Not on Town Water?
Do you need to take a Water Sample?
For water to be considered safe to drink, it needs to be tested for a range of microbiological and chemical parameters.
A wide variety of bacterial, viral and protozoan pathogens are capable of initiating waterborne infections. The easiest and most reliable method is to look for indicators of faecal contamination, usually faecal coliforms or specifically E. coli. These organisms occur in huge numbers in the intestines of animals.
There are also a number of chemicals that need to be tested for before water is deemed safe to drink. This includes heavy metals, some nutrients and potentially pesticides and other organic compounds where there is a risk of possible contamination from these.
The Tweed Laboratory Centre, which is part of Council’s Water Unit, as well as operational staff at the Water Treatment Plants, routinely sample and analyse water taken from throughout the reticulation system of the shire’s town water supply. Results are measured against the Australian Water Drinking Guidelines and provided to the NSW Health Department.
For residents that are not on town water supply, the Tweed Laboratory Centre at 46 Enterprise Ave, South Tweed (07 55693101), offers a testing service for people that would like to check their supply of water, whether it be rain, bore or spring water. While the laboratory has set recommended tests for drinking water, it is best to call the laboratory first to go over what tests would be best suited to a particular client’s needs. Suitable containers are provided free of charge. The laboratory also routinely tests swimming pool water, agricultural and acid sulfate soil testing.
For a full list of the laboratories services visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/TweedLab/AboutUs.aspx.
The laboratory holds NATA accreditation for most of its tests. Microbiology results are generally available 24 hrs after the sample is received at the laboratory and chemical reports are issued within 7-10 working days.
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