6 February 2025

PFAS water testing: Local government calls for greater support

Local Government NSW is calling for continued financial support for councils amid growing concerns over the presence of PFAS chemicals in water supplies.

In its submission to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into PFAS contamination in waterways and drinking water supplies, LGNSW warned that the financial burden of addressing and managing PFAS risks cannot be shouldered by local councils alone and will require continued funding and support from State and Federal Governments.

NSW councils are responsible for providing water and sewerage services to more than 1.8 million people in NSW outside the areas serviced by the Sydney and Hunter Water Corporations. These services are provided by 89 council owned Local Water Utilities, or “LWUs”.

Appearing before the Parliamentary inquiry on Wednesday, Mayor of Wagga Wagga and LGNSW Board Director Cr Dallas Tout highlighted that LWUs play a critical role in delivering safe and reliable drinking water to communities in rural and regional areas. 

“With guidance and funding support from NSW Health, all local water utilities have undertaken initial PFAS screenings on their water supply systems as a precautionary measure,” Cr Tout said.  

However, Cr Tout went on to warn that more stringent standards concerning PFAS levels will inevitably result in an escalation in costs for LWUs, which are already operating within constrained budgets and capacity.

“The NSW Government needs to provide financial assistance to LWUs to meet stricter PFAS standards, to upgrade drinking water treatment systems and to undertake PFAS cleanup measures,” he said. 

LGNSW President Cr Phyllis Miller OAM said government support so far had been welcome, but that major infrastructure upgrades and investment to address PFAS contamination would be needed.

“Councils support evidence-based standards for safe drinking water. However, any changes to standards will require substantial capital investment that councils cannot fund," Cr Miller said. 

“PFAS contamination is not a problem of councils’ making, and is beyond the financial capacity of councils to address. We look forward to State and Commonwealth governments working in partnership with councils to protect the water supplies our communities rely on,” she said.

“This is not a luxury item or a nice-to-have. This is essential to the health and wellbeing of our communities and we look forward to seeing what the Parliamentary Committee hands down.”

The inquiry is due to report back to Parliament by 20 June 2025.

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