Departament

Technical Report WRD77007
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SURVEY OF COMMUNI'l'Y
WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERP_GE SERVTCES
REPORT BY
WATER BRANCH
DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHER1T TERRITORY
DARWIN
FOR THE
INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE ON vlATER I'rEEDS
AUGUST 1977

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CONIENIS
pe.ge No.
INIRODUCTION
1
BACKGROUND
1
CONCLUSIONS
2
RECOMMENDATIONS
3
OF FINDINGS
5
COMMENIS ON FIl\TDINGS
1 1
EVALUATION OF PROGRESS
12
TABLE 1
APPEI'llJIX A
APPENDIX B
SUHMARY OF i'IATER Ji..l'llJ SEWERAGE
FACILITIES.
DETAILS OF FACILITIES.
AN EXTRACT OF 1,0[. H. O. STANDARDS
FOR WATER.

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1 . INTRODUCTION
This report contains the results of attempts to draw
conclusions from a project to survey the community water
supplies and waste disposal systems, at a
sample of Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.
The report-aims to examine the ability of the existing
facilities to provide a service of acceptable quality to
all members of the community, and to recommend broad guide-
lines for future adjustment of the water supply and was0e
disposal systems.
2. BACKGROUND
Water Resources Branch is charged with the responsibility for
defining, investigating and managing the Water Resources of
the Northern Territory in respect of both quantity and quality.
In keeping with this responsibility Project No. 21 entitled
Supply and Sewerage Reticulation Survey" was formulated
to provide data for management of those water resources
providing reticulated supplies for small towns and communities.
The Interdepartmental Committee on Water Needs at its meeting
of 10 June 1976 recognised a need for an individual approach
to each community when planning for water supply developmenc.
To provide information on the current situation in each
community it was proposed that the existing reference:
"Report--of Tecp..nical Committee on Water Needs, Northern
Territory 11issions and Settlements , position at June 1971"
be updated.
In September 1976 a meeting of the I.D.C. on Health Services
to Aboriginals the establishment of a working
to survey the main Aboriginal communities to determine:

proportion of families with safe sewage disDosal
proportion of familites with close access to running
water
existing water and sewerage plant
what seeps could be caken to extend water and sewerage
reticulation where necessary.
After discussion between representatives of the Departments
of Health, Aboriginal Affairs, Construction and the Northern
Territory, comprising an Interdepartmental Working Party, a
single project was defined with the aim:

2.
"To survey water supply and waste disposal systems 'at a
representative sample of Aboriginal Communities; with
emphasis on the availability of each service to all groups
within the community. n
The Water Resources Branch was to conduct the survey with
assistance being provided by the other interested Departments.
Using the survey results the Interdepartmental YTorking Party
will draw conclusions on the neceSSity for improvements and
make recommendations on the steps be taken.
This report sets out the survey results and provides a
summary and evaluation of the data collected. The field
visits were made in December 1976 - January 1977, following
the of reports from Health Department officers at
the communities.
The officers engaged on the survey were:
vTater Resources Branch R. Reinhard (Project Leader)
C. Thompson
G. Holmes
Department of Health . . I. Gladigau
Information on community facilities were provided by G. Jackson
of the Department of who also reviewed the data
in appendix A.
3. CONCLUSIONS
3.1 Much money has been spent and many facilities constructed
since 1965 but many of the problems inherent then remain
today.
3.2
33
The has achieved superior conditions for the
elite of the communities examined without improving the
lot of those less socially advanced by European standards.
The fringe dwellers amenities remain fringe
dwellers without amenities, while the elite become more so .
The facilities urovided often do not match the needs as
seen by the people living in the community. The educational
programme aimed at encouraging acceptance of higher health
standards gains little ground.
3.4 The example set by some Europeans living in a community
has been observed to encourage rejection of development
such as chlorination and to fail to establish standar,ds
of cleanliness.

4.
4.1 A comprehensive review of the 1965 and 1971 Reports on
Water Needs is required. This should be undertaken during
the next two years and submitted to the 'ilater Needs I. D. C.
for discussion and adoption of recommendations.
4.2 The I.D.C. on Water Needs should undertake a regular
5-yearly review of progress. in the development of water
supply and sewerage and other waste disposal facilities
at each community in the Northern Territory.
4.3 Sophisticated water supply or waste disposal schemes should
not be imposed on Aboriginal communities until they deSire
such schemes and have the skills and motivation necessary
to operate and maintain them. "fork is required define
the attitudes of Aboriginal people to the and
sewerage proposals seen as desirable by western standards.
4.4 The Water Needs Committee should be provided with a
continuing input from the community level. Development
of a plan to-meet recognised standards, stated as needs,
is not adequate. The situation existing in the community
and imDrovements in that situation need to be monitored.
Possibie this could be achieved by bringing before the
I. D; C. on via ;"er Needs periodical reports prepared by
officers such as Health Inspectors, Bore Testers, Works
Supervisors and others who have an intimate understanding of
of the situation at the local level.
4.5 'tTith the transfer of responsibilities to the Northern
Territory Public Service there is scope for clarification
of responsibility. Advantages could result if one
were given a co-ordinating role covering all
government sponsored development and/or provision of
services at each individual community. Again it is
important that communities be treated separately not
colJectively.
S. CRITERIA
The assessment of suitability of domestic water supply should
include discussion of:
a. Community water demand
b. Sources of supply
c. Reliability and adequacy of each source
d. Chemical quality of the source water
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.4.
e. Reliability and adequacy of all reticulation,
treatment and storage facilities.
f.
g .
h.
i.
j.
Access of the various groups within the community
to the services installed.
Bacteriological quality of water provided to the
consumer.
Compatibility of the existing and any proposed
water supply with local customs and desires.
Assessment of water needs having regard both to
local desires and the principles of conservation.
Need for education or instruction of Aboriginal
and/or European population.
there was not enough time during this project
to examine all of the eight broad headings above and in most
cases the examination was necessarily brief. It was impossible
to adequately examine the reliability of each source and also
the compatibility of the water supply with local customs and
desires.
Chemical quality and bacteriological quality of domestic water
supplies in the Northern Territory should be within the maximum
permissible limits as set by the World Health Organisation
International Standard for Drinking v[ater (WHO ISDW) 1971,
included as Appendix B.
An adeauate water source is defined as one which will provide
1 kl/capita day after allowing 25% and
available storage as 2 to 3 times the average daily water
consumption.
Similarly an of the suitability of waste disposal
facilities should be based on:
a. Type of service ofi'ered to-the community.
b. Relative availability of these services within
the community.
c. Type(s) of services desired by, and compatible with
the life style of the community.
d. Methods of waste treatment and disposal.
e. Potential of any waste disposal practices to
pollute the enviroP-ffient and/or contaminate the
water supply source.

During the project only scant could be collected
on the above points. A summary of we.ter supply and waste
disposal at ee.ch community visited in with the
proJect is included e.s Appendix A.
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6. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Table I sets out a summary of the que.ntitative data collected.
Detailed description of each community is included at Appendix
A.
6.1 Popule.tion and Housing: The population of the communities
visited during this project ranged from the 20 or 30 people
presently at Ye.yayi up to an estimated 1400 people at
though most communities had a population of
200 to 350 people. The composition of these populations
ranged from 77 percent Aboriginal at Maningrida to 100
percent--Aboriginal at Jutunta, Mary-vale and Yayayi and
usually Aboriginals constituted 86 to 92 percent of the
total population.
At all communities the non-Aboriginal population occupied
the best houses. Normally the ratio of non-Aboriginals
to available housing units was 2 to 3. This compares with
the ratio of Aboriginals to "suitable and available housing
units" of between 4 and nearly 100, though it is not
possible to determine the most common ratio. The term
"suitable and available housing up-its" is used to distinguish
all housing units of types that are readily occupied by
the community residents, and excludes housing units not
normally utilised.
6.2 Water Supply:
a. Demand: The average weekly water consumption during
1976 at communities included in this project ",'as
estimated to vary between 45 kilolitres at Jutunta
and 3000 kilolitres at Island and Angurugu.
The average daily per capita domestic water'consumption
based on estimates of population and water
consumption varied between 0.05 kilolitres Jutunta
and 0.90 kilolitres at Croker Island. At most
communities the average daily per capita domesGic
water consumption for each community has been plotted
against the percentage of the community who may be
classified as aboriginal (see figure 1). '.
Generally figure 1 shows that the average per capita
water increases as the percentage of non-
Aboriginal residents at the community increases. Of
the six cOrrLmunities where water restrictions were
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6.
imposed during 1976, three have recently begun tb
draw their water from an additional source; whiie
pla=ing is in hand for new water supplies for the.
other three communities. The water restrictions.
imposed during 1976 were mainly aimed at restraining
the ""ater use of non-Aboriginals, especially the'.
watering of gardens, washing of cars and the use.of
fixed hoses and That.these restrictions
allowed the successful allocation of water for domestic
use throughout the community indicates that a
disproportionate amount of domestic water at
is consumed by the small percentage of
non-Aboriginal residents for non-essential domestic
purposes.
b. Source: All but two communities reviewed for this
report have access to groundwater for their domestic
water requirements. The two others are both in the
Northern Region and use surface Ivater for domestic
uses. Several other Region communities claim
the groundwater is hard and people (thought to mean .
the non-Aboriginals) do like the tast and prefer
to use surface water for domestic consumption.
The groundwater sources appear to be free of
contamination and well isolated from any potential
Dollution hazard, in several cases deficiencies in
the equipment of the production bores may allow
contamination of supply. Observed weaknesses
include: breaks in the man-proof fence, inadequate
sealing of the annular space between the bore caSing
and the pump column, and broken reflux valves on the
bore discharge pipe. These are all minor problems
that should be fixed. Except for several marginally
high fluoride concentrations and low pH values, water
from most domestic groundwater sources may be
classified as suitable for human consumption by
"iliO ISDW.
Water from surface sources used by some of the
may be classified as chemically suitable
for human by \'iliO ISDW except for the
generally low pH. None of the surface water sources is
protected contamination and tests normally
show excessive concentrations of bacteria.
c. Treatment: Unless suitable treatment can be guaranteed
ground waters are preferable to surface waters because
the source is better isolated from contamination.

