Water sector response to draft PFAS drinking water guidelines

The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) has welcomed the release of the draft updated Australian Drinking Water Guidelines on PFAS by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

The draft guidelines propose health-protective levels for four PFAS:

lower levels for the three types of PFAS in the current guidelines (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS)

a new level for an additional PFAS chemical – PFBS.

WSAA Executive Director Adam Lovell said the water sector supported the thorough scientific process used to set the guidelines.

“Most water supplies in Australia are below the current and proposed guideline values. But utilities will remain vigilant, and continue to monitor water and share information with regulators and the community.

“We didn’t create PFAS, but we are working to make sure it doesn’t impact our customers.

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