Melbourne Water proactively monitors for per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our water supply catchments, ensuring the production of safe and secure high-quality drinking water for our customers and communities.
We comply with the Victorian Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and follow the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
We have recently commenced further monitoring for PFAS at several sites located across our protected and open water supply catchments. These samples are analysed by an independent accredited laboratory.
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines specify safe limits, otherwise known as guideline values, for PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid), PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) and PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid).
A 2024-2025 comprehensive monitoring program for our water supply catchments has not detected PFAS. The testing protocols can detect PFAS at levels as low as 2 nanograms per litre. Monitoring results show water from our catchments meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines as well as the draft PFAS guidelines under review by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Further information
- What are PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances)?
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PFAS are a group of human-made substances found in many products widely used by consumers and industry since the mid-1900s.
PFAS are often known as ‘forever chemicals’ and are of concern because they can persist for a long time, both in the environment and in humans.
Laboratories can detect miniscule amounts of PFAS worldwide. PFAS are commonly detected at trace levels in groundwater, surface water and soils worldwide.
- What are the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines for PFAS?
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Australian Drinking Water Guidelines are set by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and currently include health-based guideline values (limits) for the following three PFAS:
- less than 560 nanograms per litre for PFOA
- less than 70 nanograms per litre for the sum of PFOS and PFHxS combined.
For comparison, 1 nanogram per litre is equivalent to one part per trillion.
The NHMRC uses the latest scientific evidence, ensuring that guidelines remain up to date and safe.
- What do the proposed changes to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines for PFAS mean for Melbourne Water?
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New draft guideline values (limits) for PFAS have recently been released by the NHMRC for public consultation. We understand the draft update to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and the new draft guideline values will be finalised in April 2025.
Melbourne Water welcomes the draft update and we are currently reviewing the proposed changes. Results from our 2024-2025 comprehensive monitoring program are still below the draft PFAS guidelines under review.
- How has Melbourne Water previously monitored for PFAS in drinking water?
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In the past, we have conducted proactive testing for PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS in open water supply catchments more exposed to urban and agricultural land uses with potential sources of PFAS. Our results from two rounds of historical monitoring (2010–2011 and 2014–2017) showed concentrations of PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS were well below the guideline values (limits) specified in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
- What is our current monitoring for PFAS in drinking water?
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As part of our periodic review of water quality risks, we commenced further monitoring for PFAS in August 2024.
We are currently monitoring seven sites in our protected and open water supply catchments, including:
- two sites in the Yarra Ranges catchment
- two sites in the Tarago catchment
- one site near Maroondah catchment
- one site in the mid-Yarra catchment
- one site near Yan Yean catchment.
- How does the water supply network operate?
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Melbourne Water treats drinking water collected from our catchments and reservoirs. Then, we supply it to your local water corporation to deliver it straight to you. Learn more about how our water supply system works.
- Are local water corporations also monitoring for PFAS?
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Yes, they are. We test for PFAS at sample sites in our catchments, and then local water corporations test for PFAS in the drinking water supply network.
By working together to monitor for PFAS at multiple points in the water supply network, we can verify that the water we supply meets safe limits and continue to provide high-quality drinking water for all our customers.
For more information on your local metropolitan water corporation’s PFAS monitoring program, please go to their website:
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Fact sheet by the Water Services Association of Australia.
Fact sheet by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
The National Health and Medical Research Council’s guidelines provide guidance to water regulators and suppliers on monitoring and managing drinking water quality.