7.
Several communities have no facilities for the
treatment of domestic water supplies prior to its
distribution to consumers. At most communities
the only available treatment is gas-chlorination.
Only Angurugu and Garden Point have additional
treatment facilities. Angurugu has facilities for
pH correction, fluoridation and chlorination whilst
Garden Point has facilities for pH correction,
chlorination and turbidity control.
Although most communities have a facility for gas-
injected chlorination of the domestic supply
this generally is not At most of these
cOmmLDities gas chlorinators were installed several
years ago as an emergency measure, but there has been
constant difficulty in keeping them operating
continuously. 11any members of these> communities
especially the non-Aboriginals, were reported to
co=lain whenever chlorination is attempted.
Experience at-Garden Point, where a chlorinator
is normally operated, suggests that the cOffilliunity
does not object to the taste of chlorinated water if
the chlorinator is operated continuously at the
recommended rate.
Without exception those people responsible for the
operation and maintenance of the water supply lacked
adequate training and experience in the operation of
the community's treatment facilities. Except at
Garden Point the operation of the water supply is the
responsibility of a employee, usually the
mechanic, who generally prefers to pave nothing to
do the operation of the water supply and treatment
facilities. At Garden Point the water supply and
facilities are controlled by a Department of
Construction employee who reported to the project
group that he lacked training in the operation of
water treatment works.
d. Storage: Properly sized storages are a rarity. The
storages provided, if not inadequate tend to be
excessive.
constructed since 1973, apart from the tendency
to over-capacity are well designed and secure against
the possibility of contamination of the water supply.
By constrast most of older storage are
poorly maintained. At many communities, it was
reported, children in the water storage
This is a health hazard even where the supply is
To eliminate the practice the holes
in the tank sides and tank roofs should be repaired.
At many communities and tOi'ms in the Northern Territory
domestic water supplies are drawn from the rising main
before the storage
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8.
Availability: Appendix A contains a comparison of
the relative accessibility of the water- supply to
groups within a but it is invalid using
this data to compare the relative availability of.
water between communities. The groupings referred
to in Appendix A, especially in tables A1 to A20
only relate to an individual community and are used
to provide easy reference to sections of that
community.
From Appendix A it can be seen that the non-Aboriginal
(European) population of each community has already
access to the community water supply, followed by
Aboriginals in housing units with internal taps,
external taps and finally communal taps and non-
reticulated water supplies. At several communities
the water reticulation network appears primarily to
benefit the non-Aboriginal residents and the few
Aboriginal families living in European-style houses.
Many have an Aboriginal
dwelling, which has an individual water tap; but the
occupants use communal ablution facilities. Res'idents
of these houses do not consume as much water per capita
as the Aboriginal residents of European-style houses.
The communal taps are normally located adjacent to
communal ablution facilities. These taus are often
not used because of Aboriginal traditional laws;
domestic water is not taken from near areas of waste
disposal, so the camp d"rellers use a more distant
tap.
At Yuendumu and some other communities the camps move
too fast and too far for a reticulated water supply
to be installed into each camp group.
f. Alternative supplies: Many Northern Region
may choose between surface water or groundwater for
domestic consumption. Normally groundwater is the
accepted water source though several communities prefer
to use surface water and have groundwater as the
emergency supply.
At some communities some non-Aboriginal occupied
housing units especially those owned by the Department
of Education are fitted with rainwater It was
impossible to determine how often and by whom these
facilities were used. Generally rainwater tanks were
poorly maintained and contained foreign material,
washed in from the house roofs and gutters.
9.
6.3 waste Disposal:
a.
Most communities have either individual
septic tanks or central water-borne sewerage systems
which serve the European-style hourses and communal
ablution blocks. A few of the communities are fully
or partially serviced by a pan system and some people
have access to pit latrines. Sewerage systems
incorporating comprehensive treatment appear to be
favoured to septic tanks and several houses once
connected to a septic tank are now connected by a
sewer to oxidation/evaporation ponds. The major
faults noted with sewer systems were the regular
failure of the sewage pumps. At most littoral
communities when a sewage pump fails the sewage flows
into the sea below the cOIIDUnity.
Septic may also attract some foreign matter;
however the usual problem was not foreign matter in
but failure of the effluent
drains, especially when the soil was very fine and
sandy.
Communal toilets that are connected to either sewers
or septic tanks are usually poorly maintained and
unhygienic because of the accumulation of faeces in
the toilet bowls which become blocked by foreign matter.
Not all people understand the basic operation of a
water borne disposal system. For some Aboriginals it
is logical to dispose of tins, rags and paper in the
same way as they dispose of body wastes. Aboriginals
living in housing units with self-contained toilets
connected to a water-borne disposal system appear
have a better understanding of the European methods
of waste disposal.
At communities that have pan collection the people are
starting to question the suitability and hygiene of a
pan system. The common objection to a pan system is
the smell and fly hazard. A properly maintained pan
system appears to be better utilised by the community
than is a water-borne system. A well serviced pan
system is as hygienic as a water-borne system that is
similarly maintained.
No community relies entirely on pit latrines, however
some of the less "Europeanised" Aboriginals prefer to
use this method of disposal because of its
simplicity.
10.
Generally there is little<chance of present formal
sewage disposal practices contaminating the< community's
water supply source. However, many areas of the
communities are not adequately serviced by the above
methods of sewage disposal. In these areas the present
methods may euphemistically be called 'traditional
methods' .
b. Garbage: Garbage is generally collected several times
per week and after burning is buried. Garbage
collections tend to favour non-Aboriginal members
of the community and<Aboriginals living in European-
style houses.
< 7. COJvThIENTS < ON FTNDINGS
The whole field of water supply and waste disposal is made
complex by the application of the standards and aspirations
of western culture to communities which, traditionally,
d
1 "th"h it "iff r T" r"l ea_ 'Ill _ "ce In qu_ e Q_ .. e_eno ways .. ne p_OD ems
are further complicated by a lack of alo[areness of traditional
Aboriginal attitudes on the part of those working to provide
these facilities.
There is evidence of facilities not being used for such
reasons as:
the water supply being developed from a groundl<later
SO".lrce underlying sacred ground which should not be
dug or drilled.
the taste of the disinfected water is abhorrent.
the technical aspects of operating the facility are
not understood.
the desirability of drinking disinfected water or
flushing away excreta is not appreciated.
those coming to the community to instruct local
people on matters of health and hygiene are not
acceptable on grounds of personality or sex.
7.2 The problem of people moving their camps away from
established water distribution points is being tackled
at Yuendumu by the people themselves. 'The Yuendumu Town
Council has organised individual family groups to run their
own polythene distribution line from a central standpipe to
their camp area. If the camp is moved the people lay
another pipeline.
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There is some correlation between length of exposure of
Aboriginal people to Mission or similar European community
supervision and their desire for sewage systems.
Those with little European influence appear to prefer, and
certainly make better use of, pit latrines or pan systems.
Careful investigation of each individual community must
be conducted before a sewage disposal system is decided
upon. Factors to be examined must include:
the attitude of the people to se\.,age disposal.
the disposal methods likely to gain acceptance.
the disposal methods which"would operate with
the degree of attention likely to be
the geological nature of the surface formations
at the community.
the topography and relative positions of housing,
sewage disposal and water supply source.
8. EVP.LUATION OF PROGRESS
8.1 The 1971 report recognised that improvement in water
supplies and sewage systems had been achieved since
1965. Again we recognise improvement in most locations
since 1971.
On the other hand many of the problems listed in 1971
still exist. Among these are:
the separation of the functions of drilling and
equipping of bores between different organisations.
(Paragraph 2.01.5 of 1971 Report)
plant although completely operational when handed
over by the Department of Construction, is often
not adequately commissioned.
the responsibilities for construction,
operation and maintenance of water anet sewerage
facilities have been defined but still are not
co-ordinated, at least not in the operating sense"
of separate authorities 'Norking together to overcome
problems affecting more than one defined area:
(Paragraphs 2.02 and 5.02 of 1971 Report)
12.
training of operators.
maintenance and oneration of facilities.
(Paragraph 5.03 of 1971 Report)
With this apparent lack of progress in overcoming problems
relating to water and sewage systems there can be little
improvement in the standard of public health engineering
and he.nce related community health at the communi ties under
review.
8.2 Generally the new equipment used here for ",a cer supply
and waste disposal is amongst the best available in
Australia. Unfortunately the Aboriginals, and in many
cases non-Aboriginal population do not have the will, the
motivation or the Skills necessary to operate or maintain
these facilities. A good example is the instances where
gas chlorinators are ficted to the water supply.
8.3 Since 1965 an effort has been made to improve the facilities
for water supply and sewage disposal at Aboriginal
communities in the Northern Territory. At many of the
communities visited during this project these improvements
are mainly of benefit to the small non-Aboriginal popUlations.
APPENDIX A
DETAILS OF FACTLITIES
AREYONGA
population and Housing
During 1976 the Aboriginal population at Areyonga
between 200 and 300 people. The June 1976 census
219 people at Areyonga resident in 60 dwellings.
30 Europeans are included in the censuS count.
vlater Suppl Y
fluctuated
recorded
Approximately
D d A
k
l' . " " k"l 1"
a. eman: verage "I"ee _y waGer consumpGlon lS 0 . l_O_lGres.
During December 1976 water restrictions were imposed at
Areyongabecause the available production bores could not
keep up with demand. The have been reduced
following the temporary equipping of two additional
production bores in mid-January.
b. Source: At present there are five equipped bores. Four
production bores pump water from aquifers in the Pertnjara
Group, at rates varying between 0.5 and 2.5 litres per
second. The fifth bore pumps water from the Bitter Springs
Formation at approximately 2 litres per second. Water
pumped from the Group may be classified suitable
for human consumption by WHO ISDW (TDS 500 to 700 mg/l)
but water from the Bitter Springs Formation is unsuitable
for human consumption by WHO ISDW (TDS 1600 to 2000 mg/l).
The bore in Bitter Springs Formation is only used as an
emergency standby.
c. Treatment: A chlorinator is the only \'later plant
installed at Areyonga. The chlorinator 1'1aS reported to have
never operated properly and is not presently used.
d. Storage: The available "rater storage capacity of 465
kilolitres is not being fully utilised; only three tanks
with a combined capacity of 310 kilolitres are being used.
This represents about 3 days average consumption and is
thought to be adequate. The tanks are not properly secured
against contamination and contain plenty of foreign
It is recommended the tanks be cleaned out and disinfected
as soon as possible.
e. Availability: The relative availabilitv of \'later for
domest-ic use is summarised in Table A1.
GROUP
A,
B
C
D'
E

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TABLE Ai
EST. POP.
'SERVED
European
30
Aboriginal
)
NO. OF DWELLINGS FACILITIES
,AVAILABLE
17
Internal
-'- aD
" .
6
Internal tap
Aboriginal
100
)
18
Individual out-
l
side tap
Aboriginal
)
16
Communal tap
within 60m.
Aboriginal 150
21
Water carted 3
kilometres in
44 gallon drums.
In December 1976 nine of the houses in Group A above,
were occupied. During the second half, of 197f'i many people
who had occupied houses in groups B, C and D moved about
3 kilometres south of the community and established a new
camp. This camp contains all the dwellings in group E.
Many of the dwellings included in groups C and D are no
longer occupied.
The DeJartment of Construction and Water Resources Branch
are presently to establish an adequate reticulated
water supply to the new camp (group E). The Department
of Construction is also upgrading the reticulation and
storage that serve the main
f. Alternate Supplies: Many of the European-style houses and
buildings are fitted with rainwater sto!'age tanks. It is
not known how many people use this water. It is known to
be used by several European families.
Waste Disposal'
a. Sewage: All of g!'oups A and B above have individual
septic People occupying houses of groups C and D
may use one communal toilet block behind group C houses or
alternatively the toilets in the school grounds. Both these
toilet-blocks are believed to be connected to septic tanks.
There are no other formal methods of sewage disposal at
Areyonga and no formal methods of sewage disposal at the
new camp.
The Rural Health Nursing Sister at Areyonga has listed the
only other method of human waste disposal as: "Environmental
Disposal Units - Dogs!" and continues "There is a definite
demand, every available facility is used now Dast its
maximum designed function. They would wash themselves and
3.

their clothes and also make use 02 toilets if these were
provided in a non institutionalised way. This makes if
difficult to solve
"
.
None of the above forms of sewage disposal are expected
to contaminate the water supply source.
b. Garbage: a ~ b a g e is regularly collected, burnt and
buried.
< <.
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4.
ANGURUGU
ponulation and Housing
The June 1976 Census recorded 700 people resident at Angurugu.
In 1974 the Aboriginal population was estimated at 602 people
and by December 1976 this had increased to about 640 people.
The European population in December 1976 was estimated at
about 70 people. The Aboriginals occupy a total of 72 houses
while the Europeans occupy 24 houses. The population is fairly
stable as many of the adult males are employed by GEI'!CO.
Water Supply
a. Demand: Average domestic water consumption is estimated
to be 3150 kilolitres per week. An additional 3150
kilolitres per week may be withdrawn from the rising main
before the shed housing the water treatment plant.
b. Source: All water for domestic and agrarian use is pumped
from the Angurugu River half a kilometre north-east of the
The pumps are located on the south bank of the
river just upstream from a low ."eir, and next to GEMCO I S
pumping and water treatment equipment. The minimum
recorded flow in the river is 18 700 cubic metres per day.
The combined GEMCO - Angurugu extraction rate may be
approaching this figure. It is believed GEI'ICO plan to
build a dam on one of the tributaries of the Angurugu
River to regulate the flow of the river, and this should
allow a greater volume of water to be extracted by both
users. Water in the Angurugu River has a low pH, but
otherwise may be classified chemically suitable for human
consumption by WHO ISDVl (pH 5.5, TDS 31mg!1). It is
difficult to prevent contamination of surface water and
tests have sho.Vll the Angurugu River may occasionally have
excessive concentrations of bacteriological organisms.
c. Treatment: The community maintains its own treatment shed
where pH adjustments, chlorination and fluoridation are all
carried out. Only water from domestic use passes through
the treatment shed. It was reported the community have no
objections to the chlorination of their water supply,
however a series of bacteriological tests during 1976
indicat-e-ei. ther the chlorinator is not operated or,
chlorination occurs infrequently, probably at varying
rates of application. Chlorination, pH correction
fluoridation should be carried out continuously at
Angurugu. The effect of fluoridation on the incidence
of caries in Aboriginals at Angurugu is being studied by
a team from the University of Western Australia, School
f' D t <
_or en ls-cry.
d.
e.
5.
Storage: Two overhead 135 kilolitre storage tanks hold
less than one day's average consumption. The community
is planning to duplicate its existing storage capacity
and this work may be completed by the end of 1977. Even
with the new storage tanks there may be
storage capacity.
Availability: The relative availability of water for
domestic use is sUrrl.!Jlarised in Table A2.
TABLE A2
GROUP OCCUPANTS EST.POP.
SERVED
NO. OF FACILITIES
DWELLINGS
A
B
C
AVAILABLE
Europeans 70
24
-, 1
J.n-;:erna_ taps
Aboriginal 400
42
I n'- e -rn" 1 taps
Aboriginal 240 30
Communal tap within 100m.
In addition to the 24 houses in group A above a contract to
build 6 new houses for the Department of Education is now
completed. By the end of June 1977 a new reticulation
project should be finished. The project will provide ,.rater
, '1 d'lk "10. 'hht '" 'Co prevlous_y sewere 0 oc s oJ. an near 'C __ e ,_u s 0-,- group
C. This will alow the 30 families in this area to be
housed in proposed new houses with internal taps . Within
two years each family should have access to a fully
serviced house.
f. Alternate Supplies: The only alternate source of domestic
water near Angurugu are rainwater tanks fitted to the new
of Education houses.
Waste Disposal
a. Sewage: Most domestic blocks of land could now be connected
to the sewer, however some of the unimproved blocks do not
have a reticulated water supply. All the houses in group
A and all but 8 houses in group B are to the sewer.
The 8 houses share communal washing and toilet facilities
that are to the sewer. The 30 houses in group
C share 5 pit latrines and have no adequate washing
facilities. As previously mentioned, within two 'years all
families should have access to fully serviced houses.
6.
Before entering the sewer, sewage passes through a household
septic tank to settle out the solids. At the sewerage
works it-passes through a trickle filter, to oxide any
nutrients, and then enters one of three oxidation/evaporation
ponds. During normal operations these ponds do not overflow.
As part of the community's cyclone preparations the sewage
ponds are released into the Angurugu River downstream from
the pumping station and within the tidal limits. Such an
event would only be associated with flood flows in the
river so that would be rapidly dilluted and
washed out to sea. Present sewage disposal methods are
not expected to contaminate the water supply source.
b. Garbage: Following regular collection the garbage is
dumped and covered over.

