PFAS and your water

Yes.

There is no short-term risk of PFAS potentially impacting our water sources.

One bore at West Wagga has had two isolated detections between 0.014 - 0.015 micrograms per litre (ug/L), which is slightly above lowest concentration that can be reliably reported of 0.01 ug/L.

The results were well below both the current and proposed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. PFAS has not been detected again at this water source since May 2024. 

The Department of Defence began using firefighting products containing PFAS as an active ingredient at the RAAF Base Wagga from the 1970s until 2004 when it phased out its use with alternative products.

Defence has been actively monitoring and tracking PFAS compounds in the groundwater from its base, with early modelling suggesting these detected compounds could reach some of Riverina Water’s supply bores within the next 50 years. More recent monitoring has now indicated this timeframe may be shortened, but more modelling is to be done to get a clearer idea of impacts for the future.

Defence is working with Riverina Water, the NSW Government, and Wagga Wagga City Council to ensure the continued integrity of the Wagga Wagga water supply.

Defence’s monitoring program will continue to manage any changes. Riverina Water is also conducting its own regular testing of its raw water sources as a proactive measure.

Remediation works at RAAF Base Wagga are in development by Defence and is expected to reduce the amount of PFAS moving off the base into the surrounding environment.

Defence will continue to share information about the ongoing monitoring program and continue to provide updates on how the contamination is being managed.

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products since the mid-1900s. They have unique physical and chemical properties that make them very good at resisting heat, stains, grease, and water. However, they do not easily breakdown in the environment.

They have been manufactured in the United States, Europe and Asia by large chemical companies such as 3M and DuPont,. They have not been manufactured in Australia, but they have been imported and used in many everyday products.

Over time, authorities have identified that high levels of these chemicals can be harmful to human health and the environment. Manufacturers in the United States have started to phase down the manufacture of PFAS chemicals. 3M will cease all production of PFAS chemicals by early 2026. The US Congress is considering the phase out of all non-essential uses of PFAS over ten years.

PFAS chemicals have been used in hundreds of everyday household and industrial products. This includes sunscreens, cosmetics, clothing, carpet, non-stick cookware, paint, dental floss, food packaging, feminine hygiene products, fertilisers and pesticides used in agriculture.

They have also been used in firefighting foam that has often been used in training exercises at some airports and defence force bases.

Unfortunately, due to their widespread use and production, and their difficulty in breaking down, PFAS chemicals have been found across the globe. Low levels of PFAS chemicals are in the environment, particularly in urban areas, but even in remote places such as the Antarctic. They have been detected in forests, mountains, rivers and oceans, animals and humans.

In countries where testing has been done, most people have some level of PFAS chemicals in their blood. In the US, the levels of PFAS chemicals in people’s blood are often higher than elsewhere due to the presence of production facilities and the high numbers of polluted sites there. However, studies and testing show that as the production of the historically used PFAS chemicals has scaled down over the past 20 years, concentrations of these PFAS in human blood samples have also reduced, showing that restricting production and use reduces human exposure over time.

Controlling PFAS at the source (ie controlling if it is used in firefighting foams and everyday products), and preventing it entering raw water sources, is generally lower cost, less energy intensive and more effective than implementing treatment technology to remove PFAS from drinking water.

For most people, the level of exposure to PFAS is likely to be small. No public health and safety issues with PFAS have been identified from the overall dietary exposure for the general Australian population.
In locations where PFAS have been used as an active ingredient in firefighting foams, there may be higher PFAS levels in the local environment. In these communities, people may have increased exposure to certain PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and have elevated blood concentrations above the general population of these PFAS.
In Australia, enHealth describes various health effects associated with PFAS exposure, but also notes that to date, a causative relationship between health effects and PFAS exposure has not been established. The science and understanding of these issues will continue to evolve. As a precaution, enHealth continues to recommend exposure to PFAS be minimised wherever possible. More information about potential health effects of PFAS are available from enHealth.

The NHMRC stated that the evidence to date on health effects of PFAS has been uncertain, and can be interpreted in different ways depending on the health outcomes, methodologies, assumptions and other factors used. PFAS has been associated with mildly elevated cholesterol levels, effects on kidney function and the levels of some hormones. However, these effects are small and largely within ranges seen in the general population.
Some studies have found associations with immune system function, though there are limitations on these studies. NHMRC’s current PFAS review concluded that the most critical health effects include potential ability to cause cancer for PFOA, potential bone marrow effects for PFOS and potential thyroid effects for PFHxS and PFBS based on animal studies. They recommend that human exposure is minimised as a precaution.

