn River Catchment Map above Goulburn Weir.

Cropping (potentially high pesticide use) Hancock and other Pine Plantations 1 - Goulburn Weir 2 - Puckapunyal 3 - Lake Eildon Improved pasture (pesticide use) Urban Vineyards (potentially high pesticide use) Bluegum Plantations Goulburn System continued Pesticides of most “Turbidity levels in the Goulburn River are In May 2009 the Australian Conservation generally low (median less than 10 NTU) Foundation published a report stating risk to Water Quality between Lake Eildon and Murchison... that if clearfell logging was stopped in the Suspended solids concentration is generally headwater forests of the Goulburn system, in the Goulburn River low (median less than 20mg/L) in the “an additional water yield of 3807GL would Goulburn River between Lake Eildon and be delivered into the Goulburn River over Catchment above Murchison. The Goulburn River has a the next 100 years...The economic value of naturally low suspended solid load and Lake this water would be $1.68billion.” (62). The Goulburn Weir..... Eildon and Lake Nagambie both serve as major growers of plantations in the Goulburn sediment traps....Index of Stream Condition Catchment are Hancock Victorian Plantations Land Use: 1. Pasture. 2. Grapes. 3. Fumigant: Chloropicrin. (ISC) and sub-index scores indicates that (~4100ha) and Midway Plantations Pty Ltd Cropping. 4. Turfgrass. Plant Regulator: Trinexapac-Ethyl the sites assessed along the Goulburn River (~2000ha)). The potential water losses below Lake Eildon are in poor to very poor caused by the February 2009 bushfires in Herbicides: condition, predominantly due to the altered the Goulburn Catchment have not been Insecticides: Azinphos hydrology of the river. Results indicate quantified in this report. that the physical form and condition of the 2,4-D, Amitrole, Atrazine, riparian zones are generally good (although Methyl, Carbaryl, Diazinon, conditions in the vicinity of Seymour are Bromoxynil, Chlorthal Dimethoate, Disulfoton, poor), as in the general condition of water Dimethyl, Clopyralid, Emamectin, Endosulfan, quality..” (33) Dicamba, Dichlobenil, Diquat, Fenamiphos, Fenthion, A comparison of Goulburn River Water Dithiopyr, Diuron, DSMA, Fipronil, Imidacloprid, between Lake Eildon and Seymour was made in March 2008 by Melbourne Ethofumesate, Fluometuron, Maldison, Methidathion, Water.(31) Generally speaking, Electrical Glyphosate, Halosulfuron- Methomyl, Parathion Methyl, Conductivity, Colour, pH, Nitrogen, Phosmet, Piperonyl Butoxide, Phosphorus and Turbidity increases at Methyl, Hexazinone, Seymour, in comparison to Lake Eildon, Imazapic, Imazethapyr, Thiamethoxam. showing slight a deterioration of water quality. Isoxaben, MCPA, Mecoprop, Fungicides: Metsulfuron Methyl, MSMA, Napropamide, Norflurazon, Azoxystrobin, Chlorothalonil, Oryzalin, Paraquat, Picloram, Cyprodinil, Dimethomorph, Prometryn, Propyzamide, Fenarimol, Fenhexamid, Rimsulfuron, Quinclorac, Fludioxonil, Iprodione, Sethoxydim, Simazine, Mancozeb, Metalaxyl, Metiram, Tebuthiuron, Terbacil, Propiconazole, Pyraclostrobin, Terbutryn, Thiobencarb, Tebuconazole, Tebufenozide, Trifloxysulfuron Sodium. Triadimefon.