7.
BAi'1YILI
The population of Bamyili is to fluctuate due 00 seasonal
effects, being highest during the Wet Season when Aboriginals
from neighbouring pastoral properties come to visit relations
for their holidays.
In 1973 the Department of Aboriginal Affairs estimated the
Aboriginal population of Bamyili to be 493 persons. The June
1976 Census recorded 675 people 126 dwellings on the
Beswick Lease. This inclw:les Bamyili, 'Beswick Homestead and
several bush camps scattered across the Station. In December
1976 the total population of Bamyili was estimated to be 600
people occupying a total of 77 dwellings. The European
population of 74 people occupied 25 houses.
Water Supplv
a. Demand: It is estimated peak weekly water consumpTlon near
the end of the Dry may approach 3000 kilolitres. The
average weekly water consumption is probably closer to
1800 kilolitres.
b. Source: A new production borefield has recently been
equipped and commenced to supply the community late in
1976. The two bores were calculated to b pumping 3.3
litres per second and 2.4 litres per second in December
c.
1976. Except for marginally high fluoride ion concentrations
the water from the new bores may be classified suitable for
human consumption by WHO ISDW (TDS 280 mg/l, F 1.4- mg/l).
lihen man-proof fences are properly constructed about both
bores there will be negligible chance of contamination of
the water supply at the bores.
Treatment: There is no treatment of water for the new
borefield because there is no treatment plant. A chlorinator
was installed on the original water supply (covered in
section (f) - alternate supplies) though it is doubtful
if it was operated regularly.
d. Storage: As part of the upgrading of Bamyili' s vrater supply,
two new 1100 kilolitre tanks have been recen0ly cqnstructed
on a hill immediately north of the This .
represents storage capacity in excess of one week's average
consumption, and is more than adequate.
8.
e. Availability: Table 3 allows rapid comparison of housing
and relative water supply availability at Bamyili.
TABLE A3
GROUP OCCUPANTS EST.POP. NO. OF FACILITIES
A
B
C
D
SERVED
AVAILABLE
Europeans 74 25 Internal tap.
Ab . . 1
_ or l.g1.na_s
170 22 Internal tap ..
Aboriginals 340 40 Communal tap within 20m.
Aboriginals 20 up to 15 'Bush camps! . No facilities
may carry water 100 meL-res ..
Dwellings of group A and B above may be described as
European-style, group C dwellings are metal huts. ]vlost
of the regular residents of Bamyili live in dwellings of
either group A, B or C. Recent arrivals cemporary
visitors may sometimes build traditional structures on
outskirts of the community, at locations not
cO either the water supply or sewage disposal systems.
Several of the group C houses have internal taps but none
of these are connected to the reticulation network. The
community is planning to commence renovations of the
group C houses and it is believed this work will involve
the provision of taps inside the dwellings.
f. Alternate Supplies: Prior to the equipping of the new
borefield all domestic water at Bamyili was pumped from
a spring about 1 kilometre north-east of the commun1.l:Y.
This supply is close to a piggery, fowl yard and market
garden. Some of the waste waters frOID these occasionally
wash back into the srping and pollute the source. To
alleviate this problem a new water supply source was
sought, and in the intervening period a chlorinator was
installed. The chlorinator was not operated regularly
and many people, mainly children suffered from endemic
diseases. At present the spring water is used exclusively
for the market-garden, piggery and fowl yard. In an
emergency may still be possible to pump wacer for the
community from this spring, though its bacteriological
quality would be suspect. If pumped into the domestic
supply, water from the spring should be chlorinated prior
to consumption.
9.
Waste Disposal
a. Sewage: All houses included in groups A and B are c O ~ e c t e d
to the sewer. People living in houses included in group C
may have tD walk 50 metres to a sewered Shower/Toilet block.
As mentioned previously people living in the houses of
group D do not have ready access to the sewage system. It
is not }cDOwn whether people occupying group D houses use
the sewered facilities or traditional -disposal methods.
The sewers flow into a series of oxidation and evaporation
ponds 1 kilometre south-east of the community. Based on
observations in December 1976 these ponds appear to be
adequate for the community. Mainter.ance is necessary,
especially round the edges of the pcnds where weed grmrth
may assist mosquito breeding, and tc the no longer man-proof
fence around the ponds. It is doubtful if the presen0
method of sewage disposal could contaminate the new water
supply.
b. Garbage: Collection of garbage occurs several times a week.
After collection the garbage is dumped near the airstrip,
burnt and covered over.
...
, \.' :;
/ :;:
" '.
<-,'
10 .
. BATKlJRST ISLAND
ponulation and Housing
The June 1976 Census recorded 987 people resident at Bathurst
Island. In December 1976 the population was estimated to
include approximately 1050 Aboriginals andgO Europeans. The
Aboriginals occupied 123 houses, and the Europeans a further
29. Bathurst Island is very close Darwin and many of the
population regularly commute between the two centres.
water Sunply
a.
b.
c.
d.
Demand: weekly water consumption is estimated to be
5,600 kilolitres. Average weekly-water consumption is
believed to be closer to 3,000 kilolitres. In addition to
domestic usage the above figures also include water provided
to a garden project about half way between the bores and
the community. l\'ater consumption may increase in the near
future if it is decided to pipe water across Shoal Bay to
Paru Village.
Source: Six bores about 9 kilometres west of the community
are available for use although only two are reported to be
normally operated. All production bores were recommended
for equipping at up to 5 litres per second. Excepc for the
low pH, water from all of the production bores may be
classified as suitable for human consumption by WHO ISm.'
(TDS 1000 reg/I, pH 5.2). The groundwater source appears
to be secure against contamination.
Treatment: There is no wacer treatment plant installed in
the Bathurst Island water supply and Advisors
thought it unlikely the community would accept the taste
of chlorinated water. In the Il1ture it may be desirable
to install equipment to correct the low pH of the water
supplied to the community.
Storage: A 160 kilolitrestorage tank is located near the
bores, and an additional go kilolitre elevated is
located near the centre of the community; a 60 kilolitre
ground level tank near the elevated is maintained as
an emergency supply. It is believed the Department of
Construction plan to install a 900 kilolitre ground level
tank adjacent to the elevated tank. When this new is
constructed the community will have adequate storage c;apacity.
e.
11 .
domestic use is summarised in Table A4.
TABLE A4

OCCUPANTS EST.POP. NO. OF FACILITIES
D'ilELLINGS
T
A
..
. ,.
B
C
SERVED
AVAILABLE
Europeans 90 29 Internal tap
Aboriginal to
)
92 Internal taD up
)
Aboriginal
1050
) 31 Cormnunal tap w"thin 100m.
.L ____
1'lany of the Europeans live in flats and dormitory style
- t.. m" 1" f t- .. b1 1" _.. .. d 1
accormnoua 20n. 10 s2mp_l y ne _e OnLY lnUlv2 ua
buildings have been counted as available dwellings in
group A. The 31 houses in group C have only one room and
it is reported that few of the houses o group Care
occupied. The residents of these houses have to cart
water up tD 100 metres from taps. The average
distance from a taD is believed to be less than 20 metres
though the nursing sister has reported that some people
live in 'bush camps' near the community, but there is no
information available on how many people are involved or
where they live .
. f. Alternate Supplies: No other sources of domestic water
are known.
'ilaste Disposal
a. Sewage: All houses in groups A and B above are
to a sewer Residents of group C accormnodation walk
up to 100 metres to one of 4 communal Shower/toilet blocks,
also believed to be connected to the sewer. Sewage is
pumped from the community into oxidation/evaporation ponds
located to the west. In the few months before January 1977
the community had to contend with several failures of the
sewage pumping equipment. were the result of
foreign matter being introduced" into the sewer (especially
rags). The pump failures resulted in raw sewage flowing
through the lower lying areas of the community. There is
no evidence of sewage disposal practices at Bathurst.Island
having contaminated the groundvreter source.
b. Garbage: Garbage is regularly collected, burnt and buried.
12.
BESI'iICK Hm1ESTEAD
and Housing
In November 1974 the Department of Aboriginal Affairs estimated
the Aboriginal population of Beswick Homestead at 140 people.
In the second half of 1976 the Aboriginal population averaged
200 people, with a European population of 15 people. The
Aboriginal population of Beswick Homestead is very mobile and
large fluctuations occur between Wet Season and the Dry
Season. In average years the Wet Season population is greater
than that in the Dryas Aboriginals from surrounding stations
come to have a holiday at Beswick.
In December 1976 there were 11 basic for Aboriginals
and 8 houses for the European staff.
Water
a. Demand: It has been known for some time that the demand
for domestic water exceeds the available supply at Beswick
Homestead. At December 1976 the available supply was 380
kilolitres per week. This is equ:valent to a percapita
consumption of 0.28 kilolitres per day.
b. Source: There is only one equipped production bore, capable
of producing 0.63 litres per second operated continuously.
Water from this bore may be classified suitable for human
consumption by WHO ISDW.
c. Treatment: At present there are no facilities to treat the
Beswick Homestead water supply. It would be advisable to
chlorinate the water supply for two reasons; firstly the
storage is not covered and secondly the alternate water
supply, covered under (f) is not protected against
contamination and water from this source often has an
excess contamination of bacteriological indicator organisms.
d. Storage: A single elevated tar_l{ provides a maximum of 45
kilolitres storage. The tank lacks a protective roof and in
December 1976 a large quantity of algae-like material could
be seen on the uncovered sides of the and on the water
surface. Based on reports by Europeans at Beswick the
storage tank may be emptied within several hours during
daylight hours, effectively leaving the without
water. This lack of water is intensified by the actions of
one of the European staff. To obtain enough water, at
sufficient pressure for his garden, he has installed a
small pumping unit to evacuate water from his reticulating
mains and boosting the pressure at any of his garden taps.
13.
Two points are that there is insufficient storage
capacity and that consumers should not be encouraged, 'or
even allowed to install booster pumps that are capable of
evacuating the reticulation. The operation of such a unit
effectively cuts off the water supply to all other consumers-
and is not in the best interests of public health.
e. Availability: Table A5 allows rapid comparison of present
housing and relative water supply availability at Beswick
Homestead.
TABLE A5
A
B
SERVED
European 15
Ab
. . 1 U t 200 _ orlglna_ p 0
Dw"ELLINGS
AVAILABLE
8
11 and
several
bush camps
Internal tap
Carry water up to 60 metres
As previously mentioned the population of Beswick fluctuates
according to the season. Host of the seasonal to
Beswick live in "bush camus" near the outskirts of the
community, and may have to carry water for considerable
distances. Occupants of the 11 basic dwellings do have
to water more than 20 metres as the dwellings are
built around taps and the communal washing and toilet block.
f. Alternate Supplies: A billabong 0.5 kilometres west of the
communi0Y is used to water a small market garden. If 0he
bore breaks down emergency water supplies are also pumped
from this alternate source. The physical appeara'nce of the
billabong is dirty. Children use it as a swimming hole and
animals have access to it. Based on bacteriological
laid down in WHO ISD'il this source contains water that may be
classified unsui0able for human consumption.
Water Resources Branch are presently involved on a program
to develop additional production bores near the community.
It is believed the Department of Construction would be able
to equip these bores and install new storage soon
after the successful production bores are completed. This
should abolish the present water shortages.
"
14.
Waste- Disposal
a. Sewage: All European occupied houses are connected to
individual septic tanks. The washing and toilet
block is also connected to a septic The 11 Aboriginal
dwellings are all within 30 metres of the washing/toilet
block. Some occupants of "bush camps" may use traditional
waste disposal techniques. There is no evidence that sewage
disposal practices at Beswick have contaminated the
groundwater source.
b. Garbage: There are several garbage collections during the
week. After which the garbage is burnt.
15.
CROKER ISLAl\lD
In December 1976 the Aboriginal population of 220 people
were estimated to 'occupy 55 dwellings, while the 20 Europeans
occupied 11 houses. The population of Croker Island is
reasonably stable.
Water Supply
a. Demand: Average weekly water consumption has been calculated
at 1,500 kilolitres with the peak weekly water consumption,
toward the end of the Dry Season, of 2,000 kilolitres.
These values represent percapita daily consumptions of 0.9
kilolitres and 1.1 kilolitres respectively.
b. Source: All domestic water supplied to Croker Island
community is pumped from one of two production bores located
about 500 metres west of the community. In December 1976
these bores were estimated to be each producing between 2
and 3 litres per second. Except for the low pH and marginal
iron concentration, water from these bores may be classified
as suitable for human consumption by 'NnO ISmv (TDS 50 mg/l,
pH 5.2, Fe 1.5).
c. Treatment: A gas chlorinator had been operated at Croker
Island about 4-years ago and was then removed. No
chlorinator is installed Croker Island and no
is being carried out.
d. Storage: In December 1976 the storage being used
at Croker Island was a 180 kilolitre ground level tank,
behind the settlement. This provides an average of one
day's storage. It-is believed that the Department of
Construction will construct-a new 180 kilolitre near
the present tank, in 1977. The storage facilities should
then be adequate for the
e. Availability: The relative availability of domestic water
supplies within community is summarised in Table A6.
TABLE A6
GROUP EST.POP. NO. OF FACILITIES
SERVED DWELLINGS
AVAILABLE
A European 20 12 Internal tap
B Aboriginal

