Australian drinking water is among the best in the world, and in Tasmania, we currently hold the title of the country’s best tasting tap water. It is crucial that, as water utilities, we do our utmost to protect our water sources while ensuring that we deliver water to our communities that meet the rigorous Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Across the state, TasWater manages a vast infrastructure network that supplies drinking water to more than 220,000 households and businesses. In fact, we maintain 38 per cent of the water and sewage treatment plants run by major water utilities in Australia.
Every water system is rigorously monitored from catchment to tap to ensure the best quality water is provided to every customer. In 2023-24, we conducted approximately 280,000 water quality tests across the state, which equates to one test every two minutes.
Our commitment to quality and safety is unwavering, yet this responsibility comes with challenges. These include the unique geographical locations of our water treatment infrastructure, the unpredictability of climate change and human-made factors such as PFAS.
PFAS are here to stay: we need to be vigilant and continue to be proactive in our approach to managing this issue for future generations
PFAS is short-hand for synthetic fluorocarbons known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances - a group of more than 14,000 chemicals. These chemicals can be used to coat and protect surfaces, widely used in industry and consumer products to resist heat, stains, grease and water. The average person ingests more PFAS through food than water.
Naturally, when PFAS gained worldwide media attention, following strict new guidelines for drinking water in the USA, Australians wanted a greater understanding of their exposure risk. Proactively, TasWater recently completed 1,960 tests for the presence of PFAS in all of our 70 raw water catchments we use to source our drinking water and have had no detections. But this is not the end. PFAS are here to stay, and we need to be vigilant and continue to be proactive in our approach to managing this issue for future generations.
Addressing PFAS contamination is not just the responsibility of governments or water authorities; it’s a collective responsibility that requires effort from everyone. Individuals can help by staying informed, choosing sustainable brands, and looking out for PFAS-free status labelling as it becomes more widely available. Businesses, particularly in manufacturing, must be proactive in researching and adopting safer alternatives.
We will continue to put the health and safety of all Tasmanians above all else. We welcomed the draft updated guideline values for PFAS in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines in October. We support its rolling review by the National Health and Medical Research Council, who draw on the best available scientific evidence, involving rigorous expert review.
The proposed guideline values are significantly lower than currently in place and serve as a trigger for investigation of sources of PFAS, if exceeded. The lowest proposed level (for PFOS) is 4 nanograms per litre, equivalent to one drop in five Olympic-sized swimming pools.
PFAS presents a uniquely long-lasting challenge. At TasWater, we will continue to be vigilant and work with the relevant authorities, while keeping our community informed and educated on the current events surrounding PFAS. We see significant benefit to working closely with the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), whose proactive approach to the global PFAS conversation has helped us develop our own methods.
Addressing the persistent and widespread extent of PFAS demands a unified approach, with policymakers, industry leaders, water authorities, and individuals working together to limit PFAS exposure and protect our most vital resource — safe, clean drinking water — for generations to come.