43 44 5 4 1 3

2 Water Supply Network. Goulburn Weir to Colbinabbin 6

1. Colbinabbin (water pumped from here to Ballarat and Bendigo) 7 2. Groves Weir Catchment 3. Waranga Western Channel 4. Waranga Basin 5. Stuart Murray Canal 6. Cattanach Canal 8 7. Goulburn Weir 8. Goulburn Weir Backwater 9. Lake Nagambie 9 Cropping (potentially high pesticide use) Improved pasture (pesticide use) Vineyards (potentially high pesticide use/) History Goulburn Weir Goulburn Weir is a concrete and “The Goulburn Weir near Nagambie and Several days later it was reported that associated diversion channels to the east 15km of the Goulburn River below the masonry structure, that allows and west of the river, serving the Goulburn- Goulburn Weir had dead and dying fish. for adequate water levels so that Murray Irrigation district, have reduced the Nine hypothesis were determined as water can be diverted into the East average annual down river flow there to … being the cause of the dead fish. These Goulburn Main Channel, the Stuart less than half the pre-regulated flow.” (36) were presented to the EPA. “The EPA later concluded that low Dissolved Oxygen and Murray Canal and Cattanach Canal. Nutrient and turbidity levels have generally associated effects, including possible When it is full the Goulburn Weir increased at Lake Nagambie since 1998. sulphide toxicity seem to be the most likely pool contains 25,000ML of water Potentially toxic BGA were recorded at cause of the fish deaths downstream of and is 1130ha in size. Lake Nagambie (Goulburn Weir) in 2002. Goulburn Weir”. (32) Potentially toxic BGA were detected at Alert Level 1 on two occasions in January 2003 and “Only two fish kill events have been Stuart Murray Canal: Water diverted into Alert Level 3 in March 2003. reported downstream of Lake Eildon and the Stuart Murray Canal either ends up in upstream of Goulburn Weir between 1997- Waranga Basin or is diverted into the Central BGA levels at Lake Nagambie reached 2004, at Whitehead Creek near Seymour Goulburn area, via 5 separate off takes. all time highs in 2006/7, particularly in and Katies Creek near Yea. Three incidents Capacity at Goulburn Weir is 3500ML/day, February and March. During 2007 Lake were reported at Lake Eildon and one on but if Waranga Basin is above 380,000ML, Nagambie recorded the highest normal the . Almost 20 other fish kills Weir’s capacity is 2000ML/day. range of toxigenic BGA out of all the were reported, but downstream of Goulburn The Cattanach Canal has no irrigation Goulburn storages. 70% of BGA algal counts Weir”. (32). diversions along its length and can divert up above 500 cells/mL between 1992 and 2007 to 3690ML/day into Waranga Basin. at Lake Nagambie occurred during 2006/7 (8). In regards to the management of Lake Nagambie; “...these assets are a critical “The 2002 expert panel’s ecological review part of the water infrastructure of northern of Lake Nagambie and the Goulburn Weir In February 2004 mussels were found Victoria and are the responsibility of Pool...identified septic tank systems in the Goulburn Murray Water”.(34) dead in the Cattanach Canal (near the off Picnic Point area, run-off from the Tahbik area and other environmental issues as take of the Goulburn Weir), although “It has been estimated that the catchment posing potential threats to the health of the above Lake Nagambie, has pollution lake and the weir pool” (32) after an investigation by the EPA, results generation rates of 75,000t/yr. (including nitrogen 1800t/yr and phosphorus 250t/ of their deaths were inconclusive. (37) On January 14 2004, holiday makers yr. These estimates do not however include reported large numbers of dead fish in On the 12th of November 2004, the acting pollutants effectively trapped in ‘in-line’ the Goulburn River just downstream of storages at Lake Eildon and Goulburn Weir Goulburn Weir. This was later confirmed by Victorian Chief Health Officer John or substances deposited on floodplains. Goulburn Murray Water that thousands of Lake Eildon and Goulburn Weir act as Carnie warned people not to eat fish dead fish were floating in the plunge pool, sediment and nutrient traps. Lake Eildon immediately below the concrete structure. caught in the Goulburn Weir Pool and traps approximately 96-97% of pollutants entering the storage.”(35) Lake Nagambie following six cases of gastrointestinal illness. (38)

47 48 Detected Pesticide “The toxicity and ecotoxicity of summary for Endosulfan is well documented. Goulburn Weir/ Endosulfan is highly toxic for humans Pesticides Nagambie September and for most animal taxa, showing in Lake Nagambie 2004-6 (39) both acute and chronic effects at relatively low exposure levels. Acute Between 2004-6 (starting September November 2004: Trace 2004), Goulburn Murray Water conducted level Endosulfan. January lethal poisoning in humans and clear Pesticide Monitoring in their irrigation supply channels over their six irrigation 2005: atrazine 0.002ug/L. environmental effects on aquatic areas in northern Victoria. One of the February 2005: atrazine chosen reference points was at the Stuart 0.01ug/L. March 2005: and terrestrial communities has Murray Canal/Goulburn Weir Nagambie. The insecticide Endosulfan and herbicide atrazine 0.019ug/L. April been observed under standard use Atrazine were detected. Endosulfan was 2005: atrazine 0.02ug/L. recorded at Nagambie in October, November August 2005: atrazine trace, conditions when the risk mitigation and December 2005. However during these months Total concentrated endosulfan was copper 2.2ug/L. September measures have not been followed. highest at Nagambie out of all of the 5 sites 2005: copper <0.9ug/L. in the 6 irrigation districts. According to the October 2005: Endosulfan Several countries have found that report “Endosulfan is registered for insect control on a number of crops including pome 0.0087ug/L. Atrazine trace, endosulfan poses unacceptable risks, fruit, stone fruit and vegetables... Safe for copper 1.3ug/L. November all uses except aquaculture... The detection 2005: Endosulfan 0.0186ug/L, or has caused unacceptable harm, to of Endosulfan at Nagambie may be related to growing vegetables (tomatoes) and fruit atrazine trace, copper human health and the environment, upstream of Nagambie”. (39) <0.9ug/L. December 2005: and have banned or severely restricted Endosulfan is also registered for use on cropping Endosulfan 0.0021ug/L, and it is more likely that the source of the atrazine 0.042ug/L, copper it...Endosulfan is highly acutely Endosulfan was from a cropping enterprise, as <0.9ug/L. January 2006: this study has found that next to no pome fruit, stone fruit and vegetables are grown upstream Atrazine 0.033ug/L. February toxic via oral, and dermal routes of of Lake Nagambie. It is also interesting to note 2006: Atrazine 0.044ug/L, that the Endosulfan detections (October 2005- exposure and it is associated to human November 2005) were above safe levels for copper <0.9ug/L, March aquaculture. Could Endosulfan also have been 2006: Atrazine 0.0048ug/L, poisoning...” (40) in the water during the fish kill event of January 2004? copper <0.9ug/L. April 2006: Atrazine 0.036ug/L. (39) Information on Endosulfan

