A neighbourhood has recently been faced with a concerning discovery in their water supply.

The presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, has been detected at levels surpassing Australian drinking water guidelines.

These chemicals, often called 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment and resistance to breakdown, have raised health concerns.


The state government has stepped in to provide some relief by covering the cost of 2 litres of bottled water per person each day for the town's approximately 1,500 residents.

This temporary measure ensures that everyone can access safe drinking water while the issue is being addressed.

Bottled water can be collected from the local grocery store and the tourist information centre.


Despite the alarming news, NSW Health has advised that the water, while not recommended for drinking, is still safe for other household uses such as showering, washing dishes, and laundry.

This advice is a small consolation to residents who are understandably concerned about their water quality.

The discovery of PFAS in Warialda's bore water supply has prompted the Gwydir Shire Council to investigate broader potential sources of contamination.


The council, with the support of NSW Health, the Environment and Water Department, and the NSW Environment Protection Authority, is working diligently to identify the cause and develop solutions to ensure the safety of the town's water supply.

The issue of PFAS contamination is not unique to Warialda.

It has been a national and international concern, with the United States Environment Protection Agency stating there is no safe level of PFAS exposure in drinking water.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in Australia has proposed significantly reducing the levels of PFAS that are considered safe.

This could pressure water suppliers to comply with these stricter guidelines.

Greens MP and chair of the NSW parliamentary inquiry into PFAS, Cate Faehrmann, has expressed scepticism about NSW Health's reassurances.

‘What they're not telling the public is that these guidelines are now outdated and that they haven't kept up with international best practice,’ she said.


The situation in Warialda is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect our water resources.

PFAS chemicals in products ranging from firefighting foam to cosmetics have been linked to various health effects.

This included increased cholesterol levels, reduced kidney function, lower birth weight in babies, and some cancers.

With the NHMRC's expected revision of safe PFAS levels in April, the urgency to address these contaminants has never been greater.

The recent events in Warialda highlight the importance of transparency and prompt communication regarding water safety.


The ABC's investigation into PFAS levels in drinking water revealed that despite commitments to openness.

NSW Health initially resisted releasing information on regional testing results.

This has since changed, pushing regional water utilities to conduct tests and share results swiftly with their communities.

Mayor Tiffany Galvin has assured residents that the council's priority is to ensure everyone's safety.

A letterbox drop and community alerts are planned to keep everyone informed as more test results become available.


Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith cautioned that because of antiquated regulations on the allowable concentrations of PFAS chemicals, Australia is lagging in drinking water safety.

Due to new laws, the permitted level of PFAS in drinking water has been drastically reduced. You can read more about it here.
Have you taken advantage of the bottled water provided by local authorities? What steps have you taken to ensure your health and safety? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.