What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 4000 synthetic chemicals used in a broad range of applications and consumer products since the 1950s. The more well-known within the group are effective at resisting heat, stains and grease. Notably, PFAS has extensively been used in fire-fighting foams and increased environmental levels of PFAS can be found around airports, sites conducting fire-fighting training and industrial areas.
PFAS and Human Health
The Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) released revised guidelines on PFAS limits for consultation in October 2024. The revised guidelines propose a significant reduction in health-based guideline values for PFAS within the ADWG. In response to the proposed reduced guideline values, Council has completed additional sampling and testing for PFAS with the assistance of NSW Health (Public Health Unit).
PFAS Testing
Working with NSW Health, Lachlan Shire Council recently conducted PFAS testing in Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo and Tottenham water supplies. The laboratory results have indicated that all water supplies have returned results below the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) and the new draft guidelines.
Substance
|
Current ADWG Limit
|
Proposed ADWG Limit
|
Results
|
|
PFOA
|
0.56 µg/L
|
0.2 µg/L
|
Condobolin <0.001 µg/L
Lake Cargelligo <0.001 µg/L
Tottenham <0.001 µg/L
|
|
PFOS
|
0.07 µg/L
(sum of PFOS and PFHxS)
|
0.004 µg/L
|
Condobolin <0.001 µg/L
Lake Cargelligo <0.001 µg/L
Tottenham <0.001 µg/L
|
|
PFHxS
|
0.07 µg/L
(sum of PFOS and PFHxS)
|
0.03 µg/L
|
Condobolin <0.001 µg/L
Lake Cargelligo <0.001 µg/L
Tottenham <0.001 µg/L
|
|
PFBS
|
No current guideline value
|
1.0 µg/L
|
Condobolin <0.001 µg/L
Lake Cargelligo <0.001 µg/L
Tottenham <0.001 µg/L
|
Abbreviations: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS).
Lachlan Shire’s PFAS concentration levels are far below the current and proposed ADWG values and are compliant with regulatory requirements and health standards. Lachlan Shire Council will continue to complete regular sampling of the drinking water in accordance with the ADWG and NSW Health.
Further Information
To find out more about PFAS and their impact on human health read this factsheet(PDF, 167KB) from the Water Services Association of Australia.