49 50 Pesticides in Lake Nagambie “There was a relatively small range In terms of risks to the residents of “In particular atrazine inhibits production of chemical types analysed in reaction Ballarat and Bendigo, the levels of Atrazine of testesterone (the male sex hormone) and Endosulfan recorded in Lake Nagambie and induces estrogen production (the to the fish deaths in early 2004. and Waranga Western Channel are well female sex hormone), upsetting the below the health levels set by the National balance between these two hormones. It is difficult to see why some of Health and Medical Research Council in the This effect of atrazine has been observed Australian Drinking Water Standards. (56) and published in fish, amphibians, these chemicals were chosen above The current health level for atrazine is set at reptiles and mammals. The result is 40 parts per billion (40ug/L) and Endosulfan chemical castration (demasculinisation) others more likely to be used in the at 30ug/L. However research from the and feminisation. In fish, amphibians, United States has revealed that levels of and laboratory rodents, the decrease in area or known to be toxic to fish. Atrazine for example can chemically castrate testesterone results in decreased sperm amphibians at doses as low as 0.1 parts per counts, impaired fertility, and a reduction … there appears to be little or no billion, which is close to the levels reported in masculine features. Similarly, atrazine at Lake Nagambie. The pesticide levels at exposure is associated with decreased communication between relevant Lake Nagambie are likely to dilute further at sperm and reduced fertility in humans. The Waranga Basin, however Goulburn Murray increase in estrogen by atrazine results in agencies when trying to obtain Water have detected both Atrazine and feminisation of males in fish, amphibians Endosulfan at equivalent levels in Waranga and reptiles. “Feminised” male fish Western Channel as were recorded at Lake and amphibians produce eggs and egg this type of relevant background Nagambie (39). Also of concern is that the yolk and some males even grow ovaries water authority that provides drinking water (become hermaphrodites)” “The effective information...The presence of herbicides to Nagambie and Colbinabbin, Goulburn concentration in amphibians (0.1ppb) is Valley Water, has not reported finding 30 times lower than the current (US) EPA or fungicides was seemingly not part pesticides at all at these locations. Both drinking water standard...” . (400 times Endosulfan and Atrazine can interfere with lower than the current Australian Drinking of the analysis results released on the hormones: Water Health Limit). (56) GMW website...” (32). http://www.endo-society.org/journals/ Information on Atrazine ScientificStatements/upload/EDC_ Scientific_Statement.pdf “It is acknowledged that biocides usage upstream of the Goulburn Weir has the potential to impact upon river health. This is through viticulture (numerous vineyards upstream of the Goulburn Weir), annual cropping (cereals and oil seeds) and pastures (lucerne and clover production” (32).

51 52 Cattanach Canal Kirwans Bridge at Goulburn Weir Backwater

53 54 Aquatic Weeds in Lake Nagambie/Goulburn Weir

Goulburn Weir backwater also has problems Terrestrial spraying also occurs near In 2000 it was reported that there had with aquatic weeds, including Mexican Goulburn Weir to control Pattersons Curse, been a ten fold increase in Cabomba in the Water Lily (Nymphaea mexicana) and grasses and eucalpyts. With Weedmaster previous two years (from 6ha to 60ha). A Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana) . Goulburn Duo, Glyphosate and Agtryne/MCPA used. limited herbicide regime occurred in Lake Murray Water started a weed control Benalla in 1999/2000 using dichlobenil, program in May - June 1996 when the lake “Comes et al (1976) found that 58% of simazine and chelated copper. At this was sprayed with Roundup biactive in dry glyphosate at distances of 8 and 14.4km time there was no herbicide registered for conditions. About 210 litres of Glyphosate downstream from the point of introduction Cabomba control in potable water supplies was used. Water lily clumps were targeted in to the canal...however found that 63% of in Australia. (45) again in late November 1996 – March 1997 glyphosate in irrigation channels was lost with Glyphosate rates of 6L/ha, meaning to adsorption within 2km. Rates of loss are that 577 litres of Glyphosate was used. directly related to the amount of organic Glyphosate levels in the lake, pre-spraying material and microbes present in the water were <0.1mg/L. Samples taken in late 1996 column”. (43) showed Glyphosate levels of <0.03mg/L. The other weed problem in Lake Nagambie GOULBURN MURRAY WATER ALSO Between November 1997 to March 1998, is Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana). Lake 361 litres of Nufarm Weedmaster 360 was Nagambie and are the only INVESTIgATED THE USE OF A NUmBER OF applied. Glyphosate levels at one point in location in Victoria where this weed occurs. the lake increased to 0.038mg/L and then A major infestation was found at Lake HERBICIDES IN 1998 FOR CONTROL OF decreased to <0.03mg/L after two days . Nagambie in 1996. Herbicides were trialled From 1999 to 2003 another 2193.5 litres of when the lake was lowered, however the CABOmBA AT LAKE NAgAmBIE, wHICH herbicide (either Roundup Biactive, Roundup herbicide that may best control Cabomba 360, and Weedmaster 360) was used in could be Carfentrazone (44), This herbicide AT THAT TImE COVERED 25HA. THE ONLY the lake. During 2000/1 monitoring found may be used if other methods of control fail. Glyphosate residues of <0.03mg/L. HERBICIDES REgISTERED FOR AQUATIC Monitoring of glyphosate post spraying in 2007 saw Glyphosate levels as high as wEED CONTROL IN AUSTRALIA AT THAT TImE 0.12mg/L post spray. No residues were detected 19-51 days after spraying. (42). wERE 2,4-D AmINE, DIQUAT, GLYPHOSATE, AmITROLE AND ACROLEIN. IN THE UNITED STATES HOwEVER A LARgER RANgE OF HERBICIDES wAS AVAILABLE IN THE UNITED STATES INCLUDINg; 2,4-D DIETHYLAmINE, DIQUAT, FLURIDONE, DIQUAT AND COmPLEXED COPPER, ENDOTHAL DIPOTASSIUm SALT (K2), ENDOTHAL K2 & COmPLEXED COPPER, ENDOTHAL DImETHYLAmINE SALT. (46)

