Public health alert for rainwater contamination after Tasmanian bushfires

Warnings have been issued for rainwater drinkers in bushfire-hit areas to watch out for chemicals and dead animals in their tanks.

WARNINGS have been issued for rainwater drinkers in bushfire-hit areas to watch out for chemicals and dead animals in their tanks.

With rain forecast across the state in coming days, the public health authorities have urged people to make sure their water is safe before taking a sip.

Public Health director Mark Veitch said bushfires generated lots of ash and debris that could contaminate rainwater tanks.

Public health advice has been issued for bushfire-affected areas to make sure rainwater is free of ash and debris before drinking. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

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“Ash and debris from burnt vegetation in rainwater does not harm health, but it can affect the colour, clarity and taste of rainwater,” Dr Veitch said.

“However, there may be other unpleasant or potentially harmful contaminants, including traces of chemical residues and dead animals in stored rainwater.

“Fire retardants and foams may also be on your roof if they were used to fight the fire at your property.”

He said if the water smelled, tasted or looked unusual, residents should assume it was contaminated and unfit for human or animal consumption.

Geeveston resident Glen Ryan fills his neighbour’s gutters with water in preparation for the bushfire threat. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“You can use the water to irrigate your garden or for firefighting,” he said.

“It is always safest to boil drinking water sourced from roof catchments.”

If rainwater used for drinking becomes contaminated, residents are advised to drain the tank and refill it with rainwater or water sourced from a council-registered supplier.

They should also disconnect the pipe between the roof and tank for the first hour of rain to prevent further contamination and hose down the roof and gutters if safe to do so.

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