14 June 2011
Mount Bundy Station's drinking water is safe, based on initial water tests conducted as part of a Coronial investigation, NT Chief Health Officer, Dr Barbara Paterson said today.
Dr Paterson confirmed that the test results identified very low levels of arsenic that would be unlikely to impact on human health, even over a lengthy period of time.
A series of follow-up water drinking water samples and samples from non-potable sources on the property were collected from the site last weekend and are currently undergoing the same rigorous scientific analysis.
Should the repeat testing reveal similar results, the station's main drinking water supply would be declared safe.
Adelaide River water supply is being tested again today by Power Water Corporation. Results from March this year indicate the water is safe.
The initial water samples were gathered in response to the Coronial investigation, following the tragic death in May of a 17-year old male who had been a long term resident of the station.
Dr Paterson said DoH was continuing to work with other key NT agencies, including NRETAS and the Department of Resources, on environmental testing aimed at identifying the possible source of the arsenic contamination. This testing includes extensive soil sampling.
"It should be noted that Mt Bundy Station was declared an excluded area last weekend by the NT Coroner, and as a precautionary measure all residents and visitors were asked to leave.
"In addition, coronial investigations are being conducted by Police in both SA and the NT, and this places a number of constraints on public comment by authorities," Dr Paterson added.
DoH is coordinating medical assessment, including referrals where necessary, for eight long-term residents of Mt Bundy Station whose test results have indicated elevated levels of arsenic exposure.
Medical advice has also been offered to Adelaide River residents and visitors, although there have been no indicators of concern about people's health at this time.
The Centre for Disease Control information line is 1800 008 002.
An information sheet on arsenic is available HERE
A community information briefing will be held at the Adelaide River Show Society Club, Dorat Road at 6.30 pm on Wednesday 15 June 2011.
Media inquiries: Mr Robin Osborne, Media Director, (08) 8999 2886 or 0488 692 781