55 56 Puckapuynal Highest Readings at Puckapunyal Army base was According to a press release by the each site between established in 1939 and for some Victorian Peace Network 30 July 2006, “The time was Australia’s largest army Australian Defence Forces delayed receiving June - October 2009. camp. 1000 personnel can be housed its purchase of second-hand US Abrams at the site, which is 25% of the 4000 tanks until their DU-hardened armoury was personnel that could be housed there replaced. On 10 March 2004 then defence Gardners Creek at From a summary of these short term in the mid 1960s. Minister Robert Hill, in announcing the Puckapunyal: EC @25oC 370 results it appears that water monitored at decision to purchase the Abrams M1A1 tank, Puckapunyal can be acidic and in places very said that the government had decided “not (October 09), pH 6.5 (October turbid. According to the ANZECC Guidelines It is the largest military training centre in 09), Turbidity 98 (October Victoria. Initially 5,714ha of grazing land to get the depleted uranium armour” and for Fresh and Marine Water Quality 2000, was compulsory acquired before the military “we don’t have a plan to use projectiles that 2009). turbidity readings in lowland rivers should base was opened in 1939. Both AIF and are made with depleted uranium”. (47) Bylands Creek d/s Tooborac be between 6-50 NTU and in upland rivers militia units trained there and today the between 2-25 NTU. The reading at Hawkers A Freedom of Information request was sent Road: EC @25oC 235 (September Creek in June is almost 20 times higher than field training area is larger than 40,000ha, 09), pH 7.4 (Sep 09) - 6.63 which makes the base the largest landholder to the Department of Defence regarding the ANZECC Guidelines for lowland rivers. within the Goulburn catchment (after the water quality monitoring at Puckapunyal. (August 09), Turbidity 474 (July Hawker Creek discharges into Gardiners Victorian State Government). Puckapunyal In the response, the Department of Defence 2009). Creek about 2km before Gardiners Creek is best known however as the home of the said that for most of the past few years, no discharges into Major Creek, which is the water had been flowing through monitored Hawkers Creek u/s Range largest drainage inside the Puckapunyal School of Armour of the Royal Australian Control: EC @25oC 305 Armoured Corp who first moved there in streams at Puckapunyal. However some Commonwealth Area. Major Creek flows into 1941. The Royal Australian Armoured Corp results were sent for the period June 2009 to (September/October 09), pH 7.5 the Goulburn River at Michellstown. (RAAC) is the Senior Arms Corp of the October 2009. (Oct 09) - 6.8 (June 09), Turbidity Australian Army. Bore Water is also tested at Puckapunyal at 25 It appears that the Department monitors 183 (June 2009). locations. Bore water is tested for; water levels, water quality at 5 sites at Puckapunyal. Hawkers Creek u/s Baldwins conductivity, pH, temperature and Dissolved School of Armour and 1st Armoured solids. Regiment operates out of Puckapunyal. Gardners Creek at Puckapunyal, Bylands Bridge: EC @25oC 131 Creek d/s Tooborac Road, Hawkers Creek Concerns of pollution from lead or tungsten (September 09), pH 6.6 (Oct 09) Water levels range from 4.8(?) to 35.5(?). Conductivity u/s Range Control, Hawkers Creek u/s bullets or shells have not been evaluated - 5.5 (June 2009), Turbidity 970 ranges from 1.06(?) to 20+(?). pH ranges from 6.18(?) in this report. Concerns over use of Baldwins Bridge and Gardners Creek at to 9.83(/), Temperature ranges from 14(?) to 26.3 (?), (June 2009). Dissolved Solids range from 0.53(?) to 10+(?). depleted uranium by the Australian army at Mount Puckapunyal. The streams are Puckapunyal appear to be unwarranted. monitored for Gauge Height, Electrical Gardners Creek at Mount Conductivity, pH, Turbidity and rainfall. Puckapunyal: EC @25oC 670 (September 09), pH 6.8 (Sep 09) - 5.5 (July 2009), Turbidity 506 (August 2009).

