Australian scientists have recently completed studies that found 21 new “forever chemicals” in Sydney tap water. These chemicals—which include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS—have significant implications for water quality. This groundbreaking study, led by Professor Alex Donald, a chemistry expert, indicates that one of these chemicals has never before been reported in any drinking supply globally. These discoveries reaffirm a pressing need for improved and more widespread monitoring of drinking water quality — especially with regard to these long-lasting toxic environmental pollutants.
This collaborative science effort found 31 PFAS chemicals at all of the sites tested. These sites are Ryde, Potts Hill, Prospect and North Richmond. In closing, Professor Donald commented on the significance of these findings. He explained that with advanced testing methods, it just became possible to test for trace amounts of these chemicals.
New Testing Methods Reveal Hidden Contaminants
According to Prof Donald, the testing methods used before might have missed these chemicals. Even the most sensitive new testing methods today allow researchers to detect incredibly low concentrations of substances. In fact, they can detect just one drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
“We’re talking about one drop of water in up to 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.” – Professor Donald
This shocking disclosure raises deep fears about the safety of our drinking water to entire communities. Further, it recognizes the dangers to public health from long-term exposure to PFAS chemicals. Despite this alarming discovery, Professor Donald reassured the public that the detected levels remain within safe Australian drinking water guidelines, which regulate four specific PFAS chemicals and their concentrations.
Implications for Public Health and Safety
Unfortunately, the newly discovered PFAS chemicals do not make it any easier for regulatory bodies or environmental agencies. This is less than 1% of the Air Quality Index concentration level limit. The truly daunting and baffling range of chemicals points to a more systemic issue.
As discussed by Professor Donald, two of those chemicals are remarkably rare in drinking water sources. Their detection indicates that there are likely many more undiscovered contaminants lurking about than we once acknowledged.
“So there’s more there than we probably previously appreciated.” – Professor Donald
The origins of these chemicals remain unclear. Professor Donald had previously speculated that they possibly have entered the water supply through other means, including emerging contaminants like PFAS consumer products including food packaging. But he stressed that more research is needed to identify the specific source of contamination.
“It has been picked up in various consumer products like food packaging and so somehow that must have made it into the waterway, but we don’t know the origin of it,” – Professor Donald
A Call for Broader Monitoring Efforts
The findings from this research underscore the urgent need for comprehensive monitoring programs to assess the safety and quality of drinking water across Australia. Yet, the finding of new PFAS chemicals speaks to the deep challenges we face today. It requires that we take proactive measures to prevent contaminants from entering our water.
Professor Donald’s research serves as a crucial reminder of the complexities involved in ensuring public health and safety regarding drinking water supplies. Additional research is finding new contaminants that have never been detected before. This finding compels governmental regulatory and public health agencies to change how they monitor toxic exposure.
