Drinking water also known as ‘potable water’ is water which can be consumed, used for washing and cooking, is free from harmful pathogens, contains no harmful chemicals and has a desirable taste, odour, and colour.

Environmental Site Services provides water testing to mine sites and remote camps.  The testing meets drinking water requirements as set out by the National Health and Medical Research Council in its ‘Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality in Australia 2011’, and those by the Department of Health (DoH)  ‘Minesites and Exploration Camps Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Requirements’.

Mine Managers, Exploration Managers, and Exploration Contractors registered with the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection have a duty of care to demonstrate the provision of safe drinking water.

The frequency and type of water monitoring required for a camp is set out in the criteria by the DoH, and takes into account whether:

• Substances in contact with the drinking water meet Australian Standards AS 4020;
• Back flow prevention systems are incorporated into the drinking water system.
• Air breaks and storage prior to reticulation and consumption
• Drinking water is carted or tanked
• The minesite or camp uses self-managed water extraction.

Environmental Site Services provides microbial and chemical laboratory analysis complying with National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) requirements.