Water quality in the Derwent catchment

We, the undersigned Residents of Tasmania, draw to the attention of the House that climate change and the demand on water catchment uses is growing. Safe water means water free from toxic substances including pesticides and other harmful chemicals that may end up in our food or in our water. TasWater and Public Health must ensure they are aware of all the issues in the Derwent catchment and take appropriate action to address known and potential harmful effects.

Your petitioners request that the House call on the Government to:

1. Recognise that access to clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and ensure the water Tasmanians drink is clean and safe, and that harmful substances are unable to enter our food chains through irrigation water or residues in food from contaminated water.

2. Take steps to ensure community faith that water from the timtumili minanya/Derwent catchment is safe to drink and applies the precautionary principle and:

a. Establish a dedicated, coordinated Derwent catchment authority, to reduce pollutants and run-off from industries and activities

b. Develop strong water quality standards

c. Ensure the Derwent catchment water is regularly tested for harmful elements such as toxins and pollutants

d. Ensure any breach in these standards is acted upon and communicated to TasWater customers and residents in an accurate and timely way

e. Enforce strict safety guidelines - investigating any breaches of water safety and enforcing heavy penalties for breaches

f. Commit to continuous improvement and public engagement on water quality.