YOU JUST HAVE TO LOVE IT

Recycled wastewater enters wrong pipes	<<>
Monday, December 07, 2009
COOMERA, AUSTRALIA — Recycled wastewater suitable for car washing, toilet flushing or outdoor irrigation was pumped into about 630 homes in this Gold Coast suburb for several days until residents began complaining about the water’s foul taste and smell, The Gold Coast Bulletin reported December 5. The new $80 million Pimpama Wastewater Treatment Plant had pumped “Class A-plus recycled water” into the wrong pipes since the plant’s December 1 opening until residents voiced their concerns on December 4. Residents were told during the December 5-6 weekend to avoid drinking their tap water. Cases of nausea and diarrhea have been reported at Coomera, and some residents worried about the safety of the water in area theme parks, swimming pools and spas. Some also voiced concern about the effects the tainted drinking water will have on their children and pets. City of Gold Coast Deputy Mayor Daphne McDonald said in a December 6 report by Australia’s ABC News network that the mix-up is under investigation and that the system has been flushed and disinfected. She also said, “We suspect at this point in time that there was an incorrect connection that occurred when the pipelines were constructed; however, as soon as we were informed that there was an issue, the water had been turned off.” Meanwhile, residents are considering filing a class-action lawsuit, which may seek compensation for everything from sickness to the cost of draining and testing swimming pools, the Bulletin reported in its December 8 edition. To read the full December 5 Bulletin story, click here. To read the full report by Australia’s ABC News, click here. To read the December 8 Bulletin report, click here. For related information, click here.