Jervis Bay Territory drinking water

4 November 2020

Independent testing undertaken in response to community concerns has confirmed Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) drinking water is safe.

While very low levels of PFAS were recently detected in some of the water samples taken between 7 September and 23 October 2020, these were at levels between 25 and 175 times below safe levels as set by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines produced by the National Health and Medical Research Council. The independent water testing consultants engaged by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (the Department) assessed any potential risk posed by PFAS to JBT’s drinking water supply, with all results available to date showing JBT's drinking water is safe to drink.

Prior to the latest testing, the quality of drinking water supplied to JBT has been tested regularly by both the Department of Defence and the ACT Government to ensure that it complies with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

The health and safety of JBT residents—and their confidence in a safe water supply—remains our first priority. The Department will continue to ensure drinking water quality, including routine monthly testing for PFAS from November.

For general information on PFAS health effects and exposure pathways, contact the Department of Health on 1800 941 180, or see the fact sheet which is available at: https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ohp-pfas.htm#pfas