AUSTRALIA’S BUSHFIRES THREATEN DRINKING WATER SUPPLY Bushfire ash contains nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous. Increased nutrient concentrations can stimulate the growth of cyanobacteria, commonly known as “blue-green algae”. Cyanobacteria produce chemicals which may cause a range of water quality problems, including poor taste and odour. Some cyanobacteria can produce toxic chemicals, requiring very careful management to protect treated drinking water. Source: The Guardian, Jan 2020 One of the biggest worries is that the sudden influx of nutrients into waterways may lead to “blackwater events” caused by blooms of blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria. Oxygen can subsequently drop to dangerously low levels for other aquatic life, potentially leading to mass fish kills and affecting species such as freshwater turtles. Source: National Geographic, Jan 2020 “For people in bushfire-affected areas where fire retardant and water bombing has occurred or ash has fallen, your tank drinking water could be contaminated,” The Chief Health Officer tweeted. Source: 7news, Jan 2020 Cyanobacteria produce chemicals which may cause a range of water quality problems, starting with poor taste and odour, according to Stuart Khan, an urban water management expert at the University of New South Wales. Source: ABC, Jan 2020 CARELUX B23 Water Filter: Whole Home Water Filtration System $195.00 – $1,199.00 Quick Change Undersink Reverse Osmosis Ultra High Purity $835.00 – $950.00 Recommended Products Spring Flow Water Distiller with High Grade Glass Jug 4L $690.00 UltraCeram Alkaline Stick Ionizer $45.00 Difference Filters $202.00 Sale! Omnipure L5320 Carbon Block NRV 100 053 Caravan Water Filter $55.00 $49.50 Spring Flow Distiller Replacement Power Cord $40.00 CARELUX R1PEA Bundle: Sediment, Carbon and Aragon Filters 10″ x 2.5″ $203.00 CARELUX R1DEA Bundle: Ceramic, Carbon and Aragon Filters 10″ x 2.5″ $268.00 5 Inches Doulton Super Sterasyl Gravity Ceramic Water Filter Candle $75.00