Groundwater in parts of Victoria may contain high levels of nitrates, which pose a special risk to bottle-fed infants. If you are considering using groundwater to prepare formula for your baby, please first consult your maternal and child health nurse or family doctor. Algae can grow in dams, rivers and unroofed water tanks and may form scums or cause taste and odour problems, even at quite low levels. Blue-green algae may also be very toxic to humans, domestic pets and stock. Toxins from these algae are NOT destroyed by boiling or disinfection.
Mosquitoes can breed in water tanks, causing a nuisance near the tank.
Screening the tank inlets and overflow with fine mesh is the best option. Zinc from a newly galvanised tank may impart an unpleasant metallic taste to the water for a while but is not harmful. Water pH tends to rise when stored in new concrete tanks, due to the leaching of lime from the concrete surface. These tanks may need to be flushed before their first use. Remember to consult the installer or manufacturer of any bores, roofing material, tank systems or ancillary equipment on your property for any specific advice you may need.