Recent concerns from local residents of water contamination at Mataranka’s Elsey Creek have been proven unsubstantiated after a significant water quality investigation was undertaken by Northern
Territory Government’s Water Resource Division (Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security).
The Department received a query from Jilkminggan residents in relation to water quality changes in Elsey Creek, specifically the colour of the creek water. The observation was that the colour of the
creek water appeared to change from a clear blue turquoise to a deeper green.
Samples were collected in conjunction with Traditional Owners from the region, and sent to various laboratories to provide a comprehensive analysis of the microbiological, algal, chemistry, nutrients, total metals, and pesticides.
Surface water sites were sampled on 19 June 2024, with results returned on 6 August 2024 clearly identifying no results of concern. To ensure accurate results, additional site sampling will take place
next month.
Key points
- On 30 May 2024 at the community meeting in Mataranka residents from Jilkminggan raised
concerns with water quality at Elsey Creek near Jilkminggan. - On the 19 June 2024 the Department attended Elsey Creek with a number of local residents
and took both onsite water quality measurements and water samples. - On the 6 August 2024 the department received the last of the water sample results from the
laboratory. - All sampling results did not identify any results of concern
- Microbiological results are typical of surface water systems and do not indicate a contamination event
- The pesticide results were all less than detectable limits – at all sites
- Total metals were less than detectable limits except for Barium, Boron and Uranium
- which are representative of natural groundwater levels in the area
- Chemistry and nutrient results were consistent with previous monitoring for the site, which have been occurring annually since 2018.
The full Regulatory Statement from the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security regarding Elsey Creek is now available, and laboratory results have been provided to local residents.
NT Farmers support the Northern Territory Government’s response to local resident’s concerns. The Water Resource Division acted swiftly to ensure that additional water testing be conducted in addition to their routine site monitoring and water testing procedures.
The science in the results show the concerns were unfounded.
– End media statement –
Media enquiries:
Greg Troughton, CEO of NT Farmers Association
Phone: 0419 813 955
Email: ceo@ntfarmers.org.au