* N/D = Nil Detection in the analysis, noting that the detection limit is <0.001ug/L
** Units are in micrograms per litre

* N/D = Nil Detection in the analysis, noting that the detection limit is <0.001ug/L
** Units are in micrograms per litre

* N/D = Nil Detection in the analysis, noting that the detection limit is <0.001ug/L
** Units are in micrograms per litre

* N/D = Nil Detection in the analysis, noting that the detection limit is <0.001ug/L
** Units are in micrograms per litre

* N/D = Nil Detection in the analysis, noting that the detection limit is <0.001ug/L
** Units are in micrograms per litre

* N/D = Nil Detection in the analysis, noting that the detection limit is <0.001ug/L
** Units are in micrograms per litre

Central Coast Council collects water samples from catchments, water storages, our treatment plants and distribution systems.

Staff follow strict protocols to ensure that the samples collected are not contaminated by everyday items that contain PFAS such as outdoor clothing, makeup and sunscreen.

The samples are sent for analysis at specialist laboratories with NATA accreditation. 

Council takes a proactive approach to monitoring PFAS in treated drinking water and untreated source waters.

Council has conducted extensive monitoring, over and above that required by NSW Health. This has helped Council to understand PFAS risk in our water supply system.

Sample locations and frequency are based on the level of risk of PFAS across the drinking water catchments.

Central Coast Council has completed an initial PFAS monitoring program that included monthly sampling at some locations where PFAS may have been a risk and less frequent sampling where potential PFAS sources were not expected.

An ongoing monitoring program continues with more frequent monitoring at higher risk sites and less frequent monitoring at lower risk sites. Monitoring of treated drinking water supplies to customers is undertaken quarterly.

Additional testing is also conducted as needed, like in the instance of an elevated PFAS detection. 

All treated water samples (representative of the water supplied to customers) have no PFAS detected or detected only at very low levels. All results are well below the Australian Drinking Water Guideline values.

PFAS have not been detected in the majority of untreated source water samples.
Some samples from untreated source water (from rivers, creeks and dams) within the drinking water catchments) have PFAS concentrations above the Australian Drinking Water Guideline values.

Where PFAS have been detected at concentrations above the guideline values, Council has undertaken further investigative monitoring. 
In catchments where elevated PFAS have been detected, PFAS concentrations were well below guideline levels at the extraction point for that catchment.

It’s important to remember that the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines do not specifically apply to untreated water as the water is not directly consumed by customers. For untreated water, Council uses the guideline values to assess water quality risk and identify potential catchment management actions.

The Central Coast drinking water supply remains safe and compliant with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

As a Water Utility, Council is required to report elevated PFAS results to NSW Health and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). A multi-agency response is then triggered in accordance with the context of the detection. 

Council is continuing to monitor PFAS in treated and untreated drinking water.

Council is collaborating with NSW Health and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to investigate and manage catchments where elevated PFAS levels have been detected.