Recent media reports about PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) testing in our area have raised questions about drinking water quality. We want to reassure our community that the water we supply is safe to drink and meets all Australian health and safety guidelines.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, that are found in many everyday products. While PFAS are commonly detected in the environment, the water we supply is rigorously tested and treated to ensure it is safe for you.
Our customers receive treated water from both our local water reservoirs and Melbourne Water catchments. We regularly test for PFAS in line with national standards - it’s part of our ongoing water quality testing and monitoring program. Melbourne Water also conducts regular monitoring.
Recent results from GWW’s local testing confirm that PFAS levels in our water supplies remain well below the health-based guidelines of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. These guidelines are set by the independent National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), who determine safe levels of PFAS in water.
Our commitment to safety is unwavering as our understanding of PFAS evolves with emerging research and regulations. We’re working closely with the broader water industry, regulators and researchers and to adapt our practices and stay ahead of potential risks, and we’ll keep you updated as this happens.
If you have questions about PFAS, we’re here to help. We’re committed to being open about our testing results and are working to make them available here on our website soon in an easy-to-understand format.
We understand concerns about PFAS in the news and we want you to feel confident in the water we deliver to you. Thank you for trusting us to provide you with safe and reliable water every day.
