Drip fed drink tap results

“Decisions regarding which drinking fountains will be reopened ... will be based on scientific test results.”

AUTHORITIES are analysing the results of an inquiry into the high lead levels found in Geelong’s public drinking taps.

A four-month investigation, following the discovery of lead leaching in more than 90 drinking fountains across the city, has yielded results.

However the findings are yet to be released, with the City of Greater Geelong and the Department of Health and Human Services still determining their responses.

Geelong council’s planning and development director, Joanne Van Slageren, said a decision on the necessary action was expected in “the coming weeks”.

“Decisions regarding which drinking fountains will be reopened, refitted or decommissioned will be based on scientific test results, (which are) currently being analysed,” she said. “We are committed to focusing on community health and safety as our number one priority.”

Victoria’s chief medical officer, Charles Guest, has previously warned that the findings could have ramifications for the whole state.

“Once the results of the

JOANNE VAN SLAGEREN

Geelong investigation are available, the relevant state government departments and agencies may be required to co-ordinate a statewide response,” he said.

Some of the city’s public drinking fountains have been offline for up to five months.

The council began spot testing its bubble taps in late March, after Barwon Water’s own testing uncovered the issue.

After scores of high lead levels were recorded — some more than three times the national guideline — a full testing program began in April.

A total of 93 of the city’s 140 public drinking fountains were eventually decommissioned, with the lead leaching found in more than 20 suburbs across Greater Geelong.

Authorities have said they suspected the lead leaching was related to plumbing fittings in low-use drinking taps.