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. 2024 Jul 13;14(1):16222.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-66884-3.

The influence of recent bushfires on water quality and the operation of water purification systems in regional NSW

Reed Jackson  1 , K C Bal Krishna  2 , Miao Li  1 , Arumugam Sathasivan  2 , Lalantha Senevirathna  3   4
Affiliations

The influence of recent bushfires on water quality and the operation of water purification systems in regional NSW

Reed Jackson et al. Sci Rep. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Over the past decade, escalating extreme weather events have significantly affected New South Wales (NSW), Australia, with unprecedented droughts and intense fires. Yet, the impact on water quality and purification processes remains insufficiently studied. This research focuses on the immediate changes in NSW's environmental water quality and issues in water purification unit operations following the 2019 bushfires. Water samples and maintenance records from affected catchments, intakes, purification units, and reservoirs were analysed. Compared to control samples, post-bushfire water exhibited high turbidity. Sediment and ash shock loads posed significant threats to aquatic ecosystems. Elevated turbidity, suspended sediments, pH, and alkalinity were major concerns for water purification. Raw water samples showed turbidity exceeding 195 NTU, with flocculation and sedimentation most impacted. Immediate measures included sediment traps, aeration, pre-chlorination, and inline monitoring. These findings inform strategies to mitigate bushfire impacts on water quality and optimise water purification in fire-prone regions.

Keywords: Bushfire; Regional Australia; Temperature; Water quality; Water treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Changes in raw water turbidity before and after the bushfire and rainfall events.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Change in raw water pH before and after the bushfire and rainfall events.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Turbidity levels in treated (A) and raw (B) water.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The relationship between treated water temperature and raw water temperature, emphasising the influence of the bushfire on water temperature.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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