Testing returns no detection of PFAS in SA Water’s metro sources

Results from investigative testing on samples taken within SA Water’s six major metropolitan reservoirs have not detected levels of the human-made class of chemicals known as PFAS.

PFAS – or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances – have been widely used in a range of industrial and consumer products since the 1950s, such as non-stick cookware, stain protection for fabrics, furniture and carpet, in food packaging, in water-repellent clothing, cosmetics, sunscreen and predominantly in some types of fire-fighting foams.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Infrastructure, Planning and Strategy Dr Daniel Hoefel said the testing was undertaken in consultation with our regulator SA Health to gain an understanding of PFAS presence in South Australian water supplies and to maintain community confidence in their drinking water.

“Based on previous assessment with SA Health, we already understand there is a low risk of PFAS contamination in our state’s water sources, as there are no large industries near these locations, nor are there large populations or places where fire-fighting foams containing PFAS have been used (such as airports), which are all common PFAS sources,” Daniel said.

“Our recent test results have confirmed this assessment, with no detection of PFAS recorded in these samples.

“Following strict protocols to prevent sample contamination, our specialist sampling team from the Australian Water Quality Centre took samples from the inlet where water enters our treatment plants at Barossa, Happy Valley, Hope Valley, Little Para, Millbrook and Myponga reservoirs.

“The samples were then safely transported to an independent laboratory for NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities)-accredited testing and analysis.

“Together with our regulator SA Health, we are now looking at further investigative sampling and testing at additional water sources around the state.

“The driver of our ongoing approach to monitoring and testing for PFAS will be our continued priority to ensure the safety of drinking water supplied to our customers across South Australia.

“This approach will be reviewed together with SA Health and guided by the National Health and Medical Research Council’s review of health-based guidelines for PFAS in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011). Public consultation for the review is expected to begin in coming months.”

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011) specify limits for three types of PFAS – PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonate), and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid).

For PFOS and PFHxS, the current limit is a combined total of less than 0.07 micrograms per litre. For PFOA, the current limit is less than 0.56 micrograms per litre.

SA Health has historically not required ongoing testing for PFAS in SA Water-supplied drinking water, due to assessments of drinking water catchments not identifying sources of PFAS that would represent a risk to customer drinking water supplies.

An ongoing monitoring and testing approach will be assessed in collaboration with SA Health as the drinking water quality regulator, following the review of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011).

SA Health Principal Water Quality Adviser Dr David Cunliffe said the results of the recent testing by SA Water confirms the outcome of the catchment risk assessments and provides further reassurance to South Australians that their drinking water remains safe to drink.

“We support the proactive approach to PFAS testing, ensuring the public is aware of the current situation ahead of consultation getting underway on proposed new national guidelines for PFAS in Australian drinking water,” David said.

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