Environment Protection Authority Victoria has published more results from its regional flood water testing program in conjunction with VICSES and Natural Hazards Research Australia.

Indicative results from the second round of regional floodwater tests show low E. coli levels at all the testing locations – Little Murray River at Swan Hill, Murray River at Swan Hill, Campaspe River upstream of Rochester, Campaspe River at Rochester, Murray, Goulburn and Campaspe Rivers at Echuca.

“These results build on the testing we have already done in other regional locations as well as the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne. Those results also showed generally low levels of E. coli with only the Goulburn River at Shepparton (2,000 MPN/100ml) showing above the recreational water quality guideline limit of 550 Most Probable Number per 100 ml (MPN/100ml) when we tested there on 2 November,” said EPA Chief Environmental Scientist, Professor Mark Taylor

“Our advice remains to avoid contact with flood water wherever possible. E. coli indicates that faecal contamination is present. Just because E. coli levels are low does not mean that there is no risk to health. We’re being cautious because the situation is highly variable.

"Floodwater should be treated as contaminated water as it can be contaminated from naturally occurring sources as well as overflowing sewerage or septic tanks, or agricultural or industrial wastes and chemicals. With an increased amount of floodwater in our catchments, this testing will provide a greater understanding of water quality across the state."

To protect your health, always assume that all floodwater is contaminated. Avoid contact with polluted water and sediment if possible, and visit the EPA website for more information on how you can stay safe. 

Under the joint agency program, SES will collect samples at multiple flood locations over coming weeks that will be analysed by EPA.  E. coli result will be added to the testing for a range of other possible contaminants including:

1. Pesticides – screen of ~400 compounds
2. PFAS – 33 compounds
3. Phthalates – group of chemicals used to make plastics soft and flexible. Phthalates are classified as endocrine disrupting chemicals.  
4. Petroleum hydrocarbons, which include, for example, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, and naphthalene.
5. Trace elements (23 elements) – including contaminants of concern: arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, zinc.

EPA, as a science based organisation, has also  taken the opportunity to sample for other contaminants of emerging concern during this sampling program. These results are not routinely sampled for and understood and will be analysed as a part of EPA's broader Emerging Contaminants Program.

Andrew Gissing, CEO of Natural Hazards Research Australia, said the initial results show that you can never be certain what is in floodwater.

“We know from our research that floods are often associated with increased risk taking from individuals, with water often associated with fun. There is nothing fun about contaminated floodwater. Cuts and scratches can easily get infected so the safest option is to stay out of floodwater for your own health.”

The partnership with Natural Hazards Research Australia will ensure the results are shared nationally with emergency services to help them educate communities and emergency services personnel about the many dangers floodwaters pose.

“In the last month, we have seen prolonged periods of heavy rain, flooding and storms, and we will continue to see this over the next few days. It’s vital communities understand the many different risks associated with floodwater. As well as the immediate physical dangers, floodwater can also carry pollution into waterways,” said VICSES Chief Officer, Tim Wiebusch

“The advice to community remains unchanged. Never enter floodwater. These initial results show that you can never be certain what is in floodwater.”

For more informatiuon go to https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/flood-impacted-rivers