Monitoring confirms negligible PFAS levels in Sydney dams
25 SEPTEMBER 2024New testing conducted by the state’s dam manager, WaterNSW, has confirmed that raw water in Greater Sydney’s dams – with the exception of the small, publicly inaccessible Medlow Dam – contains negligible PFAS levels.
While the drinking water guidelines do not apply to raw, untreated water, these results are consistent with testing first published by Sydney Water in June that show Sydney’s drinking water remains within national guidelines.
Sydney Water and NSW Health have advised that Sydney’s drinking water meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and is safe to drink.
The Blue Mountains system, and particularly Medlow Dam, remains the priority for the WaterNSW investigation into the source of elevated PFAS levels at Cascades Water Treatment Plant.
As part of the investigation WaterNSW is undertaking extensive testing of water sources and soil in the Blue Mountains catchment, with more than 100 samples analysed from 30 sites, including water testing at various depths in the Blue Mountains dams.
Further testing has highlighted a small creek in the upper reaches of the Medlow catchment that flows into the dam, Adam’s Creek, as an area for targeted investigations.
In addition to sampling, WaterNSW is working with multiple government agencies to explore historical land use including potential activities where PFAS has been used, such as firefighting activities.
Investigations also include tracing drainage pathways, engaging a contaminated site investigation specialist, and developing a conceptual site model to understand the way contaminants may move from sources in the soil and water through the catchment. This helps to both direct future sampling and evaluate potential options for mitigation.
To improve the quality of source water supplied to Sydney Water for treatment as drinking water, WaterNSW has temporarily disconnected Medlow and Greaves Creek Dams from supply.
WaterNSW will keep the community informed as the investigation progresses and continue to work closely with NSW Health and Sydney Water to ensure drinking water remains safe. A drop-in session for Blue Mountains’ residents will be held on the following dates:
- Thursday 26 September - 4.30pm - 8pm (Mid Mountains Community Centre, 7 New Street Lawson)
- Friday 27 September - 8.30am - 2pm (Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, 30 Parke Street Katoomba)
- Wednesday 2 October - 8.30am - 5pm (Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, 30 Parke Street Katoomba)
Monitoring and testing result are available at waternsw.com.au/pfas
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