Ground water

• Ground water includes bores and wells.
• You should seek advice before you use these water sources.
• The risk of illness is low for most people. It is higher for people with lower immune response, such as very young children, older people, and people with a chronic illness.
• These people should always boil water used for drinking, cooking and washing food.

Download our beware of drinking surface water guide

How to ensure ground water is safe?

• To be certain that your water is safe, you may choose to have your water tested.
• Seek advice on collection, timing and the number of water samples from your local council.
• A fee may be charged for this service.
• 'One off' samples can be misleading.
• Install water filters at your kitchen tap.
• Check and maintain the tank and water catchment area twice a year.

How can ground water get contaminated?

As water passes through soil and rock, it can accumulate contaminants. Some of these may make your water unsafe to drink, while others may affect the taste or smell of the water. Water from bores and wells may get contaminated by:

• landfill sites
• leaking underground fuel storage tanks
• mining operations
• septic tanks
• other sources likely to contaminate rivers and streams.

Where to get more information on ground water quality

• Your local council
• Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Wildlife and the Environment
• Mineral Resources Tasmania.