Alarming PFAS Levels Detected in Sydney's Blue Mountains Dam
Recent revelations about water contamination in the Blue Mountains have raised serious concerns about public health and safety. Tests conducted on the water flowing into Medlow Dam have uncovered PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—at concentrations 50 times higher than Australian drinking water standards. These synthetic chemicals, often dubbed "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment, are known to be linked to severe health issues, including cancer.
The issue came to light through independent testing commissioned by the Sydney Morning Herald, which revealed that PFAS levels in Adams Creek, a major source feeding into Medlow Dam, were alarmingly high—measuring 3.7 micrograms per litre, well above the safety threshold of 0.07 micrograms. Even more shocking were the results from Greaves Creek, located downstream of Medlow Dam, where PFAS concentrations soared to 14 micrograms per litre, a staggering 200 times the recommended safe level.
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These findings contrast sharply with earlier government tests, which had indicated PFAS levels just slightly above the Australian guidelines. Following these earlier tests, Water NSW took precautionary measures by shutting off a pipeline that connected Medlow Dam with Greaves Creek Dam. This action was meant to prevent contaminated water from entering the broader drinking water system, which serves approximately 49,500 residents in the Blue Mountains.
Water NSW has maintained that the drinking water supply remains safe, emphasizing that the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines apply only to treated water, not raw or untreated sources. However, this reassurance has not fully alleviated public concern. Independent experts, like Western Sydney University's Ian Wright, have voiced serious apprehensions. Wright’s analysis points to the significant PFAS contamination and suggests that the situation might have been escalating unnoticed due to a lack of comprehensive testing.
Authorities are now investigating potential sources of the contamination. One theory involves the historical use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams in the area, including those used in a notable 1992 incident involving a petrol tanker crash near Medlow Bath. Another possible source under scrutiny is the nearby Medlow Bath Rural Fire Service Station, which previously stored such foams. The investigation aims to determine how long PFAS contamination may have been affecting the water supply and what steps are necessary to remediate the situation.
The broader implications of these findings highlight a critical need for rigorous and ongoing water testing and management. The presence of high PFAS levels underscores the urgency for better environmental monitoring and transparency regarding public health risks. The situation is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by these persistent chemicals and the need for continued vigilance and action to safeguard public health.
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