PFAS Testing Results Confirm Compliance with Guidelines

Published on 06 June 2025

Uralla Shire Council is pleased to confirm that recent testing has once again verified the safety and quality of the drinking water supplied to residents of Uralla and Bundarra. The latest testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), completed in May 2025, has returned results below laboratory detection limits — confirming that our drinking water continues to meet all current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG).

This testing was conducted by NATA-accredited Envirolab Services as part of Council’s regular water quality monitoring program. The results provide reassurance to residents that the drinking water supplied by Council is safe, free from PFAS contamination, and compliant with national health standards.

What Was Tested?

The laboratory analysed drinking water samples from multiple sites in Uralla and Bundarra for a range of PFAS compounds, including:

• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
• Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
• Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)
• Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)

All tested substances were reported as below detection limit, meaning concentrations were less than 0.001 micrograms per litre (<0.001 µg/L), which is significantly below the levels of concern established by the ADWG for safe drinking water.

The summary of the results is shown below:

These outcomes confirm the continued safety of the Uralla and Bundarra town water supplies and demonstrate the effectiveness of Council’s risk-based drinking water management practices.

Understanding PFAS

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals used widely in manufacturing and industry. They have been commonly found in products such as firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, carpets, textiles, and food packaging. PFAS are persistent in the environment and, as a result, have been detected at low levels in water sources around the world.

While PFAS are not intentionally introduced into drinking water, they can enter catchments and groundwater systems through environmental pathways. Due to concerns about their long-term health impacts, especially at high levels of exposure, regular monitoring is important.

Council’s Water Quality Commitment

Uralla Shire Council actively monitors water quality as part of its Drinking Water Management System, following best practice guidelines from NSW Health and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). This includes routine PFAS testing as well as monitoring for a broad range of microbiological and chemical contaminants.

Testing is carried out by accredited, independent laboratories using highly sensitive equipment capable of detecting even trace levels of substances. These processes ensure that Council can quickly identify and respond to any potential risks.

What Happens Next?

Council’s work to safeguard the community’s water supply does not stop here. In partnership with NSW Health, Council continue to:

• Monitor PFAS levels in the Uralla and Bundarra drinking water supplies on a scheduled basis;
• Review surrounding land use in the water catchment areas to identify and reduce any potential sources of PFAS contamination;
• Conduct further testing in accordance with national guidelines and in response to any environmental changes or identified risks.

This ongoing work ensures that Council can continue to deliver clean, safe, and reliable drinking water to all residents.

A Message to the Community

Uralla Shire Council remains committed to public health, environmental stewardship, and open communication. We understand that access to clean drinking water is essential to community wellbeing and regional sustainability, particularly in the face of climate variability and increasing environmental pressures.

We thank the Uralla and Bundarra communities for their trust and support as we continue to maintain the highest standards in water quality management.

For further information or to view our most recent water quality reports, please contact:

Council’s Water and Wastewater Services Department
02 6778 6300 or email council@uralla.nsw.gov.au