Bundaberg – Svensson Heights
In April and May 2018, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation worked closely with Bundaberg Regional Council (BRC) and Queensland Health in response to the detection of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater that supplies part of the town’s water network.
The water sampling, carried out by BRC in 2018, identified levels of two PFAS (PFOS and PFHxS) exceeding the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines in Dr Mays Reservoir, which supplied water to the Svensson Heights residential area.
As a result of the findings, BRC stopped sourcing drinking water from the contaminated bore supplying Dr Mays Reservoir and implemented an ongoing monitoring program to manage supply to ensure water supplied to Bundaberg complies with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines for PFAS.
Information relating to PFAS and its associated health concerns may be found in the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) factsheet and guidance statement.
Further information
Members of the public concerned about their health should see their local doctor or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
For further information, please view the following resources: