Too much lead, copper in McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre water

Bottled water is being given out at a new mental health facility in North Geelong after its water was found to be contaminated.

Water quality issues have been identified at the McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Unit.

Bottled water is being given out at a new mental health facility in North Geelong after its water was found to be contaminated.

Barwon Health became aware of water quality issues at the 16-bed McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, opened in 2022,late last year.

It’s understood sample tests showed copper and lead levels slightly above recommended drinking levels.

It’s believed there was no evidence of these elements exceeding recommended levels in the filtered water taps and expert advice concluded there was no risk to patients and staff.

As a precaution, Barwon Health has provided bottled water, shut off the supply to taps, and offered medical follow-ups to staff and patients.

Barwon Health spokeswoman Kate Bibby said there had been no reports of ill health due to the issue.

It’s understood patients are able to shower but bottled water is used when they brush their teeth.

While copper in small amounts is essential to maintain good health, consumption of excessive levels can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches, according to the health department.

Drinking water usually provides less than 10 per cent of daily copper intake.

Lead contaminated water can result in illness.

Ms Bibby said the unit had been fully operational and continued to accept admissions.

“We are working with the Department of Health and other agencies to investigate and address this issue, with regular updates provided to staff and consumers,” Ms Bibby said.

In a statement, Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming said: “We have worked with Barwon Health to confirm that the water being supplied from our network meets Australian drinking water guidelines, and understand Barwon Health is working with the Department of Health and other agencies to investigate and address this issue which is internal to the property.”

The McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre is a 16-bed acute mental health service that provides intensive mental health support and treatment and community-based care for people over 50, according to Barwon Health’s website.

The team includes psychiatrists, mental health nurses, peer workers, social workers and occupational therapists.

Support can include counselling, medication review and supervision, physical health monitoring, support to develop routines and coping strategies and linkages with local community services.

Originally published as Too much lead, copper in McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre water