PFAS

Words PFAS written with blocks next to glass of water

After testing across all our water supplies, a low level of PFAS was detected in the water supply for Bungendore. The water is compliant with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and is safe to drink.

On the first test, conducted 24 September, we detected a type of PFAS known as PFOS at 4 nanograms per litre (or parts per trillion), and another type known as PFHxS at 3 nanograms per litre (or parts per trillion). The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines currently set a health guideline value of 70 nanograms per litre (or parts per trillion) of combined PFOS and PFHxS as the threshold, so the testing results are more than ten times below that limit. 

To put this figure in perspective, 4 parts per trillion is the equivalent of 1 millilitre diluted into 100 Olympic swimming pools. 

We are taking a risk management approach and remaining vigilant about the levels of PFAS that have been detected, despite the results being very low and within the guidelines. We will use this page to keep the Bungendore community informed and updated on a regular basis on what we are doing to address the issue. 

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) are currently seeking feedback from the Australian community on new guidelines that change the guidelines to individual values for four groups of PFAS, rather than a total sum for PFOS and PFHxS. Under the proposed new guidelines, the concentration of PFOS in drinking water should not exceed 4 nanograms per litre (or 4 parts per trillion) and the concentration of PFHxS should not exceed 30 nanograms per litre (or 30 parts per trillion). The other types of PFAS were not detected. 

We will continue to liaise with NSW Health for updates and guidance.

Test results

We will be testing the water supply regularly. The latest test results are available here.

Test conducted 21 November

Chemical Result
PFOS 3 nanograms per litre (3 parts per trillion)
PFHxS 4 nanograms per litre (4 parts per trillion)
PFOA Not detected
PFBS Not detected

 

Test conducted 4 November

Chemical Result
PFOS 2 nanograms per litre (2 parts per trillion)
PFHxS 3 nanograms per litre (3 parts per trillion)
PFOA Not detected
PFBS Not detected

 

Test conducted 8 October

Chemical Result
PFOS 4 nanograms per litre (4 parts per trillion)
PFHxS 2 nanograms per litre (2 parts per trillion)
PFOA Not detected
PFBS Not detected

 

Test conducted 24 September

Chemical Result
PFOS 4 nanograms per litre (4 parts per trillion)
PFHxS 3 nanograms per litre (3 parts per trillion)
PFOA Not detected
PFBS Not detected

 

FAQs

What are PFAS?

PFAS refers to per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances which are chemicals used to make products which resist heat, stains, grease, and water. PFAS remain in the environment, including water and soil, for a long time. PFAS chemicals can build up in the body and take a long time to be removed. 

They have been widely used in industrial and consumer products since the 1950s. They have often been used in stain and water protection for carpets, fabric, furniture, and apparel; paper coating (including for some food packaging); metal plating; photographic materials; aviation hydraulic fluid; cosmetics and sunscreen, medical devices. 

There is no odour or taste associated with PFAS and it can only be detected with specific testing. 

Where does PFAS come from and where can it be found?

PFAS is in many consumer products. The National Health and Medical Research Council note that exposure to PFAS can occur through many pathways including drinking tap water, consumer products, food packaging, air and dust. The guidelines assume that 10% of a person’s exposure is due to drinking water. Up to 90% of PFAS exposure is estimated to come from sources other than drinking water.

Where does the water in Bungendore come from?

Bungendore is supplied with potable water sourced from several groundwater bores. We have the Currandooly Borefield and an array of four bores within the township (Turallo Borefield). PFAS was detected at two of the bores within the Turallo Borefield.

Why don’t you turn off those two bores?

The water provided to households is a mix of all our bores and this water is currently testing within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG).  

These bores are required to meet the town’s water requirements. Turning them off could lead to water restrictions, particularly as we head into summer.

Is the water safe to drink?

Yes. Our water supply is tested to comply with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and is compliant.

How can Council say that the water is safe to drink if PFAS has been detected?

The ADWG are developed by Australia’s leading expert body in health and medical research, the National Health and Medical Research Council. The guidelines consider PFAS exposure and determine what is safe for a lifetime of consuming drinking water.

What are the limits that the ADWG provide for PFAS in drinking water?

The current ADWG in relation to PFAS are listed in the middle column of the table below.  

The National Health and Medical Research Council are currently seeking feedback from the Australian community on new guidelines that change to individual values for four groups of PFAS, rather than a total sum for PFOS and PFHxS. The proposed new thresholds are listed in the right column of the table below. 

Chemical Existing ADWG level Draft updated level
PFOS
PFHxS		 Combined 70 ng/L, or 70 parts per trillion 4ng/L, or 4 parts per trillion
30ng/L, or 30 parts per trillion
PFOA  560ng/L, or 560 parts per trillion 200 ng/L, or 200 parts per trillion
PFBS   1000 ng/L, or 1000 parts per trillion

How did the PFAS get into Bungendore’s water supply?

We don’t know where the PFAS in the water supply has come from. PFAS is in many products and has been around for decades. We will be investigating to see if we can discover where it has come from, but we may not be able to answer this question.

Can Council filter PFAS out of the water supply?

While it is possible from an engineering perspective to filter out PFAS, we will have to investigate whether it is feasible and consider the cost implications before this can be considered a solution. The water supply is currently within the guidelines, so this is not required.

Can the community filter their own water?

In-home filters are available. If you choose to install a filter to remove PFAS, you would need to confirm whether the filter you are using, or planning on installing, has been independently certified that it removes PFAS.  

Home filters can reduce beneficial aspects of tap water such as chlorine and fluoride, which are in water to protect public health.

Is the Bungendore pool safe to swim in?

The water is safe enough to drink, so it is safe enough to swim in.  

The NHMRC guidelines for levels of PFOS and PFHxS in recreational swimming water say that they should not exceed 2 microgram/L.  

The testing results in the Bungendore water supply were 4 nanograms of PFOS and 2 nanograms of PFHxS. Given a microgram is a thousand times bigger than a nanogram, the Bungendore water supply is far below this guideline.

Was PFAS found in any other water supplies?

Council also tested the water supply in Queanbeyan, Googong, Braidwood, and Captains Flat and no PFAS was detected. This complemented testing by ICON Water who reported in their recently released annual drinking water quality report that they also found no PFAS in the water supply for Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, and Googong.

 

Further information

NSW Government PFAS information 
www.nsw.gov.au/PFAS 

NSW Health PFAS information:  
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/Pages/pfas.aspx  

NHMRC Australian Drinking Water Guidelines Consultation (comments close 22 November 2024):  
https://consultations.nhmrc.gov.au/environmental-health/australian-drinking-water-guidelines-2024-pfas/  

 

 

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