15 Internal tap
C Aboriginal
220
40 within Communal m.
16.
The new water supply contract for 1977 may also include
upgrading of the wat'er reticulation andshould make it
possible for most of the houses in group C above to be
provided with an individual water supply. About 50
Aboriginals living on the beach belm-! the c01n.munity obtain
their water supply via hoses run from taps at the edge of
the community.
f. Alternate Supplies: Domestic water supplies were originally
drawn from Back Jungle Swamp, a small creek north of the
community which reportedly never runs dry. This source is
still used to supply water for the irrigated gardes
of the community, but it can no longer be used.to supp+y
domestic water as part of the piping has been removed.
Water from Back Jungle Swamp needs to be chlorinated to
reduce the concentration of bacteriological organisms to
an acceptable level if it was to be reconnected and used
for domestic purposes.
Waste Disposal
a. Sewage: A pan service every second day is only organised
method for night soil removal. All the houses in groups
A and B above are on the pan service as are some of the
houses in group C. There are toilet/shower
blocks serving families living on or near the beach, that
also use pans. Unfortunately the communal toilet blocks
are at the top of a small but steep rise behind the beach
making doubtful they are used all the time. The
nightsoil is disposed of into otway pits. It is not
believed the present method of sewage disposal can cause
contamination of the water supply.
Nany members of the community claim the pan system is
unhygienic and would prefer to see it replaced with a
water-borne method of sewage disposal. It is not known
if it is desirable to establish such a scheme at Croker
Tsland.
b. Garbage: After collection all rubbish is burnt in an area
near the otway pits and later covered over.
17.
DALY RIVER
Population and Housing
The population of Daly River Mission fluctuates due to seasonal
effects. In December 1976 there were 250 Aboriginals and 58
Europeans at Daly River. It was reported that 140 of
Aboriginals ,vere of school age. There are 11 European-style
houses and 14 basic dwellings with an internal tap and electric
power. In addition there are two fully-services cottages for
the accommodation of school-age children.
An additional 120 Aboriginals reside at the Pepepenati cattle
project.
Water Supply
a. Demand: Iv-ater consumpc;lon at Daly River l'jission has been
estimated to average 1,000 kilolitres per week.
b. Source: Most domestic water for the Mission is drawn from
a production bore capable of supplying 2.5 litres per second.
There is no equipped standby bore and it is sometimes
necessary to pump domestic supplies from the Daly River.
Both supplies may normally be classified suitable for human
consumption by W:"-lO ISDW, though the Daly River water
sometimes has an excess concentration of bacteriological
organisms. Water is normally pumped from the Daly River
to irrigate a market garden at the mission.
c. Treatment: There is no treatment plant installed at Daly
River !ljission. It is not Dossible to chlorinate domestic
water supplies prior to the tanks. ConSidering that
river water is occasionally used for domestic purposes it
is desirable to establish a chlorinator on the rising main
just prior to the storage tanks.
d. Storage: Domestic supplies are reticulated from two
45 kilolitre elevated near the school. This
represents about one day's average water consumption and is
inadequate, especially as there is only one equipped
production bore.
l'iater pumped from the Daly River for the market garden is
stored in two 22 kilolitre elevated tanks near the rivers
edge. In an emergency domestic water from the Daly River
passes through these
18.
e. Availability: Table A7 allows easy comparison of relative
water supply availability at Daly River Mission.
GROUP
A
:5
C
TABLE A7
OCCUPM""TS
EST.POP.
NO. OF
FACILITIES
SERVED
DWELLINGS
AVAILABLE
European/
120
11
Internal tap.
Aboriginal
Aboriginal
30
2
Internal tap.
Children
Aboriginal
160
14
Internal tap.
All houses at Daly River lVlission have at least one internal
tap. People living in dwellings of group C have to use one
of two communal Shower/toilet blocks that are a maximum of
50 metres from their dwellings.
f. Alternate Supplies: The aforementioned use of water from
the Daly River is the only known alternative water source.
Waste DisDosa 1
a. Sevrege: All houses in groups A and B above are connected
to septic as are the two community shower/toilet
blocks provided for residents of group C houses. Many of
the effluent drains are blocked by fine river sand and all
septic tanks are pumped out regularly and the effluent
spread thinly over a grassed field about 1.5 kilometres
from the mission. There is little smell from this disposal,
even in the field and, provided the area is not used for
recreational use immediately after effluent disposal, the
practice is quite satisfactory.
During the periods of flood flow of the Daly River the mission
area may be completely inundated. This inundation may in
part be responsible for the failure of the septic
effluent drains. Sewage disposal may be a problem during
floods but wastes are- quickly washed away so there is
minimal danger of endemic outbreaks at the mission if only
bore water is used for domestic purposes. The present
waste disposal practices are unlikely to the
groundwater source.
19.
b. Garbage: Solid refuse is burnt ~ ~ used to fill in some
of the lower lying areas of the mission. Once a suitable
depth of refuse has been deposited it is overfilled with
sandy top-soil. Disposal should not ip11uence the quali0Y
of groundwater near the mission.
20.
DELISSAVILLE
and Housing
The June 1976 Census recorded the of Delissaville at
214 persons occupying 37 dwellings. In December 1976 the
community reportedly included 200 Aboriginals and 35 Europeans.
The people of Delissaville are very mobile and are often moving
to or from Delissaville between jobs and family. By late 1977
all members of the Delissaville community should have access
to a fully serviced European-style house being built by The
Darwin Reconstruction Commission ."hieh is also responsible for
services to the community. It is planned to install enough new
houses for each "nuclear" family to occupy an individual house.
Water Supplv
a. Demand: Average weekly water consumption is about 700
kilolitres. Peak .veekly water consumption, during the
last weeks of the Dry Season may be up to 1000 kilolitres.
b. Source: All domestic 'dater consumed at Delissaville is
pumped from three equipped production bores located within
1.5 kilometres of the community. Except for marginally
low pH water pumped from these bores may be classified
suitable for domestic consumption. (TDS 70 to 110 mg/l,
pH 6.3 to 6.6). The water supply source is considered to
be safe from contamination and the man-proof bore enclosure
should be properly maintained. -
c. Treatment: The only .. later treatment plant installed on i.,h e
domestic supply is a chlorinator, but it is not known how
regularly it is operated. During December 1976 the settle-
ment coul<Lnot o-perate the chlorinator because chlorine
gas was temporarily unavailable.
d. Storage: The maximum storage capacity of 320 kilolii.,res
is cont'ained in two ground level and one overhead tan.1;:.
Included in this volume is 45 kilolitres held in the smaller
ground level tank' as a fire-fighting reserve. According
to Department of Construction drawing DR 73/559 water must
pass through the chlorinator prior to entering the overhead
tank, from which it is later reticulated to the community.
e. Availability: It is believed that responsibility for
capital works at Delissaville has temporarily been
transferred to the Darwin Reconstruction Commission.
This is because Delissaville is within the area determined
to have been adversely affected by Cyclone Tracy. During
f.
21.
the next year enough European-style housing will be
available that any nuclear family group may occupy its
ovm house. Each house being built by the Darwin Reconstruction
Commission will be fully serviced.
Alternate Supplies: A dam is located on the creek east of the
community. Water from the dam is used to irrigate a small
market garden on the east of the creek. In previous
years emergency water supplies have been drawn from the dam
though it is not known if emergency water is still
from the dam or even if this is possible.
waste Disposal
a.
Sewage: As mentioned earlier by the end of 1977 it is
believed all people at Delissaville will be living in
fully serviced European-style houses. It is thought all
these houses will be connected to that existing sewage
system. The sewer flows into a single oxidation/evaporation
pond, half a kilometre north-east of the storage The
sewage pond is in need of minor maintenance to remove
excess vegetation from the sides of the pond. It is believed
sewage in the pond occasionally overflows into the creek
of the dam and is washed out to sea. Some of
the older houses are not to the sewer, but
instead use individual septic It is not known
if these houses are to to the sewer in the
near future.
The sewage pond should be expanded if it is to cope
adequately the increased loading when most houses are
connected to the sewer. The methods of Sel-lage disposal
are not expected to contaminate the groundwater source near
Delissaville.
b. Garbage: Garbage is collected and then burnt and buried
one kilometre west of the community. Present garbage
disposal practices are quite
22.
DOCKER RIVER
The June 1976 Census recorded 275 residents occupied 82
dwellipgs. During December 1976 the Aboriginal population at
Docker River and Kickunkurra, 8 kilometres east, was estimated
to be 250 people. The European population was counted at 12
people.
Water Supplv
a.
Demand: During 1976 weekly water conSUmp1:l0n was estimated
to average 500 kilolitres. This represents an average per
capita consumption of 0.3 kilolitres per day.
Most of the European-consumed water is used to water
and gardens with fixed sprin..1<::lers. This is wasteful in an
arid environment, especially when the soil is very permeable.
b. Source: Since late 1976 all domestic water has been pumped
from either of two production bores located 2 kilometres
west of the community. These two production bores each
produce 5 litres per second. Two standby bores near the
storage tanks are also equipped. Water from all these
bores may be classified as suitable for human consumption
by W"HO ISDW (TDS 350 to 600 mg/l). The groundwater source
is known to be well isolated from contamination.
c. Treatment: All water pumped from bores at Docker River is
first aerated to remove hydrogen sulphide and then passed
onto the storage The only other vmter-treatment
plant at Docker River is a recently installed chlorinator.
may be chlorinated as it is pumped from the ground
level tanks to the high level tank prior to being
to the The high level tank is capable of providing
in excess of 30 minutes contact time.
The chlorinator is not used because of Department of
Aboriginal Affairs safety regulations.
d. Storage: The available storage capacity of 885 kilolitres
is contained in three 280 kilolitre ground level tanks and
one 45 kilolitre elevated tan..1<::. Water from the second standby
bore, Production No.2 (R}T 6344) may be pumped directly into
the elevated tal:'JI:. vlater from all other bores is pumped via
the aerator into the ground level and then lifted up
to the elevated tank. The 45.kilolitre tank is also used to
provide sufficient contact time after chlorine injection.
e.
23.
'T'ABLE A8
A
B
e
SERVED DI'TELLINGS
AVAILABLE
European 12 10 Internal tap
Aboriginal 200 N/K Communal tap within 1+0 m.
At . . 1
50 N/K vlater carted 8 kilometres
in 41+ gallon drums.
Late in 1976 a water main was constructed through the area
occupied by houses in group B with hydrant co=ections every
100 metres. This main is now turned off because people did
not turn the hydrants off after use. There are only half a
. t 1 l' 11' t +ho bl' (7
Clozen opera communa_ caps v"_ oug .ou ram
community area. It is believed there is in excess of 30
hydrant co=ections to the new water main within the same
area.
Group C above the small semi-de centralised community at
Kickunkurra. A production bore is presently being drilled
near the cOlnmunity and if successful it will be equipped
wi th a windmill and squat taI1.K. The new supply should.
be more than adequate for this small group.
f. Alternate Supplies: No alternative water supplies are
known.
Waste Disposal
a. Sewage: Sewage disposal from houses in group A is via a
series of small septic systems located adjacent to each
house. There is no organised sewage disposal within houses
in groups Band C, It is believed disposal is via tradit-
ional methods. Both the camp areas at Docker River and
Kickunkurra are heavilly but no faecal matter could
be seen on the ground.
There is no risk to sewage disposal methods contaminating
the groundwater source.
t. Garbage: i'lithin the European section of Docker River garbage
is regularly collected, burnt and buried. As mentioned
earlier the camp areas are heavily littered and it is ,not
known if garbage is regularly collected from areas.
24.
GALAWINKU (ELCHO
The Aboriginal popula0ion at Galawinku fluctuates between 900
1400 people during the year, with the peak population during
the Ivet Season. The European population is estimated to be near
constant at about 80 people. The European population share 25
houses and the Aboriginals occupy about 180 houses.
water SupplY
a.
Demand: Although not measured the average weekly water
consumption was reported to be 4000 kilolitres. Toward
the end of the Dry Season the peak weekly water consumntion
approaches 6000 kilolitres.
b. Source: Most water for domestic consumption is pumned from
three bores located within 2 kilometres (north-east; of
GalawiY'J.;:u. One of these bores is estimated to pump 8 litres
per second and the other two pump at 3 litres per second.
,,vater from t"lO production bores may be classified suitable
for human consumption by WHO ISDW (TDS 82 mg/l). Water
pumped from the production bores has a high concentration
of dissolved carbon dioxide (up to 45 mg/l) , and though not
dangerous tu human health, the water quickly corrodes pipe-
lines and taY'J.;:s. The dissolved iron from the pipes and
tanks gives the water an undesirable brown colour.
c. Treatment: There is no water treatment plant at GalawiY'J.;:u.
If a chlorinator was installed it would reportedly no
operate because the Aboriginals do not like the taste of
chlorinated water. It may be advisable aerate the water
at the pump head; this "lQuld reduce the concentration of
carbon dioxide and hence reduce the incidence of corrosion
of water supply equipment. A report on the effecc of the
water supply on corrosion at has recently been
,vritten by a Wae,er Resources Branch chemist.
d. Storage: The available scorage capacity of 225 kilolitres
is contained in two 90 kilolitre elevated taY'J.;:s and a 45
kilolitre ground level tank. The available storage capacity
is inadequate; ic represents less than a third of a days
average water consumption. As previously mentioned the
acid water condition has rapidly corroded the new taY'J.;:s
at
e
25.
Availability: The relative availability of water around
the community is summarised in Table Ag.
TABLE A9
GROUP
OCCUPAl'TTS EST.POP. NO. OF FACILITIES
A
B
C
D
SERVED DWELLINGS
AVAILABLE
European 80 25 Internal tap.
Aboriginal 780 115 Individual tap, often
internal.
Aboriginal
)
25 Tap
" h'
10 m. usually Wl 'C ln
up to
)
shared between 2
Aboriginal
700
)
40 Share 2 communal taps.
A program is presently under way to connect more of
houses in group C above to the water supply. The project
is under the direction of the works supervisor.
Alternative Supplies: During the Dry Season many Aboriginals
prefer to cart water from a spring behind the beach because
they claim it tastes better than the reticulated supply and
does not have the dirty brown colour caused by the corrosion
of pipes and
A billabong south oT the was originally used to
supply domestic water to and still supply's
water to a market garden. It is doubtful if water from
the billabong could now be pumped into the reticulation
syst-em. Water from the billabong was often classified as
unsuit.able for human consumption by 'ATflO ISDW because of
large concentrations of bact.eriological organisms.
Waste DisDosa
l
a. Sewage: Houses in groups A and B above have individual
septic systems. Houses in group C share laundry and toilet
facilities between 2 houses. The t.oilet.s are pit latrines
and an overflow connected t.o the laundry wast.e. This is
t.hen piped to a creek outfall on the northern end of the
beach. This is not a desirable sewage disposal scheme as
the outflow water, \.,ith high biochemical oxygen demand and
possibly faecal contamination, flows an open creek
into t.he sea without any treatment. People from the
community using t.he beach and neighbouring sea for recreation
and food supply may ingest. mat.erials. Most
" __ " .. _ __
of the houses
are occupied.
Galawinku are
source.
26.
in group D share a pan service when they
The present sewage disposal practices at
unlikely to contaminate the groundwater
Garbage: Regular garbage collection occurs all week.
Following collection the refuce is burnt and buried.
27.
GA.R.DEN POINT
In December 1976 the
to 23 European-style
use of a_total of 20
ilater Suppl V
250 Aboriginals at Garden Point had access
h d 10 h
E h
ouses an .UeS. _ .. e J u_ opeans .. aa
dwellings.
a. Demand: The average weekly water consumption is estimated
to be 1000 kilolitres. During the Wet Season all water
supplied to the community is used for domestic consumption.
During the Dry Season up to 10 hectares of market
may also be irrigated from the reticulated water supply.
b. Source: All water supplied to Garden Point is pumped from
Blue Water Creek about 1.5 kilometres north-east of the
community. The minimum recorded creek flow was 6100 kilolitres
per day in 1973. Except for low pH, water pumped from Blue
Water Creek may be classified as chemically suitable for
human consumpt-ion by'l.'HO ISm[ (TDS 16 mg/l, pH 5.7). vTater
quality tests have recorded excessive concentrations of
bacteriological indication organisms, especially the more
resistant Faecal Streptococci, both in the creek and
throughout the water supply reticulation. The indicator
organisms have been interpreted as showing the creek to
be contaminated by faecal matter.
c. A water treatment plant was completed at Garden
Point in 1973. It is located about 1 kilometre
of community. The water treatment plant contains the
equipment necessary for the removal of material
and biological indicator organisms and to adjust the value
of pH, There is pre-chlorination, before any other treatment,
to kill and post-chlorination to kill the more resistant
biological organisms.
The Department of Construction has a water/waste-'Hater
works operator based permanently at Garden Point. He is
responsible for water and waste-water plant at Garden Point,
Snake Bay and Pickertaramoor. This does not al1m" the
operator enough time to properly monitor the water treatment
plant operation. At he is only able to operate the
pre-chlorination unit and reportedly has not as yet been
given enough practical assistance to confidently operate
the clarifier units.
d.
e.
GROUP
A
B
C
28.
Storage: A 1000 kilolitre tarR at the waoer treatment
plant was also completed in late 1973. An elevated 45
kilolitre tank in the middle of the community is used
to sustain water pressure. If required a booster pump
is available for fire fighting. The available storage
capacity represents 3.5 kilolitres per person and is more
than adequate.
Availability: The relative availability of "rater for
TABLE A10
OCCUP p')lTS EST.POP. NO. OF
FACILITIES
SERVED
DWELLINGS
AVAILABLE
European 50
20
Internal
taps.
Ab . . 1
orJ..glna_ 130 23
Internal taps.
Aboriginal 120 Not knovm
Comlilunal taps.
It was difficult to determine the number of houses included
under group c above. There are approximately 10 camp houses
in the community area all within 100 metres of a communal
tap. In addition many of the people counted in group C have
huts near the beach, up to several hundred metres from the
nearest tap. The dwellings included in both group A and
group B above, are European-style houses.
f. Alternative Supplies: A soak near the beach was once the
source of domestic water for Garden Point. It is not known
if the equipment can still pump into the reticulation system.
It is believed the pumping rate used to be about 3 litres
per second. During this review no data related to quality
of water from the swamp was uncovered.
vlaste Di sposal
a. Sewage: All but 6 houses from groups A and B are o r ~ e t e d
to the sewer. These 6 houses are connected to individual
septic tanks. People living in houses covered by group C
share 5 pit latrines. The pits were not inspected and it
is not--known how effectively they are use. Some of the
people living near the beach or slightly away from the
camp probably use traditional methods of waste disposal.
29.
The sewage is pumped from the community into the 2 treatment
ponds located east of the community. The ponds oxidize any
biological matter and evaporate the waste water. There is
no indication of the treatment lagoons ever having overflowed
and they are believed to be correctly sized the the community.
Present sewage disposal methods are not likely to contaminate
the water supply source.
b. Garbage: Garbage is regularly collected and after burning
it is buried.
30.
GOULBURl'J ISLAND
The population in December 1976 included 210 Aboriginals,
35 houses, and 20 Europeans, resident in 12
houses. The population is reasonably stable though local
advisors think there may be a small increase in the near
future .. '
Ivater Supply
a. Demand: It is difficult to evaluate average weekly water
consumption. Plaximum available weekly water yield is
believed to be 500 kilolitres.
b. Source: domestic water supplies are pumped from one
of three equipped production bores north-west of the
Except for low pH water from the production
bores may be classified suitable for human consumption
by ISDW (TDS 60 mg/l, pH 5.2). The bores were not
inspected during this visit to Goulburn Island. It is
believed contamination may enter the water supply at the
bores because the arBular space between the pump column
and bore casing is not adequately sealed.
c. Treatment: A chlorinator has been installed at Goulburn
Island. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs have advised
the not to use the chlorinator until a qualified
operator is resident on the community, and at present this
advice is being followed.
d. Storage: The combined storage capacity of about 400 kilo-
litres is contained in two 180 kilolitre ground level
in the northern section of the communlTY and a 40 kilolitre
elevated tank in the southern section of the community. The
present storage tanks provide sufficient storage capacity for
the communi0Y, though occasionally the tanks operate near
empty because the production bores are unable to keep up
with the demand for water.
e. Availability: The relative availability of water within
the community is summarised in Table A11.
31.
TABLE A11
GROUP
OCCUPA1\JTS EST.POP. NO. OF FACILITIES
A
B
SREVED DWELLINGS
AVAILABLE
Europeans 20 12 Internal tap.
Ab ' , l
orlglna_ 210
35
Internal tap.
Th
H ' h '" 'b 'ld' 1 2' 4
.e .. ouslng r.SSOCla-Clon lS Ul_ lng an a lona -co'
new houses per year for Aboriginals. Some of the existing
water reticulation system is expected to be replaced and/or
upgraded in 1976/77. The local community feel they have
the resources and technical ability to complete this work,
but the Department of Construction do not agree and would
prefer to see the work done by an independant contractor.
In all houses in the community have internal taps
and the only problem with the water supply is the small volume
of water being pumped from the bores. vJater Resources Branch
have been drilling investigation bores at Goulburn Island
over the last few years, though as yet no new production
bores have been constructed.
f. Alternative Supplies: During dry seasons the pumping rate
of the production bores reportedly decreases and two wells
close to the settlement are used to augment the supply.
Even so the total amount of water produced is just sufficient
to supply the community.
Waste Disposal
a. Sewage: Except for the school and three of
Education houses the is served by a pan system.
The pans are emptied into otway pits located one kilometre
south of the and water from a bore near the pits
is used to wash out the pans. The three houses and school
are by a small'sewer system to a cess pool located
north-east of the'community.
r<lany members of the community feel the pan sys is un.lJ.yg-
ienic and should be replaced by a water borne ."aste system
However it is not feasible to establish a water borne
disposal system until an adequate domestic water supply
has been developed. Although the present sewage disposal
practices have not contaminated the groundwater source,
care .vill need to be taken, if a .vater borne system is
installed, that the groundwater source and i"iudbalg Bay
are not contaminated by sewage effluent.
b. Garbage: Garbage is regularly collected and then burnt and
buried in an area close to the otway pits.
32.
HERMAi'mSBURG
The June 1976 Census recorded a total of 694 people resident on
the Hermannsburg Mission Lease. In February 1977 an estimated
260 Aboriginals and 82 Europeans were living at
Mission. A further 433 Aboriginals are settled at 19 decentralised
communities within the IIission Lease. Many of these communities
have only been established during the last 2.years and are still
being developed. This report will only examine Hermannsburg
Mission, though daGa on the 19 decentralised communities is
appended. .
><later Supply
a. Demand: No of average weekly water
was made during the preparation of this report. In 1976
the Water Resources Branch estimated the average weekly
consumption to be 2000 kilolitres.
b. Source: All domestic 'dater for Mission is
pumped from two or three of the six available production bores
on the southern side of the River. Water pumped from
any of the production bores may be claSSified suitable for
human consumption by WHO ISDW (TDS 400 to 900 mg/l). The
production bores have all been drilled into aQuifers of
the Pertnjara Group.
c. Treatment: A chlorinator is the water treatment plant
installed at Hermannsburg although the water supply has not
been treated since the unit broke do"m in mid 1976. The
Mission manager reported the community generally objects to
chlorination of the water supply, though he doubts any of the
communi ty would notice the difference if the "rater was or
was not chlorinated.
d. Storage: The available storage capacity of 810
is contained in six 135 kilolitre ground level near
the north-west edge of the Mission. This represents slightly
more than two days average usage and is satisfactory.
e. Availability: The relative of water for domestic
use is summarised in Table A12.
33.
TABLE A12
GROUP OCCUPAl'iTS EST.POP. NO. OF FACILITIES
A
B
SERVED DWELLINGS
AVAILABLE
European 82 24 Internal tap
Aboriginal 260 30 Individual tap.
It is not known if the houses in group B above have internal
or external taps, most of the taps are believed to be inside
the houses. The Nursing Sister has reported "The only people
without a tap would be those camping under the trees away
from the houses".
f. Alternative Supplies: No other domestic supplies are
to be used at Hermarillsburg. A later table summarizes the
facilities at the 19 decentralised camns.
Waste Disposal
a. Sewage: All the houses in group B have individual toilets
except for eight which share cOlP.IDunal facilities. All
toilets are connected to septic tanks and are unlikely to
lead to contamination of the groundwater source.
b. Garbage: Garbage is collected regularly and is thought to
be buried after burning.
Facilities of Decentralised Camps
The summary of facilities available, Table A13, was provided by
the Nursing Staff at
CAMP
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Tt..BLE A13
POPULATION NO. OF
HOUSE"S
22 6
25 4
32 10
13 4
14 2
26 4
26
5
20 4 to
5
20 5
METHOD OF
SEI'TAGE DISPOSAL

