Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

As part of our ongoing commitment to our community, we recently participated in NSW Health’s independent testing for PFAS which has confirmed that our tap water remains safe to drink and is well below current and proposed reduced limits for PFAS as set by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)

Key report findings were:

Water Supply System PFOS (µg/L) PFHxS (µg/L) PFOA (µg/L) PFBS (µg/L)

Port Macquarie -
Camden Haven

<0.0001

<0.0001

0.0001

<0.0005

Wauchope

<0.0001

<0.0001

0.0001

<0.0005

Telegraph Point

<0.0001

<0.0001

0.0001

<0.0005

Long Flat

<0.0001

<0.0001

0.0001

<0.0005

Comboyne

<0.0001

<0.0001

0.0001

<0.0005

Current ADWG limits: PFOS + PFHxS = 0.070µg/L,PFOA = 0.560µg/L

Proposed lower ADWG limits: PFOS = 0.004 µg/L, PFHxS = 0.030 µg/L, PFOA = 0.200 µg/L, PFBS = 1.000 µg/L

Notes:
0.0001 µg/L (micrograms per litre) is the limit of detection for PFOS, PFHxS and PFOA
0.0005 µg/L (micrograms per litre) is the limit of detection for PFBS
0.0001µg/L (micrograms per litre) = 0.1 ng/L (nanograms per litre)
Samples taken 28th and 29th October 2024. Testing undertaken 31st October 2024. 
Results issued 12th November 2024.

View the full report here(PDF, 220KB).

Frequently asked questions

What is PFAS?

PFAS chemicals are synthetic chemicals found in many everyday products. They have been widely used in many industrial and consumer applications since the 1950s as they are effective at resisting heat, stains, grease and water. They are used in a range of applications, including non-stick cookware, household kitchen appliances and cosmetics. They are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly in the environment. 

More information can be found here: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

 

 

What do these results mean?

Our drinking water is safe, as per the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (Australian Drinking Water Guidelines | NHMRC). These guidelines set the safe standards for drinking water in Australia.

The detectable limits for each chemical are so low, they equate to roughly one sixteenth (a quarter of a quarter) of a raw sugar granule dissolved in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

What happens next?

We will continue to work with NSW Health to implement any future changes to the guidelines, including on-going testing requirements. 

What should I do if I have further questions about PFAS in our water supply or have other concerns about water quality?

You can report a water issue here or contact us via our customer service channels.