Per and Poly-FluoroAlkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals. They are resistant to heat, water, and oil. Industrial processes and fire-fighting foams use PFAS. They have been used since the 1950s in a range of common household products and speciality applications. These include:
- non-stick cookware
- fabric and furniture
- carpet stain protection
- food packaging.
They are commonly found in the environment at low levels due to widespread use. PFAS have not been detected in drinking water on the Gold Coast. Seqwater and Queensland Health have deemed the risk of PFAS exposure from drinking tap water in South East Queensland to be very low.
In 2018, Seqwater conducted a survey of the region's catchments. The survey tested both source and treated drinking water to understand the risk profile of PFAS. Testing from that survey and subsequent years has confirmed that PFAS concentrations have been below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and are low risk for our catchment. Fortunately for Gold Coast water quality, most of the land in our catchment is in an undeveloped state. The 207 square kilometre catchment area for Hinze Dam includes the Numinbah Valley and Springbrook Plateau. Approximately 77% of the catchment is covered by native bush land within State forests and national parks.
Find out how we manage the City's water quality on our Drinking water quality page. You can also refer to the Water Services Association of Australia PFAS Fact Sheet.
Impact on our health
PFAS are found all over the world within the general population, at very low levels in the blood. Exposure to small amounts of PFAS occurs through dust, in and outdoor air, food, water and contact with products that contain these chemicals.
For most people, food is thought to be the major source of exposure. PFAS absorbed through the gut are not metabolised or broken down in the body. These chemicals are eliminated very slowly from the body.
We do not know if there is a potential for PFAS to adversely affect our health. We rely on guidance and advice from the relevant health authorities such as Queensland Health, whom we are working with.
Find more information on the Queensland Government website.
Anyone concerned about their own health or that of family members should call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or talk to their doctor.
PFAS in groundwater & desalinated water
Groundwater in urban areas can contain contaminants from a variety of sources, including PFAS. See Managing groundwater for cautions on its use.
Groundwater quality is protected under Queensland's environmental legislation. This legislation ensures the integrity of aquatic ecosystems is preserved and its suitability for human use is maintained. This includes for crop irrigation, stock watering, drinking and for industry. Queensland Health advises that groundwater may be used for watering lawns and non-edible plants.
The Gold Coast Desalination Plant, which is owned by Seqwater and operated by Veolia, uses a water purification technology called reverse osmosis as part of the plant's desalination process. This is an internationally proven and effective barrier for PFAS treatment.
PFAS found in Gold Coast locations
Elanora Sewage Treatment Plant Site
Trace amounts of PFAS were found in soil and groundwater samples on the Elanora Sewage Treatment Plant site. The Department of Transport and Main Roads discovered it during routine soil sampling for the widening of the M1 project. This includes the land in front of the treatment plant.
In response to the discovery we worked in collaboration with these departments to complete an extensive investigation into the presence of PFAS and to identify the potential source:
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science
- Queensland Health.
Our investigations suggest the PFAS originated from households and commercial businesses sewage flows into the treatment plant. Its presence does not appear to be related to any chemical products utilised at or around the plant.
Sampling of groundwater was performed to test the quality of the groundwater around the Elanora Sewage Treatment Plant site. We have also completed sampling where PFAS may have been present in residential areas north of the treatment plant. The sampling detected low concentrations of PFAS and found that the groundwater is mildly acidic and saline.
The concentrations of PFAS detected were compared against health guidelines for drinking water and recreational water. The PFAS levels detected are low and are considered unlikely to cause harm to those residents accessing the groundwater using spear pumps if this water is used appropriately – see Managing groundwater.
This investigation is now complete with the overall conclusion being that the risk to the environment and public health is low.
Coolangatta Creek & Kirra Beach
PFAS have historically been detected in Coolangatta Creek. It is important to note that:
- the levels detected are below recreational guideline levels
- the potential for human health risks associated with the recreational use of marine waters at Kirra Beach is very low and not of concern.
All results from sampling conducted to date are below the health-based guideline values provided by the Australian Department of Health. However, we have adopted a precautionary approach. As indicated through signage in the area, we do not recommend direct water contact recreation activities in the:
- area of the Coolangatta Creek drainage outfall on to Kirra Beach
- Coolangatta Creek adjacent to the Kirra Beach Tourist Park.
Groundwater and sediment contamination, and the environmental impacts of PFAS are also being addressed by lead agencies including:
- AirServices Australia
- Gold Coast Airport
- Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
- Queensland Health.
We will continue to liaise with these lead agencies to track the progress of their investigations.
The existing low levels of PFAS identified in Coolangatta Creek are in no way linked to the potential groundwater quality issue under investigation in Elanora. These are two separate catchments.
For any public health matters or concerns associated with PFAS, contact Queensland Health:
Call on 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).