PFAS in our region
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.
To deliver value for our customers, we are committed to providing safe, high-quality water and sewer services and to increasing our environmental stewardship.
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 represent a large range of chemicals that have historically been used in applications such as non-stick coatings on appliances, textiles, paper products, and in firefighting foams.
We have a robust PFAS testing regime that includes monitoring raw sewage, treated wastewater, recycled water, and the biosolids produced at our water reclamation plants. This testing regime varies between monthly and quarterly frequencies.
We also test raw water at the inlet to our water treatment plants every six months.
Managing PFAS in drinking water
The Water Services Association of Australia states that the most effective way to limit PFAS in drinking water is to identify potential points and sources of contamination within drinking water catchments and works with relevant stakeholders to put in place effective control measures.
Source control is generally lower cost, less energy intensive, and more effective than implementing treatment technology.
We have prioritised source water protection and are an early adopter of the Australian Water Association’s Source Water Protection Statement.
We look forward to the outcomes of water sector research aimed at identifying and controlling PFAS at the source. This will help to inform the entire water industry.
Water Services Association of Australia has more information about PFAS on their website.
Last updated on 29 Nov 2024