The next free
water testing will be at the Boyanup District Farmers
Markets January
23.
The Shire of Capel Natural Resource Management Officer conducts
free community water testing 4 times a year at the Boyanup farmers
market. The testing looks at conductivity, which indicates how much
salt is in the water and pH which shows the acidity or alkalinity
of the water.
Community members bring in samples from their tanks, bores,
creeks, soaks and dams for testing. This testing cannot tell if the
water is safe to drink, as it does not show bacterial or heavy
metal contamination. However there are some things that these two
tests can reveal.
Over time, there are a few issues that appear to be common to
many local self-managed water supplies.
Low pH in tanks and bores
If
you rely on rainwater for use in your house, check the pH of the
water. In some areas around Boyanup and Donnybrook the rain is
acidic with a pH of 5.5 falling from the sky. If the pH is below
6.5 then this water will corrode copper pipes and you will see
green copper stains on sinks and shower recesses.
If
your bore water has a pH below 5 some plants will struggle to
survive.
A
simple pool pH test kit can be used to test the pH of your tank
water. The World Health Organisation guidelines for drinking-water
show pH should be between 6.5-8.5. If your
drinking water is outside these limits it is recommended you have
your tank water professionally tested and remediated to make it the
right pH.
Poor quality of bore water
Bore water can be highly contaminated and still look crystal
clear. This is why it is recommended that people do not top up
their drinking water tank with bore water, unless the bore water is
first professionally tested.
High salt in bore and dam water
Sometimes plant growth may be stunted due to high salt
concentrations in water. One sign of salt is a dried out edge
around leaves.
Ways to reduce the effect of salt is to; avoid spraying the
leaves, only use drippers and use lots of mulch.
The next free water testing will be at the Boyanup
District Farmers Markets January
23.
Rae McPherson Capel NRMO
Water Testing
in the Shire of Capel
The next free water testing will be
at the Boyanup District Farmers Markets January
23.
The Shire of Capel Natural Resource Management Officer conducts
free community water testing 4 times a year at the Boyanup farmers
market. The testing looks at conductivity, which indicates how much
salt is in the water and pH which shows the acidity or alkalinity
of the water.
Community members bring in samples from their tanks, bores,
creeks, soaks and dams for testing. This testing cannot tell if the
water is safe to drink, as it does not show bacterial or heavy
metal contamination. However there are some things that these two
tests can reveal.
Over time, there are a few issues that appear to be common to
many local self-managed water supplies.
Low pH in tanks and bores
If
you rely on rainwater for use in your house, check the pH of the
water. In some areas around Boyanup and Donnybrook the rain is
acidic with a pH of 5.5 falling from the sky. If the pH is below
6.5 then this water will corrode copper pipes and you will see
green copper stains on sinks and shower recesses.
If
your bore water has a pH below 5 some plants will struggle to
survive.
A
simple pool pH test kit can be used to test the pH of your tank
water. The World Health Organisation guidelines for drinking-water
show pH should be between 6.5-8.5. If your
drinking water is outside these limits it is recommended you have
your tank water professionally tested and remediated to make it the
right pH.
Poor quality of bore water
Bore water can be highly contaminated and still look crystal
clear. This is why it is recommended that people do not top up
their drinking water tank with bore water, unless the bore water is
first professionally tested.
High salt in bore and dam water
Sometimes plant growth may be stunted due to high salt
concentrations in water. One sign of salt is a dried out edge
around leaves.
Ways to reduce the effect of salt is to; avoid spraying the
leaves, only use drippers and use lots of mulch.
The next free water testing will be at the Boyanup
District Farmers Markets January
23.
