Testing results of screening analysis for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at NSW Regional Dams (Hunter Region)
WaterNSW has undertaken a screening analysis for PFAS contamination in its regional supply dams (untreated water). These regional dams are widely used for recreation, including water sports and fishing, as well as irrigation, environmental needs and water supply. All regional dams recorded results falling well below the Recreational Water Quality Guidelines, set by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
3 dams located within Hunter region had no detections of PFAS. These results show that the dams are safe for recreational use. The results for regional dams in the Hunter can be seen in Table 1 below.
While the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines do not apply to raw or source water, testing for contaminants in raw water sources forms a part of a sound process to managing risks and understanding raw water quality as part of a drinking water system.
PFAS testing results for all regional NSW dams and further information is available on the Water NSW website.
For more information about PFAS, residents are encouraged to visit the NSW EPA website www.epa.nsw.gov.au
Testing results for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
PFAS chemicals – or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are synthetic chemicals found in many everyday products. They have been widely used in many industrial and consumer applications as they are effective at resisting heat, stains, grease and water. The Australian Drinking Water Guideline (ADWG) threshold values show the amount of PFAS in drinking water that a person can consume on a daily basis over a lifetime without any appreciable risk to health.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHRMC) has confirmed that drinking water supplies that comply with the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines are safe to drink.
In November 2024, Muswellbrook Shire Council took part in the NSW Health program to test for PFAS in Shire drinking water supply systems. The test results showed a very low level of PFOA and PFOS in Denman and Muswellbrook water supplies. The levels detected were much lower than the limits set by the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and would still be well under the proposed new threshold values.
*The proposed drinking water guideline values are a draft and will not be considered final until they are published, which is anticipated in April 2025. The existing PFAS guideline values remain current until the updated values are finalised and published.
Units: ng/L – nanogram per litre
Muswellbrook Shire Council is dedicated to ensuring the ongoing safety of its water supply and will keep residents informed about any updates in water quality data. For more information about PFAS, residents are encouraged to visit the NSW EPA website: www.epa.nsw.gov.au
