Free bottled water is available at the Warialda Visitor Information Centre after PFAS was found in the northern reservoir.
PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of over 4000 chemicals, that were found during a recent state-wide testing program coordinated by NSW Health.
The information centre is the only venue where water can be collected, and will be open this Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 5pm, as well as Council’s normal weekday operating hours.
Gwydir Shire Council is urgently investigating the bores and possible sources, and considering possible solutions with the support of NSW Health, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
“At this point, the excess PFAS levels have been found in the North Reservoir. Council will test all of the bores that feed reservoirs to try to identify the source of PFAS. If a single bore is the source of contamination, then that bore could be isolated from supplying the reservoir.” said NSW Health.
“If a single bore is the source of contamination, then that bore could be isolated from supplying the reservoir.”
Council has just received a useful link from Health NSW which provides information about PFAS – see this at the bottom of this post.
Health NSW says continuing to drink the water in Warialda in the short term is unlikely to pose a health risk. The water also continues to be safe for showering, washing dishes, laundry as PFAS is not readily absorbed through skin.
“The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines are based on minimising risk over a lifetime of consumption of drinking water and include several safety factors.”
Meanwhile, boiling water does not reduce or remove PFAS.
“Some home filtration systems can reduce PFAS in drinking water. Filters certified to standards such as “NSF/ANSI 53” or “NSF/ANSI 58″ are recommended by the USEPA.”
If you have questions please email mail@gwydir.nsw.gov.au or call 0267293000.
Information from the investigation will be shared with residents as it becomes available.
What are PFAS?
PFAS 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. A detailed fact sheet on PFAS and health is available on the enHealth website at: https://www.health.gov.au/…/enhealth-fact-sheet-on-per…
PFAS test results for Tamworth
Tamworth Regional Council has advised their water systems across the region are meeting all guideline limits based on the tests conducted.
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