Septic u/e
Pit
Pit
Pit
Portable
Pit
Pit
WATER SUPPLY FACILITIES
Tap from bore/tank
Tap from bore/tar..
Tap from bore/tank
Tap from bore/tank
Tap from
'rap, showers U /C
Tap, showers U/C
Tap
Tap from" well
cont.
Table A13 cont.
3<+.
. '.'-
.. ' ,
. ," '.
CAMP POPULATION NO. OF METHOD OF WATER FACILITIES
HOUSES SEWAGE DISPOSAL
10
16 5
to 6 Pit
Ivater .carried in 44
Septic u/c
gallon drums
11
30 5
Tap
12
36
6 Pit u/e
Tap, river water
13
16 4 Pit u/c
Tap, river water
14
28 5
or 6
Tap from bore
15
30
4
Tap from
16 15
4
Tap from
17
24 6
Tap from
Showers U Ic .
18 30
4
Tap from
19
10 2
Tap from
--
Total 433
Est. 90
Note: u/c -
Under Construction
35.
nruPATAKA
The total Abori
9
inal population near lwupata..ll:a was 150 persons
in December 1970. ApproximaGely 20 of these people are believed
to be camped aG Gap, about 10 kilometres east of the main
There are an additional 12 Europeans living at
Iwupataka.
,vater Supply
a. Demand: Average weekly water consump"non has previously
been estimated, by Resources Branch, at 1000 kilolitres.
All this water is used for domestic consumption.
b. Source: The water supply is pumped from three
production bores in the Arumbera Sandstone about 3 kilometres
south of the community. Prior to the drilling and equipping
of these bores water was drawn from several bores sited in
Jay Creek near the community; some of the original bores are
still equipped, though none are operational, and all may be
considered to be abandoned.
The quality of water from the utilized production bores shows
strong correlation to recharge events associated with
streamflows in nearby Jay Creek. Production No. 8 being
closest to the creek, shows the most spectacular variation;
when drilled the TDS was less than 200 mg/l, increasing to
over 1400 mg/l in late 1975 after which it improved to
approximately 300 mg/l. The other bores exhibited similar
effects, however the improvement was not at great. Recent
bacteriological tests have indicated the water supply source
is of acceptable quality. The water supplied to hlUpataka
could be classified as marginally suitable for human
consumpGion by WHO ISDW (TDS 200 to 1600 mg/l, depending
on the time since last major recharge event). .
Water Resources Branch are to investigate other
aquifers further e,;way from the community in effort to
develop a better quality water supply.
c. Treatment: No water treatment plant is installed at
Iwupataka. It is not known if it is to install
a chlorinator during a proposed upgrading of reticulation
and storage facilities.
36.
d. Storage: The available storage of 205 kilolitres
contained in five tanks, is not fully utilized. At present
a 90 kilolitre ground level is unused and a 45 kilolitre
has been abandoned, leaving a utilized storage capacity
of 70 kilolitres. It is believed the Department of
ConstrucGion plan to increase the available storage
capacity to 200 .kilolitres when the upgrading of reticulation
and storage facilities is completed, probably in 1977/78.
The adjusted storage capacity would represent about one
day's average consumption and is thought to be inadequate.
TABLE A14
A
B
C
D
SERVED DWELLINGS
AVAILABLE
European 12 6 Internal tap.
Aboriginal 110 11
I -'- l ncerna_
-'-
cap.
Aboriginal 20 7 COllilliunal tap within 20m.
Aboriginal 20 N/K Fen .. ,>.1 Gap facilities not
known.
Group B includes a hostel and several flats on the rlage
east of the community. The hostel and flats are considered
by some Health Inspectors to be a health hazard, mainly
because of the poor standard of water reticulation to these
dwellings. It is thought the upgrading of water.
reticulation will do little to imnrove the standard of
water supply to any dwellings on top of the ridge east of
the community. Several new houses are being built in this
area and it may be advisable GO revise the proposed
reticulation scheme. The occupied houses are ,ri thin 20
metres of a communal tap.
f. Alternate Supplies: All the houses in group A have at least
two 5 kilolitre rainwater for the collection and
storage of water for and cooking. The total rain-
water storage capacity is 100 kilolitres. It is estimated
each European occupied house uses 0.25 kilolitres of
rainwater per week.
37.
waste Disposal
a. Sewage: The 7 houses in group C are the only dwellings
at Iwupataka that are nOG connected to individual septic
ta..11...\{s. There are two community toilet blocks; one -
incorporates showers and toilets and disposes of wastes
via a septic tank, while the other is two toilets above
a pit. Refuse in the pit is occasionally burnt off by
igniting diesel fuel in the pit. The Community Advisor
reporGed that following periods of heavy rainfall some
of Ghe septic tap_\{ effluent drains and the pit latrines
appear to be unhygienic because of raised groundwater level
in the community.
It is not expected that present methods of sewage disposal
will contaminate the groundwater source.
b. Garbage: Following regular collection the garbage is
burnt and buried.
38.
JUTUNTA
Pouulation and Housing
In December 1976 the population of the Jutunta Aboriginal
south of Tea Tree, was estimated at 150 people who occupied 12
dwellings. It is planned to build another S houses by July 197ry.
No Europeans are resident at the community.
,vater SUupl v
a. Demand: During 1976 the average weekly water
was measured at 45 kilolitres. Water consumution at Jutunta
will rise when a marke0 garden is developed.- In 1976 it
was decided to supply Tea Tree township with wa0er from
Jutunta, and when this scheme commences during 1977 0he
volume of pumped water may initially increase by 250
kilolitres per week.
b. Source: Three production bores, each equipped to pump 2
litres per second, provide all the water consumed at Jutunta.
The quality of groundwa0er near the Jutunta community is
very complex, though with the exception of marginal fluorides
ion concentration the "rater may be classified as sui t"ble
for human consumption by WHO ISDW (TDS 500 to 1200 mg/l,
F 1.0 mg/l). The groundwater source ,is believed to be
secure against contamination.
As mentioned above, Tea Tree township will soon receive
domestic water frDm the Jutunta bores. To supply the extra
water, two of the production bores will be re-eQuipped "rith
pumps capable of 4 litres per second. The maximum recommended
pumping rate of each of the production bores is 6 litres per
second.
c. Treatment: There is no treatment plant installed at
Jutunta, and it is not known if proposed to install
any treatment plant in the near future.
d. Storage: There are two 225 kilolitre ground level tanks
and a 45 kilolitre elevated at Jutunta. The total
storage represents many times the present average weekly
consumption and is adequate. A 450 kilo litre ground level
and a 45 kilolitre elevated are presently being
erected in Tea Tree township. The ne1v are more than
adequate for the present needs of Tea Tree Township.
e.
39.
Availability: There are approximately 15 usable communal
ta-ps around the village area. Nost taps are within 5 metres
of a d"relling and none of the 12 dwellings are more than
20 metres from a taD. It is Dlanned to extend the
water main to sites of the S-new dwellings. The dwellings
are one-room structures that appear to be utilized mainly
for storage.
f. Alternate Supplies: There are no other sources of water
for Jutunta.
"laste Disposal
a. There is no formal method for the disDosal of
sewage. The Advisor reported that funds requested
for the construction of -pit latrines had not been granced
during the last 3 years. The -people of Jutunca have been
advised to walk as far as possible from the village before
defacating. This is not a suitable method of sewage disposal
and it should be corrected as soon as possible. Nore work
is needed at Jutunta before a sewage disposal tnat
will not contaminate the groundwater source, and is !1.ygienic,
can be developed.
b. Garbage: No details of garbage disposal at Jutunta are
known.
j

