A secret mouse experiment in the 1990s threatened Brisbane's water supply
In the 1990s, Brisbane faced a potential water crisis due to a secret experiment involving laboratory mice. Former mayor Jim Soorley revealed that the city was on the brink of running out of drinkable water after the mice died during testing. This information was kept from the public until recently, highlighting the city's narrow escape from disaster.
- ▪Brisbane City Council nearly shut off the city's water supply due to fears of contamination from toxic algae.
- ▪The testing involved distilling water from Wivenhoe Dam and feeding it to mice to determine its safety.
- ▪The crisis was kept secret from the public until Jim Soorley shared the story at a recent event.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Jim Soorley reveals how Brisbane was almost cut off from its water supply because of a secret mouse experimentBy Craig Zonca and Loretta RyanKBy Kenji Sato612 ABC BrisbaneTopic:Water SupplyTue 19 May 2026 at 5:31amTue 19 May 2026 at 5:31amTue 19 May 2026 at 5:31amJim Soorley says the secret was kept strictly under wraps. (612 ABC: Kenji Sato)In short: Brisbane City Council nearly shut off the city's water in the 1990s due to fears it was contaminated by a toxic algae that was killing laboratory test mice. Former Brisbane mayor Jim Soorley said this was kept secret from the public and never revealed … until this weekend. What's next? 612 ABC will be hosting more One Time Only panel discussions in the future.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).