Barwon River’s water quality near Birregurra improves

THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has advised that community members and landholders along Boundary Creek and the Barwon River near Birregurra that pH levels in the upper Barwon River are improving.

Monitoring further downstream at Winchelsea showed that pH is within the normal range for the Barwon River.

Low pH levels continue in Boundary Creek, and the cause is likely to be acid sulphate soils in Big Swamp that have previously dried out and then been soaked by heavy rainfall, flushing low pH water into the creek.

Low pH is a measure of water acidity and people may also notice visual changes to local waterways such as unusually clear water.

There is no threat to reticulated drinking water supplies in the region because of this change in water quality.

The reticulated water is sourced from the West Barwon reservoir, which is well upstream of the affected area, and the reticulated water is treated.

People should always avoid drinking untreated river water, and are advised to avoid direct skin contact with the affected water in this area until further notice as this may cause eye or skin irritation.

Dogs should be kept away from swimming in or drinking river water in affected areas.

The recommended guideline for livestock water is for pH levels of 6.5-8.5. However, livestock can drink lower pH water but alternative water supplies should be considered if stock are noticed to refuse affected river water.

Barwon Water, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Colac Otway Shire, DELWP, Department of Health and Human Services, Southern Rural Water, Environment Protection Authority Victoria and Agriculture Victoria are continuing to work together to monitor the situation and keep communities informed about the situation.

Barwon Water is monitoring pH levels in affected waterways twice a week so that appropriate action and advice to communities and landholders can continue to be provided.

To see monitoring results, head to ccma.vic.gov.au or phone 5232 9100.