.-
40.
MANINGRIDA
In 1973 the Department of Aboriginal Affairs reported the
Aboriginal population of Maningrida as 934 people. Since 1973
many family groups have decentralised in December 1976 the
Aboriginal population was estimated to be 600 people with a
further 600 people on outstations. Maningrida, the Resource
Centre for these decentralised communities, has a European
population of 180 people. The Europeans occupy 34 houses while
the Aboriginals occupy a total of 86 houses.
Water Supply
a. Demand: No reliable estimate could be obtained for the
average weekly water consumption. Average weekly water
consumption is believed to be about 3000 kilolitres.
b. Source: Five production bores have been drilled on the
western margin-of the airstrip. Four of these production
bores are equipped and are thought to be operational.
Except for low pH, \.;ater from the production bores may
be classified sui table for human consumption by WHO ISm'!
(TDS 60, pH 4.7 - 6.0). The water supply source is secure
against contamination though the man-proof fences around
the bores and the inspection lids on the storage
should be kept locked.
c. Treatment: Nc water treatment plant has been installed
at Maningrida. There is a need for pH correction if
corrosion problems are to be minimised. A chlorinator
has recently been removed from service; it is knovm
if it is intended to install a new chlorinator.
d.
e.
Storage: A large ground-level tank has recently been
installed at Maningrida and together with a 70 kilolitre
overhead tank and two go kilolitre ground-level tanks provides
adequate storage capacity. The inspection covers on all
should be kept locked.
GROUP
A
B
C
TABLE A15
OCCUP A..rlfTS
EST.POP. NO. OF
SERVED
D\'lELLINGS
AVAILABLE
European 180 34
Ab . . 1
j
56

600
Aboriginal
) 30
:.
:
'.
.i
. '.
. .,">

... :
.'
. c.'. >
FACILITIES
Internal tap
T t - _n erna.L tap
Communal tap within 20-30m.
It is presently programmed to water and sewage
facilities to about 10 of the group C houses during 1977/78.
The remaining group C houses should be serviced by 1980
if finance is available.
f. Alternate SUDulies: Originally domestic water for Maningrida
was pumped {r-om a swamp about 1 kilometre south-west of the
communi ty. It is not kno'tm if domestic Ivater supplies could
still be pumped from this source.
waste Disposal
.
a. Sewage: All houses in groups A and B ahove and the two
communal tOilet/shower blocks serving group C are on
septic systems or the sewer: most of the community is
to the sewer. The maximum distance of a house
in group C from a shower/toilet block is estimated to be
60 metres. A pumping station near the beach lifts sewage
to the level of the oxidation/evaporation ponds located near
the beach about 500 metres north of the community. When
the pump is broken-down the se'troge is discharged into the
sea close to the centre of tlJ:aningrida.
b. Garbage: All the community garbage is collected every
second or third day, burnt covered with sandy soil.
42 ;
MARYVALE
In December 1976 the population of the Naryvale Aboriginal
community was estimated to be 130 people, occupying 18 dwellings.
It is plarEled to replace some of these dwellings dClring the
next few years. No Europeans are resident at the
although a school teacher and station persor_Del live the
Maryvale Homestead approximately half a kilometre west of the
community.
Water Supply
a. Demand: During 1976 the average ',,,eekly water c\onsumption
was measured at 100 kilolitres. Up to half of the water
may be used for the irrigation of several small garden plots.
b. Source: Two production bores, each equipped to pump 4.5
litres per second, provide all the water consumed by the
Aboriginal community. There is also an unequipped standby
bore. Water pumped from the production bores may be
classified as suitable for hClman consumution bv WHO ISDW
(TDS 350 mg/l). The groundwater source-appears to be
secure contamination.
c. Treatment: There is no treatment plant installed at
r1aryvale.
d. Storage: The available storage capacity of 570 kilolitres
is contained in one ground level behind the
This represents a storage capacity well above the 2 to 3 days
consClmption normally recommended.
e.
Availability: There are 3 houses and 15 other dwellings at
Maryvale; 2 houses have internal caps and the other has an
external tap. The remaining dwellings all share communal
taps within 20 to 30 metres of the dwellings. During the
next few years the community plan to gradually replace the
15 dwellings with<European-style houses each having internal
taps.
f. Alternate Supplies: The Maryvale homestead and school,
located about 500 metres west of the community have an
independent water supply. A single equipped bore near
the community's bores provides all the water needs of the
homestead and school.
43.
Waste DisDosal
a. Sewage: One house is connected to a septic tank and the
other two houses are having toilets constructed. No othel
formal method of waste disposal has been developed, and
the people have been advised to walk as far as possible
from the village before defacating. It is proposed to bu:
additicnal septics and/or pit toilets during the next few
years. The present sewage disposal practices will not
contaminate the groundwater source.
b. Garbage: No details of garbage disposal at Maryvale are
known.
44.
NGUKURR
The June 1976 Census recorded 250 people at Ngukurr occupying
44 dwellings. In 1974 the Department of Aboriginal Affairs
reported the population to be 452 persons.
Since 1974 many Aboriginals have established decentralised camps
in the bush around Ngukurr, which acts as a Resource Centre for
these groups, some of whom may move back to for short
periods during the Wet Season.
During the survey the Aboriginal population was estimated to be
300 persons; occupying 43 houses and 4 tents. About 30 Europeans
occupy 13 houses. In addition there are 7 unoccupied Aboriginal
house s, two new Aboriginal houses under construction" and four
houses under construction for the Department of Education.
Water Supply
a. Demand: It was not possible to accurately define water
consumption at However, it is thought average
weekly water consumption may be 1000 kilolitres.
b. Source: Ngukurr may draw its water supply from either che
Roper River or from two production bores. The bores
produce a hard water, free from contamination, which is
not popular with the community, many of whom complain
that it causes abdominal pains. Water from the Hoper
River (TDS 200 mg/l) may occasionally suffer from excess
colour and high concentrations of bacteriological organisms.
Most consumed at Ngukurr is pumped from the Roper
River. The bores are only operated for several hours per
week to maintain their operational status in case they
are needed for an emergency.
c. Treatment: There is no treatment works at Ngukurr.
In the past the storage have been hand chlorinated
for a short time if bacteriological tests have shown this
to be necessary, though the supply has never been continuously
chlorinated. It is thought a new gas chlorinator may be
installed within the next two years. If the settlement
continue to predominantly use water from the Roper River
it would be advisable to continuously operate the
unit. The need for proper chlorination and the adequate
operating instructions should be discussed with the Council.
45.
d. Storage: The available storage of 250 kilolitres is provic
by two 100 kilolitre ground level and two 25 kilolitr
overhead tanks. "later from either the river or the bores
first enters the ground level and is later elevated i
the overhead tanks from where it is distributed throughout
the community.
The storage contain rubbish and are poorly maintainec
Bacteriological samples taken on the 20.8.76 produced
uncountable concentrations of coliform and faecal coliform.
The sampling officers reported the do not appear to
have been cleaned and are able to contaminate the water
supply because of the large number of holes in the sheet
metal covers.
New storage ta..Ylks have been propcsed for Ngukurr and it is
believed this will occur during the next two years.
e. Availability: Table A16 allows rapid comparison of relativ
water supply availability at Ngukurr. It is impossible to
accurately define the Aboriginal population served by each
style of dwellings. The figures in columIl 3 should only be
interpreted as a guide.
EST.POP.
SERVED
European 30
Ab . . 1
270
)
orlgJ..ne._
)
Aboriginal )
Aboriginal 30
TABLE A16
NO. OF DWELLINGS FACILITIES
u/e OCCUPIED BUILT
4 13
13
Internal taD
2 34 37
Internal tap
9
13
External
tap
4 tents
Carry water
ulc - Under Construction
20-40
[,
The Aboriginals camped in tents are the more recent settlel
at Ngukurr who have not previously experience life in a
European-style
f. Alternate Supplies: Approximately ten houses occuuied
be Europeans have rainwater tar_1{s. Io[a frcm these
may occasionally be used for and cooking, though
they are not used regularly.
46.
Disposal
a. Sewage: Several older houses in groups A and B above
have septic systems that are pumped out weekly.
remaining houses from group A and B are connected to a sewer
system which empties into a serios of
Donds.
People occupying houses in groups C and D either use a
neighbour's toilet or go to a toilet blocK. The
present sewage disposal practices have not contaminated
either the groundwater or surface water sources.
b. Garbage: Garbage is collected several times per week and
after burning it is backfilled.
..
47.
NUl'1!3UL 'I'i AR
The June 1976 Census recorded 378 people at Numbulwar occupying
70 dwellings with an additional !line occupied dwellings. The
population is reasonably stable and does not show marked seasonal
fluctuations.
During this survey the Aboriginal population ,<[as estimated at
310 occupying 50 dwellings. Approximately 50 Europeans occupy
13 houses.
Water Supply
a. Demand: Based on information supplied by the
advisor average .veekly consumption is nearly 1500 kiloli tres,
not including water used on the market garden. It is not
known if the water demand exhibits seasonal variations.
b. Source: Numbulwar draws its wacer supply from four sand-
spear systems located within one kilometre of the community.
Two of the sand-spear systems are equipped with standby
meters. The Rural Health Sister ac Numbulwar has reported
that occasionally the water supply tastes brakish, but the
later water samples taken by Water Resources Branch had a
TDS of 200 mg/1. The water supply source is free from
bacteriological contamination.
c.
d.
Treatment: All domestic water supplies are chlorinated
prior to entering the elevated storage tank. The
application rate is variable because the community have
not been issued with the comparitor test unit needed to
check the chlorine residual remaining after the contact
period.
Storage: The available storage of 615 kilolitres is contained
in two 230 kilolitre ground level tanks and a 155 kilolicre
overhead tank. The available storage volume represents
about two-day's storage and is satisfactory.
The three sturage tanks are in good condition.
e. Availability: Table A 17 allows a cOElparison of relative 1,'iater
supply availability at Numbulwar.
GROUP
A
B
C
48.
TABLE A17
OCCUPANTS EST.POP. NO. OF
FACILITIES
SERVED
DWELLINGS
A VAIL.<illLE
European 50
18 Internal tap.
Aboriginal
) 16 Internal tap.
310
)
Aboriginal
) 43
Share communal tap.
Taps are attached to the four communal shower/toilet blocks
at the settlement. The average of group C .
dwellings from a tap is 50 metres while the maximum distance
is nearly 100 metres.
f. Alternate Supplies: Several of the older European-style
houses and community buildings ere fitted with rainwater
tanks. The total available rainwater storage is about
200 kilolitres. Rainwater is used infrequently for drinking
and cooking by some of the non-Aboriginal residents.
Waste Disposal
a.
Sewage: All houses in groups A and B above have individua:'
septic tanks. The four communal shower/toile" blocks ere
also connected to septic In recent years the
community has had minor troubles "ith blocked septic
effluent drains and has overcome this problem by regularly
pumping all tanks out into the sea.
The septic end their effluent can not pollute the
water supply source. The practice of pumping septic tank
effluent into the sea should be stopped because people
bathing in, or eating food from, the sea near Numbulwar
may contract water-borne diseases.
b. Garbage: Refuse is collected several times per week and
infilled.
Leq
. -.
SANTA TERESA
In December 1976 the Aboriginal population of 540 people was
occupying 72 houses, while the European population of 41 people
occupied 9 buildings. Many of the Europeans lived in communal
dwellings, so the number of houses occupied by Europeans may
seem very low.
Water Supply
a. D e m ~ ~ d Average domestic consumption is about 1500 kilolitres
per week with an additional 200 kilolitres per week being
used for irrigation. During extended hot periods the total
p e ~ ~ water consumption is approximately 3000 kilolitres.
b.
c.
Source: All water used for domestic consumption and
irrigation comes from two production bores located 5 kilometres
north-east of the Mission; and unequipped standby bore is
also located in the same area. Each equipped bore is
capable of producing 5 litres per second. During February
1977 it was necessary to pump one bore for 24 hours per day
to keep up with the' demand. vlater from both production
bores may be classified suitable for human consumption by
wnO ISDW (TDS 320 mg/l). The bores are considered secure
against contamination.
Treatment: No chlorination or other water treatment is
carried out at Santa Teresa. It would be necessary to alter
the reticulation system if a chlorinator waS to be installed
because the present system could not allow sufficient
detention time.
d. Storage: The total storage capaciGy of the four tanks at
Santa Teresa is 1000 kilolitres. This is equivalent to
3 day's average consumption and is thought to be adequate.
e. Availability: The relative availability of water for domestic
use is summarised.in Table A18.
TABLE A18
GROUP OCCUP l\l\JTS EST.POP. NO. OF FACILITIES
SERVED mTELLINGS
AVAILABLE
A European 41
9
Internal tap.
E Aboriginal 300 10 Internal tap.
e Aboriginal 240 52 Communal tap (see text) .
-.
50.
Many of the European population live in flats and dormitory
style accommodation. To simplify the table only individual
buildings have been as available dwellings in group
A. Another 3 dwellings in group C are under construction,
and these should be available for occupancy in mid 1977.
The high occupancy for dwellings in group B is caused by
multiple occupancy, up to six nuclear families (i.e. extended
family) in a six-room house. There are 104 Aboriginal
nuclear families at Santa Teresa and at the present building
rate, up to 10 houses of group B per year, it may 9 or
10 years to complete the housing programme.
The 62 dwellings included in group C vary from traditional
humpies about 400 metres from a communal tap to a basic
style 2 or 3 room hous.e with a communal tap wi thin 20 metres.
It is estimated 80 per cent of the group C houses are within
60 metres of a communal tap. The remaining 20 per of
houses have been built remote from services.
f. Alternate Supplies: None.
Waste Disposal
a.
b.
All houses in groups A and B above are corJlected
to individual septic systems. Some septic systems connected
to group B houses may be overloaded because of the extremely
high population density. The occupants of group C houses
use pit latrines, and except for the few houses built away
from community services, all houses in group C would be
within 80 metres of a pit latrine.
There is no evidence of sewage disposal at Santa Teresa
having contaminated the groundwater source. This is not
expected to occur because of the geohydrology of the area
and the distance from the community to the bores. The
Health Inspectorate has reportedly complained to the Mission
leaders that most tOilets, especially the pit latrines, are
and may constitute a health hazard.
Garbage: Garbage is regularly collected and it is be'lieved
to be burnt and later buried.

