“Forever chemicals” linked to cancer have been detected in several drinking catchments which serve millions of Australians — at levels deemed unacceptable in other parts of the world.
Sydney Water confirmed for the first time on its website that PFAS chemicals were detected in June at low levels in key water filtration plants, including Warragamba, Prospect Reservoir and Orchard Hills.
Orchard Hills serves roughly 200,000 people in greater Penrith, including St Marys, Emu Plains and the Lower Blue Mountains.
The Prospect Reservoir is used as one of three main supplies for Prospect Water Filtration Plant, supplying 80 per cent of Greater Sydney’s drinking water to four million people.
Concerningly, PFAS chemicals were also detected in higher levels at the Cascade Dam in the Blue Mountains and North Richmond, 70km northwest of the CBD.