Water contaminants and public health risks
Queensland Health is often involved in investigating water contamination events to determine the presence and extent of public health risk associated with the contamination as well as providing direction or guidance in the management of these risks.
Resources and more information about some ‘common’ water quality related health risks are outlined below.
If you suspect water contamination and:
- you are on a reticulated, or 'town', water supply and the contamination relates to your drinking water, contact your drinking water supplier
- you are on a private water supply, e.g. tank or bore water, then you have responsibility to manage the quality of your own supply
- you and your family believe you are ill because of a contaminated water supply, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit your GP.
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium is a microorganism that lives in the bowel and is found in the faeces of infected humans and domesticated animals (particularly cows and sheep). It is normally spread through poor hygiene, usually by ingesting contaminated food or water. Illness can occur from ingestion of water during swimming or immersion in contaminated water.
Read more about cryptosporidiosis.
E. coli and enteroccoci
E. coli and enteroccoci are bacteria that are used to monitor faecal contamination in the water. Water is tested to determine the level of E. coli or enterococci, which in turn indicates the presence of other disease-causing organisms. E. coli is commonly used to monitor the quality of drinking water, while enteroccoci are mainly used to indicate the quality of recreational water. Although most types of E. coli and enterococci are harmless, there are a few types that can cause serious infections in humans.
Harmful algal blooms
Water contaminated by blue-green algae (i.e. harmful algal blooms) can constitute a health risk to humans. Of particular public health concern is the production of toxins by the blue-green algae.
Read more about harmful algal blooms (PDF 1192 kB), including advice to assist public health and water industry professionals.
Read more about testing water for algal blooms and toxins.
Legionella
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Humans might contract this disease by inhaling microscopic/invisible droplets (aerosols) of contaminated water from artificial water systems, such as hot or warm water systems, showerheads, spa baths and fountains.
Read more about Legionella and Legionnaires' disease:
Naegleria fowleri
Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled amoeba that occurs naturally in untreated, warm (25°C to 40°C) water. It can grow in warm, stagnant water bodies, such as farm dams, poorly managed swimming pools and in untreated water lying in above-ground pipelines and hoses.
Water drawn from deep artesian bores and cooled in above-ground uncovered dams on rural Queensland properties is particularly at risk from Naegleria fowleri.
Infection with Naegleria fowleri amoeba causes a rare but severe illness known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is usually fatal.
Read more about safe water on rural properties (PDF 184 kB).
Read more about primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Salmonella
Most Salmonella infections occur after eating contaminated food, but can also result from consumption of contaminated drinking water. Salmonella bacteria are found in humans and in wild, farmed and pet animals and birds. An infected animal’s faeces can contaminate water supplies, including water tanks, and be prevalent in water sources following a flood.
Read more about Salmonella infection.