-

..
-
51.
SNAKE BAY
Pouulation and Housing
In December 1976 the 230 Aboriginals at Snake Bay occupied 50
houses. An additional 20 houses are available for occupancy
by the 30 European residents.
l'rater Supply
, ,
a. Demand: the weekly conSUmpl::lOn of water at Snake Bay has
not been measured but from information supplied by the
Community Advisor the weekly water consumption has
been estimated to be 1000 kilolitres. Also according to
the Advisor, up to 25% of the water consumptionlmay be
wastad.
b. Source: All domestic water supplied to Snake Bay community
is pumped from two spear-point systems on land reclaimed
from Swamp. The Community Health Nursing Sister has
reported that toward the end of the Dry Season the colour
of the water the available supply of water
is inadequate, the source is not isolated from contamination
and the water tastes objectionable and Should be treated
prior to consumption.
Information contained on Water Resources Branch files
indicates there are two more spear-point systems ready for
equipping when necessary and that the total "safe yield"
of the 4 spear point systems is 8 litres uer second. At
only 25% of this capacity is utilized. Except
for low pH water from the source may be classified
as suitable for human by \'iHO ISmr (TDS 44 mg/l,
pH 5.4). Bacteriological tests have not shown any contam-
ination of the water supply source. The dirty colour of
water towards the end of the Dry Season may inpart be due
to fine sediments (originating from the aquifer at the spear
points) in the vffiter reticulation pipe being flushed along
the pipe by the increased flow.
c. Treatment: There is no water treatment plant installed at
Snake Bay. If the community object to the water's taste
it may be advisable to install an aerator at the inlet to
the storage as this could remove odour or taste
problems .

d.
52.
Storage: There are three 110 kilolitre storage
though only two of these are usable. All three tanks have
holes in the sides and roofs, which allow the stored water
to be contaminated. The Nursing Sister has reported that
Aboriginal children often swim in the two operational tanks
It is reported the of Construction will build a
1000 kilolitre about 300 metres south-west of the
present operational tanks. This storage capacity should
be more than adequate for the needs of the community. It
is recommended the existing do not remain In operatio
as they appear to be beyond economical repair.
e. Availability: The relative availability of "cater within
TABLE A19
GROUP EST.POP.
NO. OF FACILITIES
DWELLINGS
A
B
e
SERVED
AVAILABLE
European 30
20
Internal tap.
Aboriginal 60
14
Internal tap.
Aboriginal 170 36
Co=unal tap within 30 m.
The 36 houses of group C are contained in three villages,
each of twelve houses, centred on an ablution block. The
communal taps are also located near the ablution block.
As part of a general upgrading of services the camp houses
are progressively being cOJ:1.nected to power, water and
sewage facilities. It is known how long this program
is expected to take.
f. Al t-ernate Supplies: There are no known al ternati ve suppli
for domestic water near Bay.
'Ilast-e Disposal
a. Sewage: All nouses in groups A and B above are
to the sewer systems, as are the 3 ablution blocks. There
are no other houses connected to the sewer. Sewage is
normally pumped from the community into treatment ponds to
the south, but when the pump is inoperative, the sewcag
e
discharges into the bay below the community. In the recent
past the pump has been inoperative for quite long periods.
Present sewage disposal practices are not likely to
the water source.
b. Garbage: Garbage is collected, burnt and then pushed over
a cliff south of the
,
53.
YAI YAI
The present population is estimated at 20 to 30 Aboriginals,
though this is variable; during 19
7
6 up to 100 Aboriginals wel
living at Yai Yai There are no permanent houses built the
village.
I
,
Water Supplv
,
a. Demand: 1976 the average weekly water consumption
was estimated to be 100 kilolitres. Although the communi'
leaders have thought about starting an irrigation garden :
action has been taken. An irrigated garden would rapidly
bdos\- the water consumption figures quoted above.
b. Source: All water for the village is pumped from an ex-si
bore and there are two unequipped bores within the villagE
area. The power for pumping is supplied by a windmill. t
diesel engine was once connected to the pump and although
it is still on site it is doubtful if it could be made
operational. from the bore may be classified as
suitable for. human consumption by '1mo ISDi'l (TDS 600 mg!l).
c. Treatment: No water treatment is carried ouG.
;
d. Storage: ,The only water storage is a 150 kilolitre tank
h
h t th "'1" b . - 'Ph's W.l.C .. was par OI .e orJ.gJ.na_ SC;OCK- ore eqUJ.pmenc;. _
e.
represents over one weeks normal I'later consumption and is
adequate.
Availability: The village site is often moved by the eldel
The only reticulation from the tank consists of a few '
hundred metres of pipe and half a dozen tans. The cowKunii
appear happy to cart water from the taps to their dwellingc
f. Alternate Supplies: No supplies are known.
\Vaste DisDosal
All wastes are disposed of bv traditional means. When the old
village site becomes too new village site is occupied
by the community. So far the- cO:IlKunity has remained within 150
metres of the w'indmil'l. The Dresent waste disnosal Dractices
are not expected to the groundvlater source.
53.
YAYAYT
The present population is estimated at 20 to 30 Aboriginals,
though this is variable; during 1976 up to 100 Aboriginals we;
living at Yayayi. There are no permanent houses built at the
village.
'vater Supply
a. Demand: DurL1'lg 1976 the average weekly water consumptiol
was estimated to be 100 kilolitres. Although the commun:
leaders have thought about starting an irrigation garden
action has been taken. An irrigated garden would rapidl:
boost the water consumption figures above.
o. Source: All wa for the village is pumped from an eX-'
bore and there are two unequipped bores within the villa,
area. The power for pumping is supplied by a windmill.
diesel engine was once con1'lected to the pump and althougJ
it is still on site it is doubtful if it could be made
operational. \vater from the bore may be classified as .
suitable for human consumption by WHO ISDW (TDS 600 mg/l
c. Treatment: No water treatment is carried out.
d. Storage: The only water storage is a 150 kilolitre tank
which was part of the original stock-oore equipment. Th:
represents over one weeks normal water consumption and it
adequate.
e. Availability: The ,jillage Sl"Ce is OI"Cen moved by the el{
The only reticulation from the consists of a few
hundred metres of pipe and half a dozen taps. The commu;
appear happy cO cart water from the taps to their dwellil
f. Alternate Supplies: No alternate supplies are known.
Waste Disposal
All wastes are disposed of by traditional means. When the 01
village site becomes too littered a new village site is occup.
by the community. So far the has remained within 1.
metres of the windmill. The present waste disposal practices
are not expected to concaminate the groundwater source.

