City's drinking water diluted after elevated PFAS levels detected

Riverina Water, the water authority for a southern New South Wales city, has assured residents that their drinking water remains safe following the detection of elevated levels of PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals."

The authority implemented a dilution program in December 2025 at two of its West Wagga Wagga raw water bores after routine testing revealed "unexpected" concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Engineering director Troy Van Berkel stated that an initial study suggests multiple potential sources, including historic use in the area, rather than a single origin. He confirmed that the contamination is not linked to the nearby Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base in Wagga or the Kapooka Military Area.

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An initial desktop study has been carried out to say there is not a single source, it's more multiple sources and potential historic use in the area.

In one instance, levels of PFOS, a type of PFAS, were nearly double the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines in untreated water, measuring 0.015 nanograms per liter (ng/L) in December 2025, exceeding the guideline of 0.008 ng/L. Van Berkel emphasized that dilution has successfully lowered PFAS levels in the treated water to within the recommended guidelines, ensuring its safety for consumption.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals historically used in products like firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, and water-repellent clothing. Studies have associated exposure to these chemicals with potential health risks, including high cholesterol, lower birth weight, and an increased risk of testicular and kidney cancer, according to the Australian Centre for Disease Control. Friends of the Earth land use researcher Anthony Amis expressed concern over the results, noting that even levels below the drinking water guidelines could have potential impacts on regular consumers. He called for testing of Wagga Wagga's tap water.

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Even if they're not above the drinking water guidelines, there are still potential impacts that could be occurring with people that consume that water on a regular basis.