Low pH detected in waterways near Birregurra

THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has detected acidic conditions along Boundary Creek and the Barwon River near Birregurra, but says it does not pose a threat to the region’s drinking water.

Monitoring has detected pH levels of 3.4 in Boundary Creek, and low pH (4.8 – 5.2) were also recorded in the Barwon River near Birregurra (downstream of Boundary Creek).

Monitoring further downstream at Winchelsea showed a pH level of 6.3, which is just below the normal range for the Barwon River.

The source of this low pH 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 Boundary Creek.

The low pH water has also flowed downstream into the upper Barwon River.

Barwon Water is monitoring the affected waterways biweekly, and recently formed a community and stakeholder working group to develop a remediation plan for Big Swamp and Boundary Creek to improve river flows and water quality.

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 the drinking water supplies in the region because of this change in water quality.

People 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.

Animals such as cattle, sheep and goats are able to 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 (CCMA), Colac Otway Shire, the Department of Health and Human Services, Southern Rural Water, Environment Protection Authority Victoria and Agriculture Victoria are working together to monitor the situation and provide advice to communities.