PFAS
On Monday, 21 October 2024 the National Health and Medical Research Centre (NHMRC) released proposed guidelines which outline new, lower recommended values of PFAS in drinking water. In response to this proposal Narrabri Shire Council commenced additional testing on all potable (drinking) water sites across the Shire.
Council regularly undertakes testing in line with the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines to ensure the water supplied to residents is safe to consume. This additional testing was implemented to test specifically for PFAS.
All drinking water sites across the Narrabri Shire comply with the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines which state the total limit for PFAS is 70 ng/L. However, the new proposed guidelines outline a new limit for the different components of PFAS as per the below table:
| PFAS |
Proposed Recommended Guideline |
| PFOA |
200 ng/L |
| PFOS |
4 ng/L |
| PFHxS |
30 ng/L |
| PFBS |
1000 ng/L |
Find out more about the proposed NHMRC guidelines here.
The Results
Bellata, Boggabri, Baan Baa, Wee Waa, Pilliga and Gwabegar all returned negative results.
Narrabri
The Narrabri town water supply relies on three bores; Killarney Bore, Tibberena Bore and Elizabeth Bore. Each of these bores have produced a positive test result for PFAS.
Water sourced from these bores is pumped to the Namoi Street Reservoir, which supplies the Narrabri township with drinking water. Testing results, as shown below, have identified PFAS levels below the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Namoi Street Reservoir
| PFHxS |
6 ng/L |
| PFOS |
8 ng/L |
| PFOA & PFBS |
Not detected |
A full set of testing results for Narrabri can be found here.(PDF, 192KB)
What next?
Council is working with NSW EPA, NSW Department of Health, and DCEEW on this matter.
Regular testing will continue to take place across the Shire to monitor PFAS levels in our water supplies.
Council would like to reiterate that all drinking water currently supplied to residents by Narrabri Shire Council is safe to consume and meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
FAQS
What are 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.
Where do PFAS come from?
PFAS was developed in the 1950s to make products that resist heat, stains, grease, and water. They are often found in furniture and carpets treated for stain resistance, foams used for firefighting, packaged food containers, make up, personal care products, and cleaning products.
What water supplies were tested in the Narrabri Shire?
Council has undertaken sampling at all reservoir sites across the local government area including:
- Pilliga
- Bellata
- Gwabega
- Boggabri
- Baan Baa
- Wee Waa
- Narrabri
Who sets the standards for safe drinking water in NSW?
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has developed the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
The NHMRC is Australia's leading expert on public health and medical research. It bases its decisions on the latest scientific evidence, ensuring that guidelines are up to date and safe. It is a trusted independent body, with no commercial interest.
NSW follows these national guidelines, which are underpinned by available scientific evidence. They are used by state and territory health departments, drinking water regulators, local health authorities, and water utilities.
Water quality is one of the primary risks that local water utilities manage when providing safe drinking water every day.
Narrabri Shire Council has a drinking water management plan that sets out our daily operations and critical control points on how we meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Will exposure to PFAS make me sick?
Most Australians will have some PFAS present in their bodies due to the common use of PFAS in products. People can be exposed to PFAS through food, water, air and skin contact.
There is currently limited evidence of human disease or other risks to health from low level PFAS exposure. For information about exposure to PFAS and the possible health effects, see the Australian Government PFAS fact sheet.
MEDIA RELEASES
PFAS Test Results Received for Narrabri Shire
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