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ECan looks at E. coli cause By Susan Sandys
susan.s@theguardian.co.nz
Environment Canterbury is investigating the cause of E. coli contamination in private bore water supplies in the north-east of Ashburton. On its radar is effluent disposal, land-use activities, grazing stock on lifestyle blocks, septic tanks, poor well-head protection, and even the nearby Ashburton Cemetery. Shallow groundwater through-
out Canterbury is prone to E. coli contamination from land use, especially following large rainfall events, the regional council says. ECan groundwater science manager Carl Hanson said possible sources of E. coli in groundwater included effluent disposal, onsite wastewater systems and animal grazing. “Cemeteries are also a potential source that we will consider,” he said in an emailed response to the Guardian.
He said the current boil water notice for the area was not sparked by recent results, but by a view of historic data, and was precautionary. Environment Canterbury sampled its regular monitoring wells either annually or quarterly, and carried out one-off investigations in various areas to get a better understanding of the groundwater. “Any well can be at risk of E. coli contamination. In general, the risk is greater in shallower wells,”
Hanson said. “Deeper wells or town supply are possible solutions if the water quality is unacceptable. There are also treatment options for individual households.” The recent routine sampling by ECan also revealed high nitrate levels. This presents a risk to pregnant women and bottle-fed babies less than six months old, as it can cause methaemoglobinaemia, or blue baby syndrome. This is as a
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result of nitrates preventing the blood from delivering oxygen effectively in the body, and severe cases can be life-threatening. ECan had recently increased the frequency of its sampling for nitrate in the area, and planned to install a nitrate logger and rain gauge in a shallow well. Investigations on possible land use causes of high nitrates were also under way. There were consented activities in the area which could have had an impact.
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