The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has undertaken water sampling at Medowie in Port Stephens and confirmed PFAS levels were below relevant Australian water quality guidelines.
In response to community concerns raised by residents near the Pacific Dunes Golf Course at Medowie, the EPA tested three dams used for irrigation of the golf course. It is understood these dams intersect with groundwater.
Results for all samples collected by the EPA from the golf course dams showed concentrations of PFAS were below the level of reporting of 0.01 micrograms per litre, which is roughly equivalent to a drop of water in an Olympic swimming pool.
This means there were no exceedances of relevant recreational water or the 95% ecological water quality guidelines in any of the dams sampled.
As part of our assessment of the site we also considered reports of a truck crash in the area in 1994 which could have resulted in firefighting foam entering the groundwater, however there were no drains or water in the vicinity to sample.
PFAS make products non-stick, oil- and water-repellent, and fire‑, weather- and stain-resistant. PFAS have been used in a range of consumer products, such as carpets, clothes, food packaging and paper, and have also been used in firefighting foams, pesticides and stain repellents. As a result, PFAS is commonly detected in low concentrations in the environment.
Residents in Medowie and surrounding Pacific Dunes Golf Course consume reticulated (tap) drinking water from Hunter Water's network, meaning their drinking water supply is safe and regularly tested by Hunter Water for a variety of contaminants.
