WITH an inquiry into PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in waterways and drinking water supplies throughout the state underway, and new guidelines released, Hunter Water has sought to reassure residents of the safety of their drinking water.

Hunter Water manages the Lower Hunter region’s ‘catchment-to-tap’ water supply.

“For the last eight years, we have been monitoring our water supply for PFAS, and the results demonstrate that the drinking water we supply to our customers and community is safe,” a spokesperson for Hunter Water said in a statement.

Last week the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) released updated draft guidelines relating to PFAS for community feedback.

Based on a review of available evidence, NHMRC is proposing to significantly lower the accepted amount of certain PFAS found in drinking water.

“A review of our historical water quality monitoring data for the region’s distribution network indicates that our drinking water complies with the proposed new PFAS guidelines and is safe to drink, whether we use the current or proposed future PFAS guidelines,” Hunter Water stated.

“Under our extensive water quality monitoring program Hunter Water routinely tests for PFAS in all our drinking water supply zones.

“We report all detections over 0.002 micrograms per litre, or 2 parts per trillion, which is our independent laboratory’s limit of reporting.

“The testing program confirms that drinking water supplied by Hunter Water is safe and meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.”