Issue: Liveability of human settlements - Water quality
This is an issue under the Human settlements theme of the Data Reporting System.
Why we need to know about this issue
Liveability can be defined as the degree to which a human settlement provides a safe, inclusive and environmentally benign basis for the social and economic life of all its citizens. As the places where the majority of humans live, the liveability of human settlements is important in determining both the quality of life of the residents and the economic competitiveness of the settlement. Access to potable quality water on tap in the home is an important aspect of liveability.
Indicators
- HS-61 Water quality in human settlements
The quality of tapwater in Australia is of a high standard when compared to other countries. Tapwater generally conformed to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, except in some remote areas and rural settlements. Tapwater quality varies between locations and people’s perception of water quality was related to factors such as taste, colour, turbidity, odour, and microbial/algae contamination. - IW-17 Exceedance of turbidity water quality triggers
Water quality can be diminished through increased turbidity. - IW-18 Exceedance of suspended solids water quality triggers
Water quality can be diminished through increased suspended solids. Number of exceedences of water quality triggers for suspended solids is a direct measure of this pressure on both human and environmental water supply. - IW-19 Exceedance of total nitrogen and phosphorus water quality triggers
Water quality can be diminished through increased nitrogen and phosphorus loads. Number of exceedences of water quality triggers for nitrogen and phosphorus is a direct measure of this pressure on both human and environmental water supply. - IW-22 Exceedance of biological and chemical water quality triggers
Water quality can be diminished through chemical and biological pollutants. Number of exceedences of water quality triggers for these pollutants is a direct measure of this pressure on both human and environmental water supply.
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