PFAS detected in multiple drinking water catchment areas in Sydney, Australia

On August 20, according to Australian media reports, Sydney Water detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals", in water samples from multiple drinking water catchment areas in the Greater Sydney area.

Sydney Water recently published on its website the test results of water quality samples from multiple major catchment area water treatment plants in the region in June this year. Among them, PFAS was detected in the water samples of six water treatment plants, and the content of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) was relatively high in the water samples of two water treatment plants. Although the content of these substances does not exceed the current Australian drinking water related regulations, it is higher than the American standard.

However, relevant local departments all said that Sydney's water is safe. Sydney Water emphasized that Sydney's water is in a safe state. The health department of New South Wales where Sydney is located also holds the same view and said that relevant institutions will continuously monitor the quality of drinking water.

It is reported that PFAS is difficult to degrade and will accumulate in the environment and in the human body. Some studies believe that exposure to these chemicals may be related to cancer, liver and heart damage, and impaired immunity and development in infants and children.