PFAS
As part of our ongoing environmental monitoring, we test for a wide range of chemicals including PFAS, or Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.
The drinking water we provide is safe and meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
The Department of Health is the regulator of drinking water quality and has a comprehensive regulatory framework in place.
As part of our ongoing environmental monitoring, we test for a wide range of chemicals in both water and wastewater. This includes testing for PFAS, or Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.
PFAS are human-made substances found in many industrial and everyday products. These include firefighting foams, pesticides, fertilisers, carpet, paint, frying pans, make-up, sunscreen and clothes.
Known as ‘forever chemicals’, they are of concern because they can persist for a long time, both in the environment and in humans.
We have a robust PFAS testing regime that includes monitoring raw sewage, treated wastewater, recycled water, and the biosolids produced at our wastewater treatment plants. This testing regime varies.
We also test raw water at the inlet to our water treatment plants every six months.
PFAS monitoring
The following table provides PFAS results for each source water locality tested.
| Source Water Locality | Parameter | Within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines standard |
| Kerang | PFHxS + PFOS | Yes |
| PFOA | ||
| Koondrook | PFHxS + PFOS | Yes |
| PFOA | ||
| Murrabit | PFHxS + PFOS | Yes |
| PFOA | ||
| Mildura | PFHxS + PFOS | Yes |
| PFOA | ||
| Red Cliffs | PFHxS + PFOS | Yes |
| PFOA | ||
| Robinvale | PFHxS + PFOS | Yes |
| PFOA | ||
| Piangil | PFHxS + PFOS | Yes |
| PFOA | ||
| Swan Hill | PFHxS + PFOS | Yes |
| PFOA |
Managing PFAS in our drinking water
PFAS chemicals are not added to drinking water, but tiny amounts are commonly detected in groundwater, surface water and soils worldwide.
For most people, the level of exposure to PFAS from drinking water is likely to be small.
Testing shows PFAS is not a risk to local drinking water supplies. However, if levels were detected over the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, treatment options are available to reduce the compounds.
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines specify safe limits for three PFAS: PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid), PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) and PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid).
These limits currently state:
- Less than 0.56 micrograms per litre for PFOA
- Less than 0.07 micrograms per litre for the sum of PFOS and PFHxS combined.
For comparison, 1 microgram per litre is equivalent to one part per billion.
These safe levels are determined through the NHMRC by the Australian Government.
Raw water tested at Mildura, Red Cliffs, Robinvale, Swan Hill, Murrabit, Kerang, Koondrook and Piangil were less that the current limits and met the ADWG standard.
Water Services Association of Australia has more information about PFAS on their website or visit the Department of Health PFAS website and fact sheet.