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