PFAS and drinking water

Our water meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

Providing clean, safe drinking water is Seqwater’s number one priority and South East Queensland’s drinking water continues to meet the standards set by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG).

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PFAS

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products since the mid-1900s.

Due to the unique physical and chemical properties of PFAS to resist heat, stains, grease and water, they have been used in items including firefighting foams, agricultural, textiles and leather products, food packaging, non-stick cookware, cosmetics, sunscreens, denture cleaner and medical devices.

Because PFAS break down slowly, they are sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Monitoring

We routinely test for PFAS to meet the national standards set by the ADWG and as part of our compliance with the Seqwater Drinking Water Quality Management Plan (approved by the Queensland Government Water Supply Regulator) and a safety-focused approach to the management of drinking water quality.

PFAS Guidelines

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) are set by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and provide guidance to water regulators and suppliers on monitoring and managing drinking water quality.

PFAS chemicals enter our waterways from external sources and are not added to drinking water. The NHMRC note that exposure to PFAS can occur through many pathways including consumer products, food packaging, air, dust and drinking water. Exposure to PFOS and PFOA from drinking water has been previously estimated to be approximately 2-3% of total PFAS exposure¹ in areas with low levels of contamination.

The Australian Government has banned the manufacture and importation of some PFAS substances by July 2025, including everyday products that contain PFAS.

^{1 Thompson J, Eaglesham G, Mueller J (2011). Concentrations of PFOS, PFOA and other perfluorinated alkyl acids in Australian drinking water. Chemosphere 83; 1320-1325.}

Australia currently has ADWG guidance for three PFAS compounds

The ADWG specifies a limit for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) of 0.56 µg/L (micrograms per litre). This may also be expressed as 560 ng/L (nanograms per litre), which equates to 560 parts per trillion.

It also specifies a limit for the sum of the concentration of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) of 0.07 µg/L (micrograms per litre). This may also be expressed as 70 ng/L (nanograms per litre), which equates to 70 parts per trillion.

The NHMRC is currently reviewing the ADWG

The ADWG for PFAS is currently being reviewed by the NHMRC. The draft update includes lower levels for three types of PFAS (PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS) and the introduction of a limit for PFBS.

Chemical	Existing ADWG level	Draft updated level (October 2024
PFOS	70 ng/L or 70 parts per trillion (Less than 0.07 micrograms per litre of PFOS and PFHxS combined)	4 ng/L (Less than 0.004 micrograms per litre)
PFHxS		30 ng/L (Less than 0.03 micrograms per litre)
PFOA	560 ng/L, or 560 parts per trillion (Less than 0.56 micrograms per litre)	200 ng/L (Less than 0.2 micrograms per litre)
PFBS	-	1000 ng/L (Less than 1.0 micrograms per litre)

The above table is referenced from WSAA Fact Sheet PFAS and the water sector - 21 January 2025 (update).pdf

We welcome the release of the draft updated ADWG for PFAS by the NHMRC. We support the rolling review of the ADWG in line with the latest scientific data to maintain clean, safe and sustainable drinking water across South East Queensland for generations to come.

The NHMRC held a public consultation period for the draft updated ADWG for PFAS in late 2024. We expect the changes could come into effect in 2025 and we will ensure more information is provided when the updated ADWG for PFAS is released.

Visit the Water Services Association of Australia for more

Testing for PFAS

Seqwater routinely monitors for PFAS in the region’s drinking water supplies, including:

Twice-yearly region-wide raw water monitoring mostly via highly sensitive passive sampling technology. Testing is conducted in January and February (summer) and July and August (winter). We aim to publish results on our website within three months after testing is complete. This is determined by the collection and validation of independent laboratories.
Monthly raw and treated drinking water monitoring via grab sampling at the Mount Crosby, Capalaba and Lowood Water Treatment Plants.

The drinking water in South East Queensland continues to remain safe to drink and our enhanced monitoring program will continue to help to inform our understanding of the presence of PFAS and ongoing risk assessments.

We live and work in the region, drink the same water and are committed to the continued delivery of clean, safe and valued drinking water.

Results

Our water quality experts and scientists manage our drinking water with great care and attention and ensure our region’s drinking water meets the standards set nationally by the ADWG.

South East Queensland’s drinking water is safe to drink. Our water continues to meet the standards set by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG).

While small amounts of PFAS have been detected in our region’s water supplies, the current guidelines are the equivalent of approximately one quarter of a teaspoon of PFOA in an Olympic-sized swimming pool and around less than a small ‘pinch’ of PFOS + PFHxS in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

January and February 2025 Raw Water Passive Sampling Results

Overview of results: All results for PFAS are below the current and draft updated ADWG for PFAS.

Sample Month	Water Treatment Plant (WTP)	PFOS (ng/L)	PFHxS (ng/L)	PFOA (ng/L)
	Source Water Sample	ADWG (PFOS + PFHxS) value: 70 ng/L		ADWG value: 560 ng/L
February	Beaudesert WTP	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Boonah-Kalbar WTP	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Canungra WTP	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Capalaba WTP	3.22	<2.61	<2.86
February	Esk WTP	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
March	Ewen Maddock WTP	<2.80	<2.88	<3.16
February	Hinze Dam WTP	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Image Flat WTP1	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Image Flat WTP2	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Image Flat WTP3	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Image Flat WTP4	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Jimna WTP	<3.01	<3.09	<3.40
February	Kenilworth WTP	<3.01	<3.09	<3.40
February	Kilcoy WTP	<2.54	<2.61	<2.86
February	Kirkleagh WTP	<2.54	<2.61	<2.86
February	Kooralbyn WTP	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Landers Shute WTP	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Lowood WTP	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
March	Maroon Dam WTP	<2.80	<2.88	<3.16
February	Molendinar WTP	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Moogerah Dam WTP	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Mt Crosby East Bank WTP	<2.26	<2.32	<2.55
February	Mt Crosby West Bank WTP	<2.26	<2.32	<2.55
February	Mudgeeraba WTP5	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Mudgeeraba WTP6	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Noosa WTP7	<2.39	<2.46	<2.70
February	Noosa WTP8	<2.32	<2.39	<2.62
February	North Pine WTP	<2.90	<2.98	<3.27
February	Somerset Dam WTP	<2.54	<2.61	<2.86

^{1 Poona Dam Raw

2 Wappa Dam Raw

3 Cooloolabin Dam Raw

4 Sth Maroochy Weir Raw

5 Little Nerang Dam Raw

6 Hinze Dam Raw

7 Lake MacDonald Raw

8 Mary River Raw}

February and April 2025 Raw Water Grab Sampling Results

Passive samplers cannot be used at some water treatment plants due to location restraints. In these instances, a grab sample is taken.

Overview of results: All results for PFAS are below the current and draft updated ADWG for PFAS.

Sample Month	Water Treatment Plant (WTP)	PFOS (ng/L)	PFHxS (ng/L)	(PFOA (ng/L)
	Raw Water Sample	ADWG (PFOS + PFHxS) value: 70 ng/L		ADWG value: 560 ng/L
April	North Stradbroke Island WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
April	Point Lookout WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
April	Amity Point WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
April	Dunwich WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
April	Linville WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
February	Dayboro WTP*	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
February	Rathdowney WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2

*Source water sample

March 2025 Raw and Treated Drinking Water Monthly Grab Sampling Results

Overview of results: All results for PFAS are below the current and draft updated ADWG for PFAS.

Sample Month	Water Treatment Plant (WTP)	PFOS (ng/L)	PFHxS (ng/L)	PFOA (ng/L)
	Raw Water Sample	ADWG (PFOS + PFHxS) value: 70		ADWG value: 560
March	Capalaba WTP	<0.2	0.6	0.7
March	Lowood WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
March	Mt Crosby East Bank WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
March	Mt Crosby West Bank WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
	Treated Water Sample	ADWG (PFOS + PFHxS) value: 70		ADWG value: 560
March	Capalaba WTP	<0.2	0.4	0.3
March	Lowood WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
March	Mt Crosby WTP (Camerons Hill 1)	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
March	Mt Crosby WTP (Cameron Hill 2)	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2

April 2025 Raw and Treated Drinking Water Monthly Grab Sampling Results

Overview of results: All results for PFAS are below the current and draft updated ADWG for PFAS.

Sample Month	Water Treatment Plant (WTP)	PFOS (ng/L)	PFHxS (ng/L)	PFOA (ng/L)
	Raw Water Sample	ADWG (PFOS + PFHxS) value: 70		ADWG value: 560
April	Capalaba WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
April	Lowood WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
April	Mt Crosby East Bank WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
April	Mt Crosby West Bank WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
	Treated Water Sample	ADWG (PFOS + PFHxS) value: 70		ADWG value: 560
April	Capalaba WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
April	Lowood WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
April	Mt Crosby WTP (Camerons Hill 1)	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
April	Mt Crosby WTP (Cameron Hill 2)	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2

September 2024 Raw Water Passive Sampling Results

Sample Month	Water Treatment Plant (WTP)	PFOS (ng/L)	PFHxS (ng/L)	PFOA (ng/L)
	Raw Water Sample	ADWG (PFOS + PFHxS) value: 70 ng/L		ADWG value: 560 ng/L
Sep-24	Amity Point WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Beaudesert WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Boonah-Kalbar WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Canungra WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Capalaba WTP	2.6	1.5	0.3
Sep-24	Dayboro WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Dunwich WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Esk WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Ewen Maddock WTP	0.5	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Hinze Dam WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Image Flat WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Jimna WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Kenilworth WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Kilcoy WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Kirkleagh WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Kooralbyn WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Landers Shute WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Linville WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Lowood WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Maroon Dam WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Molendinar WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Moogerah Dam WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Mt Crosby East Bank WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Mt Crosby West Bank WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Mudgeeraba WTP1	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Mudgeeraba WTP2	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Noosa WTP3	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Noosa WTP4	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	North Pine WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	North Stradbroke Island WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Point Lookout WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Rathdowney WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2
Sep-24	Somerset Dam WTP	<0.2	<0.2	<0.2

Passive sampling technology

We have many techniques to test for micropollutants like PFAS, including the use of very sensitive passive sampling technology which is used at many of our sites to monitor for PFAS.

We partner with researchers from The University of Queensland for the supply of these passive samplers to test for PFAS and other micropollutants across South East Queensland’s raw water supplies.

Developed by the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, the Microporous Polyethylene Tube (MPT) is deployed at water treatment plant (WTP) offtakes for approximately one month and is designed to soak up any PFAS substances in the water.

Passive sampling technology is beneficial as it is highly sensitive to micropollutants such as PFAS and it provides readings over a period of time, supporting a better understanding of the presence of PFAS.

Watch the video to see how the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences developed technology to test for PFAS in our catchments.

For more information

For public health enquiries, call Queensland Health on 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
For more information on The Australia Drinking Water Guidelines, visit The National Health and Medical Research Council.
For more information on PFAS, visit Water Services Association of Australia
Read our Frequently Asked Questions