It is important to distinguish between results for raw water and treated water when testing for PFAS substances. Raw water is water taken from rivers, dams and aquifers that hasn’t been through water treatment processes.
This water does not need to comply with drinking water guidelines as it will be treated.

Nonetheless, water authorities, including Riverina Water, may still test this water as part of processes to manage risks. It is important to understand the quality of raw water as part of managing water quality in the entire system. A detection of PFAS in raw water does not necessarily mean PFAS will be detected in the treated water.
Treated water is water that has been through water treatment processes and is supplied to customers at their homes and businesses. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines apply to this water. Water authorities test this water to check if it meets drinking water quality requirements.

Riverina Water has reassured Tarcutta residents there is no current cause for concern following a low level detection of PFAS substances in the village’s water supply.

The Tarcutta treated water supply is safe to drink and within all health guidelines.

“As part of our ongoing proactive management of potential per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination, Riverina Water participated in a round of expanded testing funded by NSW Health,” Riverina Water CEO Andrew Crakanthorp said.

“A detection of the substance PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate) was confirmed in the Tarcutta treated water supply at 15 nanograms per litre (ng/l). The result is within the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines limits, but above proposed new guidelines.”

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines are health-based levels for numerous water quality measures, including PFAS substances. The health guidelines for PFAS substances are based on long term exposure over a lifetime.  

Tarcutta’s water supply is an independent system sourced from two groundwater bores at the village. Follow up testing identified that one of the bores is the source of the detection. This bore has been taken offline.

“The health of our community and providing safe drinking water are Riverina Water’s highest priorities and we’ll keep the Tarcutta community informed on this issue” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“Please be assured we will be working with NSW Government agencies to continue to meet all health guidelines; including investigating the source of the detection and exploring available options.”

As part of the testing funded by NSW Health, all of Riverina Water’s treatment plants have been tested with the exception of Urana, which is not yet online for the summer season. PFAS substances have not been detected in the treated water at any other locations in the supply network.

All Australian water providers are regulated, and Riverina Water supplies water in strict compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, created by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Riverina Water strictly adheres to these guidelines to ensure your drinking water is safe.

On 21 October 2024, the NHMRC announced draft updated Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG). The draft guidelines propose reviewed health-protective levels for four PFAS substances:

• lower levels for the three types of PFAS in the current guidelines (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS)
• a new level for an additional PFAS chemical – PFBS

The draft guidelines are currently out for feedback and are set to be put in place in April 2025.

PFAS chemicals have been manufactured in the United States, Europe and Asia since the 1950s. Though not made in Australia, the chemicals have been widely used here in industrial and consumer products such as firefighting foams, pesticides, fertilisers, carpet, paint, frying pans, make-up, sunscreen, clothes, food packaging and other everyday items.

The Department of Defence began using firefighting products containing PFAS as an active ingredient at the RAAF Base Wagga from the 1970s until 2004 when it phased out its use with alternative products. Defence actively monitors a plume of PFAS from this site to ensure the integrity of Wagga’s water supply, particularly the East Wagga borefield.

It is important to note there is no cause for alarm, or risk to your health. PFAS has never been detected in the East Wagga borefield raw water supply. PFAS has been previously detected in two isolated instances at one source at the West Wagga borefield, however, the results were well below both the current and proposed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

What is the National Health and Medical Research Council

The NHMRC is an independent statutory body made up of Australia’s leading expert body in health and medical research. It is made up of State and Commonwealth Chief Medical Officers, public health officials and other medical professionals. Its review of the guidelines is led by a committee of independent experts in the areas of water quality, water chemistry, microbiology, toxicology and other leading scientists. The review process for PFAS has been taking place since 2022.

What are the draft updated values for PFAS chemicals

What do the values mean?

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines set strict health-based levels for numerous water quality measures, including PFAS substances. The levels are for long term exposure to these substances – over an entire lifetime. The Australian levels are considered extremely conservative and relate to nanograms, or parts per trillion. One nanogram per litre is about one drop in 20 Olympic swimming pools.

The values relate to treated water eg from your tap. Riverina Water proactively tests its raw water sources in Wagga that have risk of PFAS contamination to ensure any potential risk would be identified earlier.

Further information from the Water Services Association of Australia

• Fact sheet
• FAQ
• Media release

You may have noticed an increase in national and local media reports about PFAS and drinking water. The interest has been generated by recent PFAS regulation changes in the United States (US), with new limits for their drinking water to be implemented by providers over the next 5 years.

Riverina Water reaffirms that our water is safe to drink and is proactively tested to manage any change and keep the community updated.