57 58 Waranga Basin Waranga Western Channel / Groves Weir

Waranga Basin is an off-stream According to the Campaspe Planning Waranga Western Channel can be impacted storage, that draws off unregulated Scheme; “Another issue of emerging by farming practices near Colbinabbin at flows from the Goulburn River. It importance is the pressure to develop land Groves Weir, which includes the catchments of the Goborup and Wanalta Creeks. holds 412,000ML and was completed adjacent to Waranga Basin for agricultural purposes. There is a lack of controls in place Groves Weir is located ~7km south east of in 1905. It is used almost exclusively to enforce appropriate buffer distances of Colbinabbin and is the only portion of the to supply irrigation demands mainly agricultural activity from Waranga Basin. Waranga Western Channel between Waranga during summer and early autumn. High use of fertilsers, pesticides and Basin and Colbinabbin that is connected, via herbicides may have a detrimental impact on waterway to surrounding country. All other The Waranga Basin has 2 outlets, a minor the quality of water in the Waranga Basin”. sections of the Waranga Western Channel, outlet that provides up to 1850ML/day (48) where it crosses creeks and drainage lines, of water to the Central Goulburn 7 and 8 water flow is diverted under the Channel systems. Its major outlet is the Waranga Freedom of Information released to Friends via drains and culverts. The Channel is also Western Channel 4210ML/day. A portion of of the Earth in late 2009, revealed in the elevated so that surrounding farm runoff the WWC’s can be diverted via the Central years 2007 -9, approximately 240 litres of cannot flow into the channel. This however Goulburn Offtake 9, which is located a short herbicide was used around the Waranga is not the case at Groves Weir. When full, distance from the main WWC outlet. This Basin to control grasses, briar rose, Groves Weir and surrounding is diversion capacity is 860ML/day, thereby boxthorn, canegrass, floating pondweed approximately 25ha in size. The wetland is reducing WWC rates to 4210ML/day. Both and cumbungi. Approximately 3% of the fed via Wanalta Creek and Gobarup Creek. Ballarat and Bendigo now draw water herbicide used was Metsulfuron Methyl, Wanalta Creek catchment, upstream of from the WWC at the Colbinabbin pumping with the remainder being Weedmaster Groves Weir is dominated by native forests facility. (Glyphosate). (49) in the headwaters and cropping and pasture. Small plantation holdings also occur in the Waranga Basin has a strong seasonal Five occurrences of Blue Green Algae above catchment. pattern of water storage, with levels rising 500 cells/mL were detected in Waranga over the autumn-winter period and falling in Basin between 1992 and 2005. Six were spring-summer. detected in 2005/6 including Alert Level 2 in November 2005 and January 2006 (8) which Most of the landuse immediately were regarded as significant increases from surrounding Waranga Basin is pasture with historical concentrations.. Water levels in come cropping evident. It is feasible that the basin were as low as 3% in 2003 and contaminants could wash into Waranga turbidity can be an problem. Basin, particularly in times of heavy rain. It is also feasible that contaminants could enter Waranga Basin via the Cattanach and Stuart Murray Canals. Goulburn Murray Water does not conduct pesticide monitoring at Waranga Basin.

59 60 Spraying Oil container Pesticides Most at found near Groves Risk in Waranga Weir Western Channel from Groves Weir Catchment

Land Use: 1. Pasture. 2. Cropping.

Herbicides: 2,4-D, Amitrole, Atrazine, Chlorthal Dimethyl, Clopyralid, Dicamba, Diquat, Diuron, Ethofumesate, Glyphosate, Hexazinone, Imazapic, Imazethapyr, Metsulfuron Methyl, Molinate, Picloram, Propyzamide, Sethoxydim, Simazine, Tebuthiuron, Terbacil, Terbutryn, Thiobencarb, MCPA, Paraquat, Prometryn.

Insecticides: Carbaryl, Diazinon, Dimethoate, Disulfoton, Endosulfan, Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Maldison, Methidathion, Methomyl, Phosmet.

Groves Weir/ Fungicides: Metalaxyl. Waranga Western Channel Lake Eildon proportion of the suspended load carried In 2008 Lake Eildon only reached a History: Year of completion 1956. Capacity “Under natural conditions the average by the river. However, a combination of a maximum level of around 14%. Increases 3,390,000ML (six times that of annual flow of the Goulburn River increased naturally low sediment yield, armouring in turbidity, phosphorus, Electrical Harbour). Area submerged 13,382ha. from 1,655,000ML at Eildon to 2,964,000ML of the river bed in the upper reaches and a conductivity and nitrogen seem also to be “Each year Goulburn Murray Water is able passing Nagambie. The three months of generally stable river channel (Erskine et al. occurring. The peak occurrence of frequency to tale up to 1919 Gigalitres of flow from the greatest flow were July to September, 1993, Chapter 5) means that the sediment of BGA at Bonnie Doon, Lake Eildon above Goulburn River and release 1400 Gigalitres accounting for 52% of the annual total, and trapping efficiency of Lake Eildon and Lake 500cells/mL occurred in both 1993/4 and (GL) of water from Lake Eildon under the the three months of least flow were January Nagambie is not currently a big risk to water 2004/5. Bulk Entitlement (Eildon-Goulburn Weir) to March, accounting for 5%. Operation of quality (eg as a result of increased incision Conversion Order (the Bulk Entitlement) the Eildon Reservoir had reduced the July to into the riverbed). Storage capacity of Lake Eildon has which came into effect on 1 July 1995.” (32) September flows passing Eildon to 33% of *Cold water releases from Lake Eildon remained under 55% since 1999. Major tributaries flowing into Lake Eildon the annual total, allowing an increase of the include the; Big, Upper Goulburn, Jamieson, January to March flows to 23% of the annual Trout farms are a source of nutrients to the Compliance with the Victorian SEPPs 100 Howqua and Delatite Rivers. total.” (36) Goulburn River but discharges are licensed ecoli/100mL in a raw water supply. This with the EPA and there are ongoing efforts to level was exceeded several times at Lake Approximately 91% of water released In mid 2005, the following statement about reduce the loads being released. (33) Eildon between 1971-2001. Total coliforms from Lake Eildon is diverted for irrigation impact of drought on Lake Eildon was made; and ecoli generally rose during summer purposes. 60% of water in the Goulburn “Has high proportion of through-flow each The Potentially toxic blue-green algae months and following rainfall. Bacterial Murray Irrigation District comes from Lake year, so water quality is strongly influenced Microcystis Above Level 1, were recorded testing at Lake Eildon commenced in 1968, Eildon. In December 2006, Goulburn Murray by Goulburn River quality. No noticeable nine times in 2003 at Lake Eildon, peaking with ecoli levels peaking in May-June. The Water predicted that water levels in Lake long-term change in e-coli, temperature, in January 2003. Lake Eildon’s water Lake is susceptible to faecal contamination, Eildon would drop to 3.8% of full water turbidity, nitrogen; phosphorus may be level dropped to 8.5% of capacity in 2003 however is usually ‘confined’ to areas supply by April 2007. (52) decreasing”. (53) with a water temperature of 27 degrees. near source. High readings of ecoli Previous breaches to Alert Level 1 also 72,000/100mL were detected near Bonnie Lake Eildon provides flood mitigation for the Direct effects include: occurredS. torage capacity of Lake Eildon Doon Caravan Park in 1979.(54) and supplies over half of the *Lake Eildon and Lake Nagambie act as fell to an historic low of 5% in May 2007 but irrigation water used in the Goulburn Murray sediment traps, capturing a high increased to 25% by December. Irrigation District.

