Council releases PFAS water testing results
Published on 27 March 2025
Federation Council has released the results of recent comprehensive testing for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the drinking water supplies of Corowa, Howlong, and Mulwala. Council undertook this testing as part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring the health and safety of its community.
The key findings of the testing, conducted on November 19, 2024, indicate that PFAS levels in Council-managed drinking water supplies are significantly below the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG). Importantly, the results also demonstrate compliance with the proposed, more stringent ADWG guideline values currently under review.
Key Findings:
-
PFAS levels for PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, and PFHxS were all recorded at less than 1ng/L (<1ng/L) across all three water treatment plants (Corowa, Howlong, and Mulwala).
-
These results are well below both the current and proposed Australian Drinking Water Guideline values.
Detailed Test Results:
|
Water Treatment Plant
|
PFAS Chemical(s)
|
Current ADWG Guideline (ng/L)
|
Proposed ADWG Guideline (ng/L)
|
Test Date
|
Test Result (ng/L)
|
Compliant with Current Guideline
|
Compliant with Proposed Guideline
|
|
Corowa
|
PFOA
|
560
|
200
|
19/11/2024
|
<1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Corowa
|
PFOS
|
No value set
|
4
|
19/11/2024
|
<1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Corowa
|
PFBS
|
No value set
|
1000
|
19/11/2024
|
<1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Corowa
|
PFHxS
|
No value set
|
30
|
19/11/2024
|
<1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Howlong
|
PFOA
|
560
|
200
|
19/11/2024
|
<1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Howlong
|
PFOS
|
No value set
|
4
|
19/11/2024
|
<1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Howlong
|
PFBS
|
No value set
|
1000
|
19/11/2024
|
<1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Howlong
|
PFHxS
|
No value set
|
30
|
19/11/2024
|
<1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Mulwala
|
PFOA
|
560
|
200
|
19/11/2024
|
<1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Mulwala
|
PFOS
|
No value set
|
4
|
19/11/2024
|
<1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Mulwala
|
PFBS
|
No value set
|
1000
|
19/11/2024
|
<1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Mulwala
|
PFHxS
|
No value set
|
30
|
19/11/2024
|
<1
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook, emphasised Council's commitment to community safety and transparency, especially when it comes to water supply.
"The health and well-being of our residents is our top priority," said Mayor Cook. "We understand the community's concerns regarding PFAS, and we are committed to providing clear and accessible information. These test results are reassuring, demonstrating that our drinking water supplies are well within both current and proposed guidelines."
Mayor Cook also addressed the ongoing review of the ADWG.
“We are closely monitoring the proposed changes to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines," she said.
“While our current results are excellent, we are prepared to take any necessary proactive steps to ensure our community’s continued safety. Council is committed to working with relevant State and Federal agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for our residents.”
Council will continue to provide updates to the community as the ADWG review process progresses.