Merriwa's water supply in NSW exceeds national radiation standards, prompting a switch to lower-radioactivity groundwater bores.

Merriwa water supply in NSW shows radiation levels above national standards, prompting the Upper Hunter Shire Council to switch the town's supply to two groundwater bores with the lowest radioactivity. Testing reveals a maximum possible radiation dose twice the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The radiation is believed to come from naturally occurring sources in the underground rock material. ANSTO is conducting detailed radionuclide testing, which will take about 10 weeks. The council is working with NSW Health, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water to address the issue and ensure the ongoing safety of the Merriwa drinking water supply.

August 08, 2024
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