Gold mining.

Between 1867 to 1973 nearly 2500 tonnes of gold was produced in Victoria. Approximately 38% of the gold was produced by quartz reef mining, which used mercury in the gold recovery process. Lake Eildon and Goulburn “Gold particles wetted by mercury adhere to each other and to copper plates that have been coated with mercury”. (55) One ounce of mercury was lost for every one ounce of gold recovered, Weir act as sediment and meaning that approximately 950 tonnes of mercury was deposited into Victorian soil, rivers and streams.”The A-1 mine at Rasberry Creek, subject of the more detailed study, operated until 1976 nutrient traps. Lake Eildon and produced about 12 tonnes of gold. It discharged about 12 tonnes of mercury in its tailings. The traps approximately 96-97% Morning Star mine at Woods Point discharged 10 tonnes of mercury into the environment. The Monash team found high levels of mercury in sediments near the battery outlet of the A-1 mine... of pollutants entering the Contamination was also present in sediments further downstream in Rasberry Creek and Gaffneys Creek and the Goulburn River...In the Monash study, mercury concentrations in fish from the storage.(35), meaning that Upper Goulburn system and Lake Eildon were only about one-tenth of those in the invertebrate in terms of water quality the larvae near the A-1 mine. But the methylmercury concentrations in the fish were nearer to 10 times found in invertebrate larvae...a study presented ...by the Environment Protection Authority major impact on the Goulburn indicates that in Lake Eildon, at least, there are many fish containing mercury levels well above the River will be downstream of statutory health limits...the fish analysed in the Monash study were very small and were from the headwaters of the Eildon. Even so, their mercury and methylmercury levels were approaching the Lake Eildon... NH&MRC limit.” (55) 63 Glossary Fire:

Aluminium: Can naturally leach into water Blue Green Algae (BGA): BGA is actually Bromate: A byproduct of the ozonation In recent years the water supplies of supplies, but is also used as a coagulant in photosynthetic bacteria, also called disinfection process and may cause a cancer Ballarat, Bendigo and Benalla have the water treatment process. Acid soluble ‘cyanobacteria’. Some species of BGA risk if consumed over a long time. been impacted by bushfires. The most aluminium concentrations above 0.2mg/L can produce chemicals that taint serious being the February 2009 fires can cause milky coloured water in the drinking water,in some cases making it Chlorine Disinfection Byproducts that decimated a major portion of the distribution process. There is a causal link undrinkable. Some species of BGA can headwaters of the Goulburn River system. between aluminium concentrations and also produce toxins that can be hazardous Trihalomethanes: A by-product of Benalla had almost their entire water supply Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminium has also to people and animals if consumed, disinfection through chlorination or burnt out as a result of the January 2007 been linked to Parkinson’s Disease and can inhaled or sking contact. BGA produce chloramination,, where chlorine reacts to Tolmie fires. cause problems for people undertaking three types of toxin. 1) Hepatotoxins: organic material. kidney dialysis. associated with liver damage and increase Fires can impact on water quality in several some cancer risks. 2) Neurotoxins: Chloroacetic Acid: By-product of chlorine ways most notably being increases of Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: can damage nerves and cause muscle reacting with humic and fulvic acids in sediment and nutrients, which in turn The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines tremors making breathing difficult. drinking water supplies. impact on aesthetic quality of drinking (ADWG) undergo a rolling revision process 3) Allergens: Cause skin rashes, eye water (eg turbidity and colour). Increases every few years. The last guidelines were irritations and possibly gastroenteritis. Dichloroacetic Acid: By-product of chlorine of nutrients (particularly phosphorus) can published in 2004 and draft comments were Different strategies are employed by water reacting with humic and fulvic acids in in turn heighten the risk of cyanobacterial sought in early 2010 for the latest version authorities to deal with BGA including drinking water supplies. blooms. Depending on the intensity of the of the guidelines. The 2004 ADGW’s were physical controls, reducing nutrient fire, levels of iron and manganese may developed in collaboration with the NHMRC inputs, restricting light, taking water from Trichloroacetic Acid: By-product of chlorine also increase, as can levels of suspended (National Health and Medical Research unaffected parts of reservoirs, chemical reacting with humic and fulvic acids in solids. This may require water authorities to Council) and National Resource Management controls such as algicides. Treating BGA drinking water supplies. increase chlorine treatment. Ministerial Council (NRMMC). The Guidelines means adjusting flocculation, filtration, have a host of information regarding water chlorination and using activated carbon. Colour: Dependent on dissolved organic Use of fire retardants in water supplies quality and also include fact sheets outlining matter which contain fulvic and humic acids, which often consist of fertiliser like what the ADWG considers to be safe levels which are created through soils and native chemicals such as ammonium sulphate and of substances in drinking water. Guideline “Alert Level Guidelines for vegetation. Apparent colour is usually ammonium phosphate is also of concern levels and Health levels are included for Drinking Water Supply of measured before filtration. to people. Use of such fire retardants numerous substances. Guideline Value Potentially Toxic Blue-Green may also increase the risk of algae and meaning; “the concentration or measure of cyanobacteria. Regrowth bush burnt by Algae. Escherichia (Ecoli): Ecoli is common in a water quality characteristic that, based on animal and human faeces. It is tested bushfires can reduce stream flows. In the present knowledge, either does not result for by water authorities to ensure that short term an increase in water quantity in any significant risk to the health of the Alert Level Cells mL-1 faecal contamination is not occurring. may occur (often associated with poorer consumer (health-related guideline value), Disinfection can occur through chlorination quality water), however as the burnt bush or is associated with good water value regenerates the young growing trees 1 500-2,000 and chloramination. Disinfection residual (aesthetic guideline value).” (56) require a large quantity of water. Burnt Ash 2 2,000-15,000 is maintained throughout the distribution network to ensure there is no regrowth of forests in higher elevations will consume 3 >15,000 “ (7) organisms. more water than burnt mixed species located on lower elevations.

