Heavy Rains Prompt Warnings To S. Australian Ranchers - Don't Let Cattle Drink The Runoff - Too Acid

[hatrack]

FIRST it was salt, now it is acid preventing farmers at Currency Creek and along the Finniss River from using Murray River water. While it may have been a blessing at the time, heavy rains last month have mobilised acid in exposed soil beds in sections of South Australia's Lower Lakes, sparking warnings to keep livestock away from the two tributaries and fears the flowing water could have an impact on the health of local landowners.

For dairy farmer Don Galpin, the increased acidification could not have come at a worse time. Mr Galpin, who runs his family's 100-year-old farm on the banks of Currency Creek, has spent the past three years battling drought, falling milk prices, a doubling of feed costs and being forced to buy water to ensure it is of a high enough quality to run his business. "It certainly is (a nail in the coffin)," Mr Galpin told The Australian. "It's a negative as far as the area is concerned. It's the last thing we need."

The 64-year-old, his wife, Sue, and sons Jarrad and Andrew have battled tough conditions for three years. They considered selling, but are "hanging in there". There is little water left to pump from the river. When the pipes are not running dry, the water is too acidic. The farmer has spent more than $6000 buying water this year. "If we hadn't been able to buy water from the Myponga Reservoir, we would have had to close down," Mr Galpin said. "That's more or less saved us at a price."

Health SA has advised that the acidic water could irritate the eyes, and has warned people to avoid contact with the tributaries. Landholders have been asked to keep stock away from the water and to provide alternate supplies. Modelling last year predicted Finniss River and Currency Creek would acidify once water levels dropped to 0.75m below sea level. River Murray Minister Karlene Maywald said last week water levels in the Goolwa Channel were well below that point and the tributaries had disconnected, allowing acidic material to build up.

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http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25498120-11949,00.html

[MADem]

1. No way to filter it, or adjust the PH? Geez, we can put a man on the moon... nt