July PFAS Test Results

Published on 10 July 2025

Narrabri Shire Council continues to conduct monthly PFAS testing on the Narrabri Town Water Supply.

The latest testing results of the Namoi Reservoir have identified PFAS levels as meeting the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. This means that the Narrabri Town Water Supply continues to be safe for consumption.

July testing results – Namoi Reservoir

These latest results follow mitigation of the water supply after initial July testing showed the Namoi Reservoir slightly above the current guidelines, with a PFOS level of 9 ng/L (only just above the new Australian Drinking Water Guidelines of 8 ng/L). The PFxS level of 6 ng/L remained well below the updated guidelines of 30 ng/L.

In line with recommendations from NSW Health, Council conducted an investigation into this slight elevation of results, switching off the Tibberena bore.

As per advice from NSW Health, given the very conservative nature of the health-based guideline values, deviations over a short period do not necessarily mean that the water is unsuitable for consumption. Further, as the guideline values are intended to minimise risk over a lifetime, any short-term exposure to PFAS concentrations above the guideline values are unlikely to change this risk.

The latest testing results can be found on Council’s website – www.narrabri.nsw.gov.au/pfas

Council will continue to test the water supply monthly and report back to residents.

NSW Health is recommending that any private bore owners consider testing their groundwater.

Information regarding groundwater and testing can be found at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/groundwater.aspx