Media Release: Warren Shire Water Declared PFAS-Free

13 December 2024

Warren Shire Council is pleased to assure residents that local drinking water is free of any issues related to Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Following the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) release of proposed guideline values for PFAS in drinking water in late October, Council, in consultation with NSW Health, conducted extensive testing of all bores supplying water to Warren, Nevertire and Collie.

These tests confirm that PFAS levels in our drinking water are well below the proposed thresholds, reinforcing that our water supply remains safe for all residents. The NHMRC’s new guidelines are still under public consultation and will not be finalised until April 2025. However, Council took proactive measures to ensure peace of mind for the community.

Mayor Greg Whiteley said, “We are committed to providing safe, clean drinking water to our residents. These results confirm that Warren Shire’s water supply meets the highest standards of safety and quality with regards to PFAS.”

PFAS are man-made chemicals used in many everyday products, from non-stick cookware to cosmetics and fire-fighting foams. Due to their persistence in the environment, PFAS can sometimes be detected at very low levels in water supplies. However, the results from Warren Shire’s testing show no cause for concern.

“Our residents can have confidence in the quality of their water,” said Council’s acting General Manager Stephen Glen. “We acted promptly on NSW Health’s recommendation for initial screening, and the results demonstrate the integrity of our water infrastructure.”

For more information about PFAS, residents are encouraged to visit the Water Services Association of Australia or the Environment Protection Authority websites.

Warren Shire Council remains dedicated to maintaining the highest standards for the community’s water supply and infrastructure.

-ENDS-

Media Contact: 

Stephen Glen 

Acting General Manager, Warren Shire Council 

sg@warren.nsw.gov.au

Ph: 0418 432 730

Download this media release as a PDF.

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