WaterNSW has undertaken an extensive investigation and identified likely sources of PFAS contamination in the Blue Mountains water catchment. On its face, this belies the testimony of local advocacy organizations. Municipal water supply In total, the agency collected over 250 water and sediment samples. They collected these from 37 sites in the Adams Creek and Medlow catchments to determine the source of toxic pollutants.
The investigation, which lasted seven months, focused on two significant water bodies: Medlow Dam and Greaves Creek Dam. Both dams were cut off from the drinking water supply in mid-August 2024 as an emergency measure to safeguard the health of local residents. Thousands relied on these sources for their clean drinking water, making it imperative to act as soon as contamination was even suspected.
Findings of the Investigation
WaterNSW’s report finally admits that this contamination probably originates from the crash and explosion of a petrol tanker. This example of a wildlife crossing along the Great Western Highway in Medlow Bath, Australia from 1992. At the time of this incident, firefighting foam—widely understood to contain PFAS chemicals—was used copiously. Drone images and historical footage reveal this foam cascading down an embankment that flows directly into Adams Creek.
PFAS levels increased drastically in the upper Adams Creek watershed, according to the report. In the lower reaches of the Medlow Greaves catchment, concentrations decreased sharply. Contamination may be moving downstream from these areas, carried by the increasing patterns of rainfall and surface water runoff. Shockingly, it can still be found in the environment even 32 years after the first eruption.
“consistent with the historical use of Aqueous Fire Fighting Foam (AFF)” – WaterNSW report.
It was two historic petrol tanker fires that led to this tragic contamination. A Rural Fire Brigade station was key to the beginning of the grievance. The results validated the fears of community members. They noted that PFAS chemicals have long-lasting impacts on the environment.
Public Health and Safety Measures
In direct response to the findings, WaterNSW moved quickly to protect residents’ drinking water in the region. The agency confirmed that despite the disconnections, water quality meets existing Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, making it safe for consumption.
“With these disconnections in place and according to the most recent monitoring results, NSW Health and Sydney Water have advised drinking water in the Blue Mountains meets the existing Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and is safe to drink.” – WaterNSW.
WaterNSW further stressed the priority they place on safety. They will only return Medlow Dam and Greaves Creek Dam back to raw water supply network once suitable permanent mitigation measures are in place.
Local Response and Further Investigations
Our local Stop PFAS action group took the lead throughout this process. They asked their own questions to determine where the contamination came from. Their campaigning forced the issue into the public spotlight, making it impossible for WaterNSW not to launch an official investigation. The coalition celebrated the preliminary findings but has persisted in calling for more decisive action to prevent ongoing contamination.
As more communities realize the threats posed by PFAS chemicals and their toxic impacts, community members stay on guard. They want to hear from big shots that their drinking water will be regularly monitored and protected from suspected future contaminants.