. ,
, 54 .
YUENDUMU
Population a.tid Housing
The June 1976 Census recorded 875 people resident at Yuendumu,
occupying approximately 200 dwellings. In December 1976 the
Aboriginal population of about 1000 people were occupying 106
houses and the European population of about 100 people resided
in 57 houses and flats. The difference between the June and
December population figures reflect the general mobility of the
Aboriginal population.
Water Supplv
a.
b.
Demand: During December 1976 the communJ.1:Y was subject to
water restrictions, especially the ;ffitering of gardens,
because'the one operational production bore could not supply
enough water to satisfy the community's demand. During this
period the average weekly water consUJ';lption was estimated to
be 2000 kilolitres. This was equivalent to a per
consumption of between 0.2 and 0.3 kilolitres per day.
Source: Until January 1977 all water supplied to Yuendumu waE
pumped from Penhall's Replacement Bore 4059) located
five kilometres south of the community. Because of the high
TDS concentration, water from this bore was classified as
unsuitable for human consumption by WHO ISmr (TDS 1740 mg/l).
To keep up with the community's water consumption it was
necessary to pump this bore continuously.
Three new production bores 4 kilometres south of Penhall's
Replacement Bore should be equipped and pumping
water to Yuendumu in 1977. This ne-", borefield will increase
the volume of water available for domestic consumption.
'Iiater ,pumped from the new produc bores is classified
as suitable for human consumption by WnO ISDW (TDS 1000 to
1300 mg/l).
c. Treatment: No water treatment plant has yet been
at Yuendumu. RecenG bacteriological tests have
some form of contamination enters the water
the source and the community. Water Resources
bacteriologists have suggested
the water supply may be desirable. The Department
Construction do not intend to establish a chI
Yuendumu until the water supply reticulation has
upgraded, possibly in 1978. For a short period
necessary to regularly hand chlorinate at the

d.
55.
Storage: The present available storage capacity of 400
kilolitres is grossly inadequate for a community of
Yuendumu's size and location. A new 2000 kilolitre
is being constructed south of the community and should be
operational by 1977. This storage tank should provi
sufficient storage capacity for the community.
the community is summarized in Table A20.
TABLE A20
GROUP OCCUP A.I'ITS "RST . POP.
NO. OF
miELLINGS
A V AIL.I>-BLE
FACILITIES
SERVED
A European 100 51
12
94
Internal tap.
Internal tap.
B
C
Aboriginal
Aboriginal
100
900
Communal tap (see text
The figures in the table above do not adequately depict t:
conditions of Aboriginal housing. Approximately 12 famil:
groups (group B) occupy European-style houses that have.
internal water taps. The remaining 900 Aboriginals have
been provided with approximately 90 dwellings. The Abori
houses in group C share a communal between approximat
4 houses, but the houses are now mainly unoccupied. The
former occupants live in in two large and scattered camps
Occupants of these camps may have to walk 500 metres to a
tap and cart water for limited domestic needs in billies
tins.
Of all the communities visited for report, Yuendumu
contains the largest number of people residing in
away from the reticulated '..rater supply. There is li tt.le
chance the situation will alter within the next few years
as it is understood the proposed upgrading of water suppl
reticulation will not extend the reticulation in<-o the
camps, but will only benefit the occupants of European-
style houses. Some locals reportedly feel temporary .
reticulation should be urovided to all sub-camps
a better water supply. they caution, all-dealings
with sub-camps should be with tribal elders and not with
the most vocal members of the communiGy.
f. Alternate Supplies: All buildings, except houses in grou
C, have rainwater but only some of the attac
to European occupied houses are adequately maintained. M
of the tanks have holes in the roof and side, and if a ta
does hold water it is probably some of the Aboriginal
children will try to swim in it.

56.
If all the rainwater were adequately maintained there
may be 1000 kilolitres available rainwater storage. It is
believed only 200 kilolitres of rainwater storage is utilized.
The rainwater being consumed by Europeans for cooking and
drinking at a daily per capita rate of 20 to 30 litres.
waste Disposal
a. Sewage: Yuendumu presently disposes of liquid refuse via
indiviuual septic There are plans to connect all
septic tanks effluent drains via a sewer system to a group
of evaporaticn ponds. The toilets in the twelve houses of
group B are used by more than 100 occupants and this may
overload the septic systems.
There are 5 communal shower/toilet blocks to serve all camp
dwellers. These blocks are located up to 500 metres from
the camps, the average being 200 metres, and are
usually not cperational. In Decerr:ber 1976 there were only
10 shO\ver usable and less than 10 toilets that
were not blocked up w-ith faecal matter, grass and cans.
The plumber reportedly visits each block daily
and tries to free all the blockages. There is some pollution
visible in the camp area but a large percentage of the
Aboriginal population try to use the communal shower/
toilet blocks.

I
c I
;
APPENDIX
At" i<:XTRACT OF H. O. STAt"\jl)ARDS FOR DRINKING i'lATER
A BACTERIOLOGICAL
Pined sunplies
1. Water entering the distribution system
a. Chlorinated or otherwise disinfected supplies.
b.
Efficient treatment, culminating in chlorination or
some other form of disinfection, should yield a water
free from any coliform organisms, polluted
the original raw water may have been. In practice
this means that it should not be possible to demonstrate
the presence of coliform organisms in any sample of
100 mI. A sample of the water entering the distribution
system that does not conform to this standard calls
for an immediate investigation into both the efficacy
of the purification process and the method of sampling.
T . i . t h', .. hl 1'" d t
_-c lS _mpor-can , ,.owever, In -ces'o_ .. g C _o.lna"e wa ers,
that presumptive positive tubes should always be
subject to appropriate confirmatory tests.
Non-disinfected supplies. supplies of this .sort
exist, no water entering the distribution system should
be considered satisfactory if it yields E. coli in
100 mI. If E. coli is absent, the presence of not
more than 3 colifcrm organisms per 100 ml may be
tolerated in occasional samples from established non-
disinfected piped supplies, provided that they have
been regularly and frequently tested and that the
catchment area and storage conditions are found to be
satisfactory. If repeated samples show presence of
coliform organisms, should then be taken to
discover and, if pOSSible, remove the source of the
pollution. If the number of coliform organisms
increases to more than 3 per 100 ml, the supply
should be considered unsuitable for use without
disinfection.
2. Water in the distribution system
Ideally, all samples taken from the distribution system,
including consumers' premises, should be free from coliform
organisms. In practice, this standard is not always
attainable and the follo"ling standard for water collecte.d
in the distribution system is therefore .
a. Throughout any year, 95% of samples should not
contain any coliform organisms in 100 mI.
b. No sample should contain E. coli in 100 mI.

c.
2.
No sample should contain more than 10 coliform
organisms per 100 mI .
d. Coliform organisms should not be detectable in 100ml
of any two consecutive samples.
If any coliform organisms are found the minimum action
required is The finding
of 1 to 10 collform organlsms In 100 ml, or appearance
of higher numbers in individual s2-mples suggests that or
undesirable material is gaining access to the water and c::: c
measures should once be taken to discover and remove
the source of the pollution.
. -_.
,

B. CREI'll CfI..L
Substance
Colour (Hazen units)
Turbitiy (APHA Units)
Odour
pH Range
Total dissolved solids
Chloride
Suluhate
3.
5
5
Unobjectionatle
7.0 to
500 rug/l
200 mg/l
200 mg/l
8
c;
. .-'
Nitrate 50 rug/l
(Nitrate l!l excess of 45 !I!g/l is dangerous
health in some infants under one year)
Excessive
50
25
less than 6.5 0
greater than 9.
1500 rug/l
600 mg/l
400 !I!g/l
100 rug/l
to
-- Fluoride 0.6 to 0.8 mg/l
(Fluoride concentrations based on Northern
Territory temperatures)
Calcium
Magnesiu!I!
Iron (total)
(Iron gives
problems)
75 mg/l
50 mg/l
0.3 mg/l
rise to potability and aesthetic
200 mg /1
150 mg/l
1.0 mg/l
For further discussion-on Standards refer to W.E.O. 'Internation,
Standards for Drir>.king Water', Geneva, 1971.
T
e
c
h
n
i
c
a
l

R
e
p
o
r
t

W
R
D
7
7
0
0
7
V
i
e
w
e
d

a
t

0
0
:
0
2
:
3
0

o
n

1
8
/
0
2
/
2
0
1
0
P
a
g
e

7
6

o
f

7
7
.
100
0'75
:z
0
f:
Q
::;;:
:)
(f)
Z
0
0

I-
(L

0

0
ru
CL
" 050 _.
w w
0. ru
c
lei
(9

CL
W
>

0
III
I-

2:

(f)
w
025
rr
ALICE SPRINGS

OF

A CommunitieS with water shortages during 1976.
Communilles with abundant water supply during 1976.
.Minjilaog
(Croker Is.)
Henoannsbufl]

\
Angurugu

(Roper Rivet) NQukur Galiwinku (Elcho Is.)
Momngrldo - Milikopltl (Snake Day)
-Gorden Point
Daly River.
\ Iwupotaka (Joy Creek)
8elyuen( OelissovllJe). 8" '1' \
amyl I \\
Ngulu \Sonto Teresa
(Balhurslls.)
Worruwi a
(Gotllburn Is.)
Yuendurnu.
Beswick a
AreyoflQa a

Yoi ya\.
Maryvole f
. d'l d f . h h T Jutun!a
___ ____ ----t
I I I I
20 40 60 80 100
A
...
ABORIGINALS AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION
GRAPH OF DAILY PER CAPITA WATER CONSUMPTION
versus
PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION CLASSIFIED AS ABORIGINAL
Iftl1- A - "{
-}
,;
T
e
c
h
n
i
c
a
l

R
e
p
o
r
t

W
R
D
7
7
0
0
7
V
i
e
w
e
d

a
t

0
0
:
0
2
:
3
0

o
n

1
8
/
0
2
/
2
0
1
0
P
a
g
e

7
7

o
f

7
7
.
----, ------ ---
TABLE I - SUMMARY OF WATER AND SEWERAGE FACILITIES

"

'"
LOCATION
AREYONGA
ANGURUGU
BAMYIL/
WEEKLY
CONSUMPTION
KI.
( Average)
600
31500
1800
BATHURST ISLAND 3000
BESWICK HOMESTEAD 380
CROKER ISLAND 1500
DALY RIVER /000
DEL/SSAVILLE
DOCKER RIVER
GAL/WINKU
GARDEN POINT
GOULBURN ISLAND
HERMANNSBURG
IWUPATAKA
JUTUNTA
MANINGRIDA
MARYVALE
NGUKURR
NUMBULWAR
SANTA TERESA
SNAKE BAY
YAI YAI
YUENDUMU
700
500
4000
Iboo
N/K
2000
1000
45
3000
100
1000
1500
1700
1000
100
2000
QUALITY
S. H.
Hard
Soft
Soft
Soft
Soft
Soft
Soft
Hard
Hard
Sofl
Soft
Soft
Hord
Hard
Hard
Sofl
Hard
Soft
Soft
Hard
Soft
Hard
Hard
SOURCE
Bores
Angurugu
River
Bores
Bores
Bores
Bores
Bores a
River
Bores
Bores
Bores
Creek
Bores
Bores
Bores
Bores
Bores
Sores
River
Sand Spears
Bores
Sond Speors
Bores
Oores
KEY TO SYMBOLS USED I N TABLE
U Unsatisfactory
N/K = Not Known
TREATMENT AVAILABLE
Type
Oper. Freq_
Yes/ of
No Oper
CI
PHjCljF
No
Nil treatment
on new supply
Nil treotment
Nil treatment
Nil treatment
Nil treatment
CI Yes
Aeration Yes
N if treatmenl
CI Yes
cF
Nil treatment
Nil .Ireatment
Nil treatment
Nil treatment
Nil treatment
Nil treatment
Nil treotment
Yes
Nil trealmenl
Nil treatment
Nil treatment
Nil treatment
N/K
Inter-
mittent

m iltent
N/K

mitlent
Inter-
mittent
F = Supply Fluoridated
CII" SUPply Chlorinated
;
DWELLINGS
Ul

oOw

own:
<'>w
=>Ul

Ol-z
<l:Ul_
Ul
Wz
i=o
zi=
=>
::;:---'
::;:=>

Ua.
>-Ul

0---'
I-=>'"
OUlI'--
w
LLn:1'--
Ul
i=o-
1-::;:
UlUO

=>OOLL
A 280 84% (2V25)'"
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
640 38%(8/21)
675 41% (13j31)
987 6%(2/29)
200 81%(13/16}
220 0%
250 59 % (/3/22)
200 59%(17/29)
525 38%(6/16)
1400
300
230
260
162
150
600
130
300
378
581
230
Up to
100
1100
22%(12/55)
15%(3/20)
66%(18/27}
42%(13/31 }
21%(6/29)
40%(40/IIO}
S
S
63%(19/30)
49%(17j35}
44%(13/29)
15%(3/20)
N/A
59%(19/32)
c5
z
---'

I-
a
I-
78
96
77
152
19
67
27
37
N/K
205
N/K
47
54
24
12
120
18
47
77
81
70
N/K
163
pH = Has pH adjustment
N/A ",_ Not iavai.lable
>-
..J
n::
w
I-

3:
---'
:r: .q
I-a.z
-<l:n:
3:l-w
Z zl-
o a
53%
68%
61%
79%
42%
40%
100%
N/K
10 houses
57%
43 houses
100%
100%
"(0%
N/K
75%
11%
70%
48%
23%
34%
N/K
38%
SOURCE
SEWAGE DISPOSAL
z
o
Method
I-
<l:
>- Z
1- r--
-Ul:ii.
n:z<l:
=>-1-
oz
w<'>a
Ul<l:O
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
1\
A
A
Septic
Sewerage/
Pit Latrine
Seweroge
Sewerage
Seplic
Septic I
Pan Service
Septic
Septic/
Sewerage
Septic/
Traditional
Septic!
Pan Service/
Pit Latrines
Septic/
Sewerage
Pan Service/
Sewerage
Septic
SeptiC
Traditional
Sewerage/
Septic
SeptiC/
Traditional
Septic/
Sewerage
Septic
Septic
Sewerage
Traditional
A Septic
Septic
% of houses
connected 10
sewerage
30%
61
%
61 %
79
%
42%
N/K
51%
N/K
10 houses
65%
19-5%
125%
10 houses
37 houses
93%
85%
70%
N/K
75%
25%
5
0
/ 0
6%
61%
44%
23%
34%
N/K
7 %
31%
A = Adequale
III ::; InadetluotA
LL
o
>-
o
z..J
w -
-Ul

LLa.
LL Ul -
w-'
a
U
S
S
S
U
U
U
N(K
N/K
S
S
S
N/K
U
U
S
U
S
U
U
S
U
.u
S
N/K_
u
S
; T I
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Technical Report WRD77007

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