Latest PFAS Test Results and project updates

Published on 29 September 2026

The latest testing results of the Namoi Reservoir have shown PFAS levels as below current guidelines.

This means that the Narrabri Town Water Supply continues to be safe for consumption.

17 September testing results – Namoi Reservoir

The latest testing of the Elizabeth Street bore showed no detection of PFxS, PFOA or PFBS, with PFOS at 2ng/L.

The Tibbereena Street bore was at 7ng/L for PFOS and PFHxS at 5ng/L. PFBS and PFOA were not detected. The Tibbereena Street bore continues to safely supplement water supplied from the Elizabeth Street bore.

The Killarney bore remains switched off with testing continuing to show the bore above current guidelines. Results from 17 September 2026 saw the bore at 29ng/L for PFHxS; 24ng/L for PFOS; PFBS at 5ng/L and PFOA at 2ng/L.

The latest testing results can be found on Council’s website. 

NSW Health continues to recommend 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

Water projects updates

A PFAS update was presented to Councillors at the September Ordinary Council Meeting, outlining the current status of water projects.

Routine treated water testing continues at the Namoi Street reservoirs, with all results indicating the Narrabri drinking water supply meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Daily monitoring of the reservoir levels shows that the supply is stable.

Looking ahead longer-term, Council has engaged NSW Public Works Advisory to provide an options study for the long-term reduction of PFAS in the Narrabri Water Supply.

PFAS portable water treatment plant

Councillors endorsed a proposal to procure a temporary water treatment plant to bring the Killarney Bore back online, providing security against PFAS contamination from this bore in the water supply for Narrabri.

The temporary treatment plant will be procured utilising the NSW Government’s $4 million PFAS Emergency grant.

Procurement and installation of the temporary water treatment plant is subject to endorsement from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Saleyards Bore

The licence application to modify Narrabri’s Town Water Access Licence to include the Saleyards bore had been approved by DCCEEW.

Initial investigations indicate the bore water may require additional treatment before it can be added to the water supply. Council is working with NSW Health to determine the extent of treatment required to bring the Saleyards Bore online, with further sampling and testing to be undertaken.

Logans Lane Bore

Council has confirmed the Logans Lane Bore is within Council’s road reserve – providing another avenue to further secure Narrabri’s water supply.

Council is now engaging a consultant to complete a 72-hour pumping test, analysis and reporting to confirm its suitability as an additional or alternative water production bore.

It’s also collecting a number of water samples to ensure the quality of the water.

A report will then be provided to NSW Health for review on the suitability of the supply at the location. 

Violet Street water main upgrade

Council will upgrade around 226m of water main in Violet Street from the Tibbereena Street intersection as part of the Violet Street Bridge Replacement Project.

Current works on Violet Street have provided an opportunity to replace this critical piece of pipe infrastructure, which is over 50 years old.

The new 300mm pipe will help accommodate increased water demand associated with anticipated development and population growth in areas west of Narrabri Creek.

The cost of the upgrade, which is estimated to be $213,720, will be funded from the Water Fund Reserve.