Australia’s capital, Canberra, is the only major city that is not situated on the coast of Australia. The large inland city houses a population of almost 400,000, and two major rivers are a part of their lifestyle.
The Molonglo River flows through Canberra, while the Murrumbidgee River skirts.
Canberra experiences a very dry continental climate with hot and dry summers to chilly and fog-heavy winters. Because the city is landlocked, they have several man-made lakes and one famous artificial lake in the center of Canberra. The lake is called Lake Burley Griffin and forms part of the Molonglo River.
Where does Canberra Water Supply Come From?
Canberra’s drinking water comes from Namadgi National Park and passes through four different stages to ensure safety before it comes out of your tap.
Stage 1: Collection
Stage 2: Sanitation and Treatment
Stage 3: Storage
Stage 4: Distribution
Canberra’s water supply is regularly evaluated through analysis and sampling to ensure it’s safe before it reaches households.
Who Controls The Water?
The ACTEW Corporation is a government-owned company that administers Canberra’s water systems and sewage infrastructure.
The ACT water resources come from dams and reservoirs, which have maintained their good quality water standards over the years. However, natural occurrences such drought and annual rainfall can affect the quality and allow contaminants into the system.
Increased amounts of these pollutants in reservoirs will greatly affect what comes out of your tap.
What Lurks in Canberra’s Tap Water?
Canberra Water Quality is ultimately determined by several factors. According to the ACT Water Report, various factors can greatly affect the water quality that passes through the reservoirs and into our homes.
Did you know you may be consuming any of the following and potentially risking your health every day?
Phosphorus and Nitrogen are common nutrients present in water. However, if levels increase, it produces harmful toxins. Not just to humans, but to any animal who relies on the water.
Fluoride does not occur in water but is added to our drinking water to help reduce tooth decay. However, we don't need it, and excessive amounts result in dental fluorosis.
MORE: Should You Be Worried About Fluoride In Your Drinking Water?
Chlorine is added to our water during treatment to disinfect and eliminate waterborne bacteria that may cause health hazards. However, increased concentrations of chlorine may result in certain cancers and digestive disorders.
MORE: Chlorination, Are You Sure Your Drinking Water is Safe?
Copper is found in water but only at low levels, which promotes health. But on its way down to your tap from the reservoir, excess copper can contaminate the water and cause nausea, headaches, gastric discomfort, and at extreme levels of liver damage.
MORE: Health Risk of Copper In Drinking Water.
Arsenic is a natural element found in the earth’s soil, and a tiny amount in water is safe.
However, due to industrial activities like mining and the risk of groundwater control, high amounts of this chemical can seep into your supply and arsenic in the body can cause poisoning and death.
MORE: Arsenic in Water: Its Effects and How to Get Rid of It.
Is There Something You Can Do?
Canberra’s drinking water comes from reservoirs and dams that pass through different filtration systems. These filtration systems and treatment plants control chemicals added to Canberra’s drinking water to make it safe. However, certain factors cannot be controlled and are putting our health at risk.
Since we have no control over what chemicals are added to your drinking water, the best way forward is to take control of your own water.
Research has shown that more and more people are purchasing water filters for safer and healthier drinking water.
Water Filters For Canberra
Where to get your water filter from?
You can purchase water filters almost anywhere, here online or at your local supermarket.
CAUTION: Not all water filters are certified or remove contaminants from your water. So check with retailers about the standard of their products and if they have been certified.
My Water Filter can provide you with the widest selection of water filters right here online, and to make shopping with us easy; we will deliver to your door!
Depending on your need, we are sure to find you the best water filter to enjoy safe and healthy drinking water.