Australian guidelines

All Australian water providers are regulated, and Riverina Water supplies water in strict compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, created by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

These guidelines are in place to manage any threats to drinking water safety and are consistently reviewed using available evidence and best practice evidence review methods. The NHMRC has advised they are currently undertaking an independent review of the Australian guideline values for PFAS which is expected to be finalised by 2025.

International differences

The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) is the peak body representing the water industry. WSAA has commented that the US faces significant challenges and risks from the existing levels of PFAS in their environment and the change in their standards reflect this risk. Updates and proposed changes to standards in Canada and the European Union are not as stringent as the US, as each country will provide regulations based on their local context.

Our local water supply

The Department of Defence’s new sentinel bore (in operation from March 2024) continues to monitor the movement of the existing PFAS plume from the Wagga RAAF Base site towards Riverina Water’s East Wagga bore field. All results so far have returned no PFAS detection. Defence will continue to monitor the results of its sentinel bores and the plume's spread.

PFAS has not been detected in any of Riverina Water’s East Wagga bores at any point.

Riverina Water advises that our testing from 6 June 2024 and to date has indicated no detection of PFAS in any Riverina Water bores.

Previously, a very low reading was returned at a single raw water bore at West Wagga. The last detection from this bore was on 6 May 2024 of 0.014µg/L (micrograms per litre) PFHxS. The detectable limit for PFHxS is 0.01µg/L. The detection of 0.014 ug/L is well below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines limit for PFHxS of 0.07µg/L.

Riverina Water has, and will continue to, actively monitor the situation with our regulators (NSW Health, NSW EPA and NSW Department Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water). We will continue to test all water sources regularly, give regular community updates, and provide safe and reliable drinking water within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

The Department of Defence has finished construction on a new sentinel bore to monitor the movement of the PFAS plume towards Riverina Water’s East Wagga borefield, with the first test results finding that PFAS has not been detected. 

Defence previously detected PFAS 650m from Riverina Water’s borefield, which indicated the plume may be moving at a faster rate than it first modelled. However, Defence’s initial sentinel bore was at a depth of around 25m, while Riverina Water’s East Wagga borefield is drawing water at a depth of around 63m.

The new negative results mean that while the PFAS issue originating from the RAAF Base is an ongoing concern, the rate of the plume's spread may not have been as rapid as the initial sentinel bore test results suggested.

Defence will continue to monitor the results of its sentinel bores.

PFAS has not been detected in any of Riverina Water’s East Wagga bores at any point. 

Riverina Water will continue to provide safe and reliable drinking water within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. 

At the 14 December meeting, an update was provided to the Board regarding PFAS.

Read the report

The Department of Defence will be constructing a new sentinel bore to monitor the movement of the PFAS plume towards Riverina Water’s East Wagga borefield.

Defence previously detected PFAS 650m from Riverina Water’s borefield, which indicated the plume may be moving at a faster rate than it first modelled.

However, Defence’s initial sentinel bore was at a depth of around 25m, while Riverina Water’s East Wagga borefield is drawing water at a depth of around 63m. The new sentinel bore is expected to provide a more accurate picture of the situation, with construction expecting to start in January 2024.

PFAS has not been detected in Riverina Water’s East Wagga bores.

Investigations are continuing into the source of a very low level of PFAS at a single bore at Riverina Water’s West Wagga borefield.

The Department of Defence is undertaking the investigation on the behalf of Riverina Water, while the Department of Primary Industries – Water will be conducting sampling across Wagga Wagga.

The results were just above the minimum level of PFAS that could be detected, with results ranging from 0.015 - 0.02 micrograms per litre (ug/L). This is significantly below the prescribed PFAS health limits of 0.07 ug/L for safe drinking water under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

This means the bore can be utilised when needed as demand increases in summer in line with the national drinking water health standards.

Results from Defence’s groundwater monitoring in East Wagga suggests PFAS movement in groundwater may have travelled further than initially predicted, though more modelling will need to be undertaken to understand if there will be an impact on groundwater in the future.

As a result of Defence’s monitoring at East Wagga, Riverina Water undertook further precautionary testing of all its water sources. No detectable levels of PFAS levels were recorded at sources nearest to East Wagga and in any other of water sources, with the exception of one very low-level reading in a bore at our West Wagga site.

It is important to note there is no cause for alarm, or risk to your health.

The bore has not been in recent production and remains isolated from the network while the result is being investigated. The low-level PFAS result at the one West Wagga site was well within the health limits set by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG).

We will continue to update our community regularly with any information regarding PFAS and our water sources. Defence is continuing to work closely with Riverina Water and other government agencies to ensure strong measures are put in place to manage any future risks and help safeguard water for our community.