Legislative Council Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1) 52 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Answers to Questions Phosphate-Free Laundry Detergents PHOSPHATE-FREE LAUNDRY DETERGENTS The Hon. T.A. FRANKS Legislative Council PHOSPHATE-FREE LAUNDRY DETERGENTS In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS (7 April 2011). The Hon. G.E. GAGO Legislative Council Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling PHOSPHATE-FREE LAUNDRY DETERGENTS The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling): The Minister for Environment and Conservation has been advised: 1.	Phosphorus is a nutrient commonly found in many household chemicals, soaps, detergents, shampoos etc and many commercially available cleaning products are rich in phosphate. Individual consumers can take the initiative to determine what products provide the least impact on our environment, including laundry detergents. Moves by supermarket chains to supply more eco-friendly products are welcomed. High concentrations of phosphorus discharged into South Australia's waterways can result in excessive growth of aquatic plants causing blue green algae and phytoplankton blooms. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA), through the Code of Practice for Vessel and Facility Management (marine and inland waters), has introduced wastewater management requirements for vessels operating on South Australia's waterways, which restricts or limits the discharge of phosphates. The EPA website link, www.epa.sa.gov.au/vfm, contains some information sheets and guidelines in relation to phosphates and its risks. This information assists the public in proper use and disposal of chemicals containing phosphates that will help the public with their choice of products, including detergents. The EPA monitors phosphates in South Australian waterways through sampling and lab tests associated with its ambient and event based water quality monitoring programs.