65 66 Glossary continued Fluoride: The Health (Fluoridation) Act 1973 been linked to impaired cognitive Turbidity: The measurement of light Lead has been linked and the Department of Health determine development in children and a number of scattering properties of water through the that fluoride levels must not exceed 1.0mg/L other health problems.(Lead can also be a suspension of fine particles. Turbidity is to impaired cognitive (annual average) or individual samples result of dissolution from natural sources). measured through NTU’s (Nephelometric above 1.5mg/L. There is often major Turbidity Units). development in community concern regarding fluoridation Manganese: Manganese is found in the of water supplies. http://www.fluoridealert. natural environment. Manganese in drinking Ug/L: Micrograms per litre. (In the metric children and a number org/ water above 0.1mg/L can give water an weight system, a microgram is a thousandth unpleasant taste and stain plumbing fixtures of a milligram. Since a milligram is a of other health Hardness: Usually refers to the presence in and laundry. millionth of a kilogram, and the microgram water of calcium or magnesium, the origin is a thousand times smaller, it is equivalent problems.(Lead can of which is usually determined by geological Mg/L: milligrams per litre. to a billionth of a kilogram. Microgram is also be a result of factors. Hard water can form scale in kettles, abbreviated ug. Thus, a part per billion of irons and washing machines. ML: Megalitre or one million litres of water. solid measure is equal to a ug/kg. Similarly, dissolution from GL: Gigalitre or 1000 Megalitres. a part per billion of a solid in a liquid is equal Iron: Usually found in water sourced from to a ug/l). http://extoxnet.orst.edu/tibs/ natural sources). catchment soils. High iron levels in water pH: Measures how acidic or alkaline the partperm.htm can cause staining problems for plumbing water is. Pure water is supposed to have a fixtures and washing. pH of 7.0. pH levels less than 7.0 are acidic, whilst pH levels above 7.0 are alkaline. Lead: Lead has been a major problem in the Ballarat region (particularly in 2006/7) and Safe Drinking Water Act also has caused some concerns in Bendigo. “Unlike most water contaminants, lead gets Act of Parliament passed in 2003 and has into water after it leaves a water treatment applied in Victoria since the 1st of July 2004. plant. Often this contamination is the Under the act, water suppliers must prepare, result of water treatment changes meant to implement and audit risk management improve water quality that end up altering plans in relation to their water supplies. the water chemistry, destabilising lead- Water storage managers must also disclose bearing mineral scales that coat service lines relevant water quality information. Irrigation and corroding lead solder, pipes, faucets, water or packaged water do not come under and fixtures.” (57) Lead in water has been this act. The legislation applies to the three seen to be a major source of lead exposure. Metropolitan water authorities, regional Corrosion from lead based solders in brass urban water authorities, fittings and copper pipes is often the source Corporation, Parks Victoria, the Victorian of lead in drinking water. This problem is Alpine resorts management and rural water often worsened by people drinking and authorities. cooking with corroded water after a first use particularly in the morning. Lead based Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): A measure solder has been banned in Australia since of the combined content of organic and 1989 so problems are most likely to be inorganic substances in water. The most associated in businesses and homes with common constituents of TDSs arecalcium, water fittings pre-dating 1989 Lead has phosphates, nitrates, sodium, potassium and chloride.

