PFAS test results for Tamworth region

Thursday 12 December 2024

Tamworth Regional Council has received the results from recent PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) testing in the local drinking water supply and is pleased to advise that all water systems across the region meet all guideline limits based on the tests conducted, offering assurances to residents.

Council recently participated in a state-wide drinking water PFAS testing program coordinated by NSW Health. In late November 2024, sampling for PFAS was undertaken for Council’s six treated water supplies with all results received being below current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, as well as proposed future limits.

Council understands that the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is conducting an independent review of the health-based guideline values for PFAS which is expected to be completed in late 2024 early 2025.

The current health-based guideline values for PFAS in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines are: 

• less than 0.07 micrograms per litre for the sum of PFOS and PFHxS (combined)
• less than 0.56 micrograms per litre for PFOA 

As per the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, Tamworth Regional Council undertakes raw water source or catchment risk assessments to consider water quality risks for all of its water supplies in consultation with NSW Health and other NSW Government Agencies.  There have been no identified source risks for historical use of PFAS within Council’s water catchments.

Director of Water and Waste Bruce Logan said “These are pleasing though not unexpected results, in line with Council’s regular monitoring schedule.”

Council undertakes annual monitoring of all raw water supply sources [LB1] [CD2] in accordance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. All sampling undertaken by Council has not detected any PFAS compounds [LB3] [CD4] in any of Council’s raw water supplies above current or proposed Australian Drinking Guideline limits. The annual raw water sampling and testing were most recently undertaken in June/July 2024.

More information about water supplies can be found on Council’s website or on NSW Health’s website available at www.health.nsw.gov.au

Results for each of Council’s Water Supply systems are provided below.

Attunga

Barraba

Bendemeer

Manilla

Nundle

Tamworth, Moonbi & Kootingal

Further information:
• PFAS are a family of man-made chemicals that have been used widely in industrial and consumer products since the 1950s. PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonate) belong to this group of chemicals. PFAS are emerging contaminants that are persistent in the environment and are commonly found in and around populated areas throughout Australia and internationally.
• Water Supplies
• NHMRC Australian Drinking Water Guidelines public consultation information