Fish River scheme

PFAS testing results

Learn more about the NSW Government response to PFAS at nsw.gov.au/pfas

Related pages:  PFAS |  Blue Mountains PFAS investigation and data | Greater Sydney PFAS testing

The Fish River water supply scheme draws water from Oberon Dam and Duckmaloi Weir to provide to Oberon and Lithgow councils for domestic and industry use, to about 230 properties along its route and to Wallerawang and Mount Piper power stations. It also supplements supplies in the upper Blue Mountains.

The scheme is unique as the only water supply scheme in eastern Australia to transfer western flowing water east of the Great Dividing Range, mostly by gravity, enabled by 236 kilometres of pipelines and a tunnel under the Great Dividing Range

The next round of results is expected to be published mid-January 2025.

Treated water results

These results reflect water treated for drinking, supplied as part of the Fish River scheme.

November 2024 sampling

Location Sample Date PFOA
(µg/L)
PFHxS
(µg/L)
PFOS
(µg/L)
PFHxS + PFOS
(µg/L)
Treated water at Duckmaloi Water Treatment Plant 21/11/2024 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0003 <0.0003

October 2024 sampling

Location Sample Date PFOA
(µg/L)
PFHxS
(µg/L)
PFOS
(µg/L)
PFHxS + PFOS
(µg/L)
Treated water at Duckmaloi Water Treatment Plant 29/10/24 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0003 <0.0003

Raw water results

These results reflect the untreated, raw source water. This water is not supplied directly for use as drinking water but is supplied for treatment as drinking water.

November 2024 sampling

Location Sample Date PFOA
(µg/L)
PFHxS
(µg/L)
PFOS
(µg/L)
PFHxS + PFOS
(µg/L)
Raw water from Oberon Dam supplied to Duckmaloi Treatment Plant 21/11/2024 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0003 <0.0003
Raw water Oberon pipeline to Cascades at Leura 20/11/2024 <0.0005 <0.0005 0.0004 0.0004

October 2024 sampling

LocationSample DatePFOA
(µg/L)
PFHxS
(µg/L)
PFOS
(µg/L)
PFHxS + PFOS
(µg/L)
Raw water from Oberon Dam supplied to Duckmaloi Treatment Plant29/10/2024<0.0005<0.0005<0.0003<0.0003
Raw water Oberon pipeline to Cascades at Leura23/10/2024<0.0005<0.0005<0.0003<0.0003
Raw water Oberon pipeline to Cascades at Leura9/10/24<0.0005<0.0005<0.0003<0.0003
Raw water Oberon pipeline to Cascades at Leura3/10/240.0007<0.0005<0.0003<0.0003
Raw water from Oberon Dam supplied to Duckmaloi Treatment Plant2/10/24<0.0005<0.0005<0.0003<0.0003

September 2024 sampling

SampleSample DatePFOA
(µg/L)
PFHxS
(µg/L)
PFOS
(µg/L)
PFHxS + PFOS
(µg/L)
Raw water from Oberon Dam supplied to Duckmaloi Treatment Plant19/9/24<0.0005<0.00050.00060.0006

August 2024 sampling

SampleSample DatePFOA
(µg/L)
PFHxS
(µg/L)
PFOS
(µg/L)
PFHxS + PFOS
(µg/L)
Raw water from Oberon Dam supplied to Duckmaloi Treatment Plant16/8/24<0.0005<0.00050.00060.0006

Frequently asked questions

Does WaterNSW test for PFAS?

WaterNSW monitors many water quality parameters over a very large area across the Greater Sydney catchment and dams. This includes extensive water testing and real time monitoring 24/7. Each month thousands of data points are collected and evaluated continually for the management of source water quality.

When testing for PFAS, WaterNSW takes a targeted, risk-based approach, based on based on expert advice from NSW Health and other authorities such as the Environment Protection Authority.

How do you sample and test?

WaterNSW has highly-experienced field staff and expert water quality scientists undertaking sampling and analysis.

Sampling, collection and transport are conducted by highly-skilled professionals with strict protocols in place. Our partner labs have detailed steps that must be followed to ensure accurate analysis of our samples. This is essential to ensure that samples are not contaminated by everyday items that contain PFAS such as outdoor clothing, makeup, and sunscreen. Our monitoring teams are ISO 9001 certified, and all partner laboratories are NATA accredited.

WaterNSW is a highly regulated organisation and subject to extensive external regulatory oversight. This ensures WaterNSW’s work in this field is meticulous and meets the highest standard. WaterNSW has an extensive water quality monitoring program and is one of the leading agencies when it comes to water quality monitoring in NSW.

How often will you be carrying out PFAS testing in WaterNSW dams?

WaterNSW is carrying out fortnightly testing of the Blue Mountains System, and monthly testing of Greater Sydney storage dams.  Results are published monthly. Water goes through multiple levels of testing and treatment to ensure it is safe and meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines before it comes out of your taps.

How is WaterNSW communicating the results of its testing?

The results of the testing are available here on our website. Dedicated pages have been created for Blue Mountains System and Greater Sydney storage dam results. Result data is published monthly.

How Is WaterNSW responding to the proposed new drinking water guidelines?

WaterNSW will work with the NSW Government on implementation of the revised guideline levels as required.

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