West Lakes PFAS contamination report prompts EPA to expand groundwater testing to include Royal Park

It’s now feared groundwater beneath as many as 815 properties in Adelaide’s west may be contaminated with PFAS, prompting testing beyond West Lakes.

The EPA is arranging more groundwater testing for PFAS in West Lakes and parts of Royal Park early next year to determine the extent of pollution after initial tests has found variable amounts of the persistent pollutant.

The source of the contamination is believed to be the former Port Adelaide wastewater treatment plant, because sewage sludge was used in the development of West Lakes.

EPA director regulation Peter Dolan said the proposed expanded monitoring area covered 815 land titles, including 697 residential properties.

“We’re now planning to contact residents and landholders in the area about an extension of our groundwater assessment program in early 2021,” Mr Dolan said.

“Because groundwater in portions of West Lakes is contaminated with PFAS and dissolved metals above drinking water guidelines, residents are advised not to use their bore water for any purpose. Rainwater and mains water are not affected.”

The EPA will investigate whether PFAS has migrated through the soil into groundwater or surface waters at West Lakes. Picture: Tom Huntley

Laboratory tests measured some dissolved metals and PFAS contamination of the shallow groundwater:

FIVE out of 15 wells had PFAS concentrations above the drinking water guideline, but well below the guideline for recreation and aesthetics.

THREE wells had PFAS concentrations above the protection for marine ecosystems guideline.

TWO wells contained arsenic above the drinking water guideline of 0.01 mg/L.

ONE well contained copper above the 95 per cent species protection for marine ecosystems guideline.

Further analysis suggests the PFAS is likely to be associated with a historic source, released more than 40 years ago.

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are a wide range of manufactured chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1950s.

These chemicals are now known to accumulate in the human body, with unknown health effects.

EPA Principal scientific officer (marine) Sam Gaylard with water samples taken from West Lakes. Picture: Tom Huntley

While the groundwater in the contaminated area does flow into the lake, earlier tests confirmed the lake is safe for recreational use.

Visit engage.epa.sa.gov.au/westlakes for more information or a copy of the groundwater monitoring test results.

If you live in the West Lakes area and have questions regarding your bore water email: [e-mail] or call 08 8463 4799.

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