67 Waranga Western Channel Appendix 1. Appendix 2 Appendix 3 taps: 1,1-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethene, The Veterinary antibiotics most frequently used in What Coliban Water, Central Highlands Water and Blue-Green Algal Species Considered Potentially 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene, Australian animal industries North East Water Test For (according to water quality Toxic in Goulburn Murray Storages 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichlorobenzene, reports 2008-09). 1,3-Dichlorobenzene, 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, 2,4,6- Cattle: avoparcin, ceftiofur, cephalosporins, Anabaena (Anabaenopsis) Trichlorophenol, 2,4-Dichlorophenol, 2-Chlorophenol, cloxacilin, erythromycin, monensin, neomycin, CHWater: E.coli, Chloroacetic Acid, Dichloroacetic Aphanizomenon Ammonia, Antimony, Barium, Benzene, Benzo(a) oleandomycin, polyethers, salinomycin, tetracyclines, Acid, Trichloroacetic Acid, Triahalomethanes, Cylindrospermopsis pyrene, Boron, Cadmium, Carbontetrachloride, tilmicosin, trimethoprim, tylosin. (58) Bromate (Clunes), Formaldehyde (Clunes), Aluminium Coelosphaerium Chromium, CIS-1,2-Dichloroethene, Cyanide, (Acid Soluble), Turbidity, pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Lyngbya (Planktolyngbya) Cyanogen Chloride, Ethylbenzene, Free Chlorine, Cattle Hormone Products used to control oestrous True Colour, Hardness, Iron, Zinc, Cadmium, Copper, Limnothrix Hexachloro-1,3-Butadiene, M-&_P-Xylene, Mercury, cycle: Prostaglandins (e.g. Estrumate, Lutalyse, Lead, Manganese, Nickel, Arsenic, Chromium, Microcystis Methylene Chloride, Molybdenum, Nickel, Nitrate, Prosolvin). Progesterones (eg CIDR, Crestar). Cyanide, Fluoride, Mercury, Selenium. Nodularia Nitrite, Nox as N, O-Xylene, Pentachlorophenol, Oestrogens (e.g Cidirol, Oestradiol), ODB capsules), Oscilliatoria Plate Count 37C, Potassium, Selenium, Silver, Gonadotrophin-releasing hormones (e.g. Cystorelin). ColibanWater: E.coli, Chloroacetic Acid, Phormidium Styrene, Sulphate, Temperature, Tetrachloroethene, Steroidal estrogen hormones, estriadiol, estrone Dichloroacetic Acid, Trichloroacetic Acid, Plantothrix Toulene, Total Chlorine, Total Coliforms, Trans- (break-down products), estriol have been linked to Triahalomethanes, Bromate (in applicable towns), Plectonema 1,2-Dichloroethene, Trichloroethene, 2,4-D, Aldrin, endocrine disruption in the environment. Formaldehyde (in applicable towns), Aluminium, Rahpidiopsis (l) Amitrole, Atrazine, cis-Chlordane, DDT, Dieldrin, Turbidity, Fluoride, pH, Hardness, Iron, True Colour, Endosulfan 1, Endosulfan 2, Endosulfan Sulphate, List of antibiotics approved for use in dairy animals in Electrical Conductivity, Sodium, Chloride. Glyphosate, Heptachlor Epoxide, Hexazinone, the US Lindane, Methoxychlor, trans-chlordane. Tap Water: Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cyanide, Amoxicilin, Ampicillin, Ceftiofur, Cephapirin Sodium, Mercury, Nitrate, Selenium, Sulphate, Manganese, Benzathine, Cloxacillin Sodium, Benzathine Copper, Lead, Nickel, Benzo(a)pyrene, 2,4-D, Chlortetracycline, Oxytetracycline, Erythromycin, chlordane, DDT, Dieldrin, Aldrin, Epoxide, Heptachlor, Florfenicol, Hetacillin, Neomycin, Novobiocin, Radionuclides (alpha), Radionuclides (beta), nitrite. Penicillin G, Penicillin G and Novobiocin, Penicillin G and Streptomycin, Pirlimycin, Spectinomycin, Sulfadimethoxine. (59) Raw Water: E.coli, coliform, pH, turbidity, colour, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cyanide, fluoride, mercury, nitrate, selenium, sodium, sulphate, chloride, barium, boron, antimony, iron, manganese, copper, lead, zinc, nickel. BGA count, BGA ID, Biovolume, Chlorophyll a, Benzo(a)pyrene, 2,4-D, chlordane, DDT, Dieldrin, Aldrin, Epoxide, Heptachlor, Lindane

North East Water: E.coli, Chloroacetic Acid, Dichloroacetic Acid, Trichloroacetic Acid, Triahalomethanes, bromate, formaldehyde, aluminium, turbidity, fluoride, arsenic, copper, lead, manganese, chlorine dioxide (whitfield), chlorite, chlorate,

69 70 REFERENCES

1 North East Water Annual Report 2006-07. 16 United Water 2009 Corporate Report 34 DSE Response to the Environmental Audit of the 49 Freedom of Information Request letter Goulburn Goulburn River – Lake Eildon to the . Murray Water 2/12/09. 2 North East Water. Delivery System Plan Benalla May 17 Municipal Drinking Water Ballarat – Pamphlet December 2005. 2007. United Water – Veolia Water 50 Goulburn Murray Water Herbicide Usage Reports 35 Major Storages Water Quality Study: Project 2006-7 accessed via Freedom of Information late 3 Residues of 3,6-DCPA in Streamwater following 18 Hastings Fund Management. The Infrastructure Information Sheet 4. 2008. aerial application to a radiata pine plantation Fund. Annual Report 2009. in Ryan’s Creek Catchment, N.E Victoria. Forest 36 Water Victoria A Resource Handook. 51 Goulburn Valley Water Freedom of Information Commission Research Report No 238. PC Fagg & Cj 19 Central Highlands Water Annual Report 2008/9. 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RMIT Tunbridge, PL Rogan, CA Barnham.DCE 1991. 22 Goulburn Murray Press Release April 4 2007. Irrigation Supply Channels Covering the Six Irrigation University/Goulburn Murray Water October 2002. areas [2004-2006 Irrigation Season Study Report: 6 A Report on the Tullaroop Reservoir Catchment. 23 Coliban Water Press Release October Interim Report 1] June 2006 Goulburn Murray Water. 55 Monash Review. What’s New in Education, March 1980. Prepared by E.Blaskett and D.M. 17 2008. Research and Community Service. 3-83 “Gold Mines McKinnon. 40 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Leave A Legacy of Mercury” 24 Coliban Water Press Release February 1 2008. Pollutants. Report of the Persistent Organic 7 Goulburn Murray Water MSOMP Annual Report Pollutants Review Committee on the work of its Fifth 56 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. National 2003. 25 Coliban Water Water Quality Report 2009. Meeting. Addendum Risk Profile on Endosulfan. 13 Health and Medical Research Council 2004. 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