‘Drinking PFAS’: Water Providers Call for Broad Ban on ‘Forever Chemicals’ Amid Proliferation Fears

By: The Guardian

Jan 22, 2025

Experts and water providers have urged a broad ban on PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” during a Senate inquiry in Australia, citing environmental harm and the high cost of removal. The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) called for restrictions on PFAS in non-essential consumer products to reduce contamination. The New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) reported 51 contaminated sites requiring ongoing monitoring and cleanup, emphasizing the difficulty and expense of removing PFAS from water supplies. Sydney Water is developing a thermal treatment facility to destroy PFAS, but experts warn that such solutions are energy-intensive and costly.

The inquiry also highlighted concerns over PFAS contamination in the Blue Mountains, where authorities disconnected two dams from the water supply after detecting elevated levels of the chemicals. Investigations suggest the contamination may be linked to a 1992 petrol tanker crash, where firefighting foam containing PFAS was used. WaterNSW has conducted extensive sampling and is close to releasing its preliminary findings, but residents remain frustrated by the lack of transparency regarding past exposure. Environmental groups stress the need for stronger regulations and faster action to prevent ongoing contamination.

Debate also emerged over whether Australia should adopt stricter PFAS limits similar to those of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some experts argue that the U.S. has conducted thorough evaluations and offers more health-protective standards, while others caution against following American guidelines, given differences in risk assessment models used by Australia, Europe, and the World Health Organization. Meanwhile, Australia plans to ban the import and use of three specific PFAS chemicals—PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS—starting in July 2025. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is reviewing drinking water guidelines, considering stricter limits for PFOS but maintaining a higher threshold for PFOA than the U.S. standards.

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