Testing in more drinking water sources continues to show no PFAS

Water quality testing in 3 targeted areas of the River Murray as well as groundwater at 2 locations in the state’s South East region has confirmed no detection 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, water-repellent clothing, cosmetics, sunscreen and predominantly in some types of fire-fighting foams.

Since beginning investigative sampling in September 2024, SA Water has tested sources which supply 48 of its drinking water systems across South Australia – which supply around 98 per cent of its customers – all of which have shown no detectable levels of PFAS.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Water Expertise Dr Lionel Ho said this ongoing testing program is helping to gain an understanding of the PFAS presence within South Australia’s water sources.

“The results to date should provide assurance to our customers on the safety of their drinking water,” Lionel said.

“Additionally, many of our systems supply water which is treated with one of several proven technologies that can effectively remove PFAS.

“This includes reverse osmosis used in our desalination plants and granular activated carbon which is in place in many of our water treatment plants along the River Murray.

“We first sampled for PFAS in the River Murray in May 2025, with a view to sample at all local treatment plant locations over time, based on a risk-based schedule and frequency determined with SA Health.

“On both occasions, the locations were selected to geographically best represent the upper, middle and lower parts of the river. In 2025 this was Moorook, Mypolonga and Swan Reach, with our recent sampling targeting Woolpunda, Blanchetown and Cowirra.

“Following strict protocols to prevent contamination, our specialist team took samples from the inlet where water enters the treatment plants. From there, the samples were transported to an independent laboratory for NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities)-accredited testing and analysis.

“In the South East, samples have also recently been collected and tested from the outlet of storage tanks that source water from 3 borefields at Naracoorte and 4 at Kingston South East. Water supplied from both of these underground aquifers is chlorinated, which is a common disinfection method used across South Australia and the country.

“This builds on sampling undertaken around 12 months ago at Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake and 2 nearby groundwater bores, with testing at these locations to now be done routinely every 12 months.”

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011) specify health-based limits for 4 types of PFAS – PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonate), PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonic acid).

For PFOS the limit is less than 0.008 micrograms per litre, for PFHxS it’s less than 0.03 micrograms per litre, for PFOA the new limit is less than 0.2 micrograms per litre, and for PFBS it’s less than 1.0 micrograms per litre.

SA Health Principal Water Quality Adviser Dr David Cunliffe said there are very few drinking water sources across Australia that contain PFAS, and in South Australia, the risk of contamination is low.

“Catchment assessments done in consultation with SA Water prior to sampling being carried out predominantly show a low risk for PFAS contamination due to no or minimal industries, large populations or other potential sources of PFAS near water sources,” David said.

“SA Water’s PFAS testing clearly plays an important role in managing the safety of water, but we know the best solution is to remove the source – which is products that contain PFAS.

“These products are not manufactured in Australia, but are still imported, so having appropriate controls in place is key to limit human exposure to PFAS in the environment, including drinking water catchments.”

Working with SA Health, SA Water is assessing further suitable sampling locations around regional parts of the state, with this work planned to be undertaken in coming months and results to again be made available to the community.