WRA members had the pleasure of attending the Victoria University Water Advisory Board as one of the partners and engage in discussions around the theme “Contaminants of Concern and Risk to Water Security”. The event brought together key stakeholders such as Victorian water authorities, government officials, community groups and research scientists with expertise in the two main areas of discussion—contaminants and risks to water security. In today’s world, where multiple environmental challenges converge, water security faces new stressors that amplify risks to humans and the environment. Novel entities, such as various chemical contaminants introduced by human activities, represent one of the planetary boundaries (figure below), with waterways acting as channels for their spread.
Climate Change and Water Quality
As impacts of climate change are being experienced across many fronts, Dr. Dharma Dharmabalan highlighted how it impacts source water quality. Extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change – such as high intensity rainfall, cyclones, floods and bushfires affect water assets and necessitate improved monitoring and treatment procedures. These impacts extend not only to water sources but also through distribution systems. Preparing water networks to address these challenges is vital for maintaining water security, as these networks can also serve as potential exposure pathways during future pandemics.
Contaminants of Concern
The dominant topic of discussion was contaminants of concern in water security, with presentations focusing on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals, and Trihalomethanes (THMs). A recurring point raised by many speakers was the inconsistency in regulatory limits for these contaminants between countries, with Australia permitting significantly higher limits compared to the USA for many substances. These limits are currently under review and are expected to be lowered in Australia.
Wastewater was identified as a leading source of PFAS, followed by contaminated soil. Victoria University is conducting extensive research through various treatment procedures with the aim of reducing PFAS concentrations in water. The research results point to varying results between the different type of PFAS with large reductions observed in certain types such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) whereas much smaller decreases were observed in the concentration of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
Pharmaceuticals and Environmental Impact
Minna Saaristo, Principal Scientist of Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria presented research results examining the impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment. Pharmaceuticals have become widespread contaminants, detected in over 250 rivers worldwide. Their origins extend beyond human medications to industries such as livestock and aquaculture. Wastewater and solid waste are major contributors to pharmaceutical contamination, with stormwater also playing a role in its spread.
The primary recommendation for managing this issue is to address it at the source. Effective sorting and proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste have the potential to significantly reduce contamination levels.
Moving Forward
While novel contaminants and climate change pose considerable threats to water quality and ecological balance, ongoing research and management initiatives offer viable mitigation strategies. However, addressing complex problems, such as the treatment of PFOs, requires further support for research. Proactive management to tackle contamination at its source is equally critical. The mitigation of contaminants will offer possibilities such as using recycled water for environmental flows as suggested by Vincent Pettigrove from RMIT.
WRA remain committed to working with partners and the community to support initiatives at local and regional scales, contributing to solutions that address these pressing challenges in the water industry.
Pic credit (Planetary Boundaries – Stockholm Resilience Centre, 2023).
Contribution kindly provided by WRA volunteer Thomas Matthew.