Poison fear in water supply

FOR the first time the Northern Territory Government will restrict the water supply in Katherine due to contamination from old toxic firefighting foams used at Top End army bases.

About 11,000 residents will be affected by at least two months of measures beginning on August 21 at a time of peak demand during the NT dry season. Health Minister Natasha Fyles says limiting irrigation times were an additional precautionary effort to keep the use of groundwater impacted by decades- long use of poisonous chemicals at the nearby RAAF Tindal base to a minimum. “I want to reassure residents their drinking water is absolutely safe,” she said.

Since November, pollutant levels have spiked above the recommended safe health limit four times but the Gunner government won’t reveal by how much. The Federal Government also continues to provide alternative drinking water to about 50 Katherine homes.