Riverina Water Dilutes Wagga Wagga Bores After Elevated PFAS Detected

Riverina Water, the local water authority serving the Wagga Wagga region, announced it is diluting water from two groundwater bores after routine testing revealed elevated concentrations of PFAS, a class of synthetic chemicals commonly known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body.

The utility has not identified the source of the contamination. PFAS are associated with industrial sites, firefighting training grounds, and landfills, but no specific origin has been confirmed in this case. Riverina Water said the dilution process ensures the blended water meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, and that no supply interruptions or health advisories have been issued to residents.

PFAS have been linked to a range of health risks, including effects on the immune system, liver function, and certain cancers, though Australian health authorities maintain that current exposure levels through drinking water are low. The National Health and Medical Research Council updated guidelines in 2025, tightening acceptable PFAS levels in drinking water.

The announcement has raised concerns among Wagga Wagga residents about the long-term safety of their water supply. Environmental groups have called for a comprehensive investigation into the contamination source, noting that PFAS contamination is often difficult and expensive to remediate.

Riverina Water stated it is conducting additional testing and working with the NSW Environment Protection Authority to trace the contamination. The utility assured consumers that the drinking water remains safe, but independent experts have urged transparency about ongoing monitoring.

Why This Matters

PFAS are persistent and bioaccumulative; even low-level contamination can pose health risks over decades.
The unknown source means there may be ongoing or larger contamination yet to be discovered.
Wagga Wagga is a major regional centre; a prolonged water quality issue could affect thousands of residents and local industry.

Background

PFAS contamination has been a growing concern across Australia, with hotspots discovered near Defence Force bases, airports, and industrial sites. In 2024, the federal government committed $250 million to a national PFAS management plan. The incident in Wagga Wagga comes as many regional utilities are upgrading testing to meet the 2025 NHMRC guidelines that lowered acceptable PFAS concentrations. Previous cases, such as those at Williamtown (NSW) and Oakey (Queensland), led to decades of legal battles and buybacks of contaminated properties.

Key Perspectives

Riverina Water: The utility emphasises that dilution is a standard, effective interim measure and that all water leaving the treatment plants meets guidelines. It is co-operating with regulators to find the source. Residents and Community Groups: Some residents have expressed frustration at the lack of information and want immediate independent testing. The Wagga Wagga Environmental Action Group has called for a public meeting. Health and Environmental Experts: They caution that dilution does not remove PFAS – it only reduces concentration. They argue that even low levels may accumulate, and a permanent solution (e.g., activated carbon filtration) is needed. The EPA is likely to push for source identification before considering long-term remediation.

What to Watch

Results of further testing by Riverina Water and the NSW EPA expected in the coming weeks.
Possible expansion of the monitoring area to include other bores and private wells.
Public pressure and political attention as regional issues can escalate during election cycles (NSW state election due March 2027).

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