Metals, pesticides found in Australian river, source of drinking water for Indigenous community

By Tayyaba Nisar Khan

ISTANBUL (AA) - High levels of pesticides and metals were found in an Australian river which has been the source of drinking water to the country’s Indigenous community.

An investigation was conducted into the waters of the Namoi River by local residents in the town of Walgett in New South Wales (NSW).

Dharriwaa Elders Group in Walgett and Charles Sturt University began a probe after the fish in Namoi were found with "sores," ABC News reported.

“We believe that the water isn't safe to drink, … and we are afraid (the fish) are not safe to eat,” said Rick Townsend, the treasurer of the group.

Six different kinds of pesticides, including three banned in the EU but not in Australia, were found in the river.

Unusually high amounts of aluminum and copper were also found in the river.

When the New South Wales Water Minister Rose Jackson was asked about the water quality, she responded that the river water testing was not the state government's responsibility.

The Indigenous communities, disappointed with the government’s response regarding Walgett’s water, said they have not been provided with any testing results, and decided that they had to take the matter into their own hands.

The Walgett Shire Council has, however, said: “The treated river water and the bore water was safe to drink.”