Tests have detected unsafe levels of cancer-causing “forever chemicals” in drinking water at Tingalpa Creek and other Brisbane treatment facilities, sparking concerns over public health and information transparency.
What Are “Forever Chemicals”?
The chemicals in question, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are synthetic compounds used in products like non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and water-resistant materials. PFAS, including PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), are highly persistent in the environment and linked to serious health risks such as cancer.
The World Health Organisation classified PFOA as a carcinogen in 2023.
Tingalpa Creek and Surrounding Areas Affected
Seqwater documents reveal that PFOA levels at treatment sites, including Tingalpa Creek Channel, were measured significantly above US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines.
Aside from Tingalpa Creek, the following bodies of water and treatment facilities in Queensland also show high detection of PFAS chemicals:
Mount Crosby Westbank and Eastbank Treatment Plants – Key facilities that produce most of Brisbane’s drinking water. Recorded PFOA levels up to 36 parts per trillion.
Lowood Treatment Plant – Another site with significant detections exceeding US standards.
Camerons Hill – Cited multiple times for PFAS exceedances.
Lockyer Catchment – Also reported to have PFAS contamination.
While US regulations limit PFOA in drinking water to 4 parts per trillion, Seqwater recorded readings up to 36 parts per trillion at multiple sites across Brisbane. The Australian standards allow a much higher threshold of 560 parts per trillion, meaning national guidelines were not breached.
Experts have pointed out the discrepancy between Australian and international standards, noting that such levels would be deemed unsafe in other countries. Western Sydney University water scientist Ian Wright described the findings as “alarming” and stated he had not encountered higher levels in Australian drinking water before.
Transparency Issues and Public Concerns
Despite the high readings, Seqwater did not publicly release the results until compelled by a Right to Information request. Internal documents show Seqwater staff debated the need for transparency, ultimately deciding not to share the findings since Australian guidelines were not exceeded.
Residents who sought clarity were given generic responses, while media inquiries were deflected with prepared statements emphasising compliance with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Seqwater defended its actions, stating that all water quality testing met national standards and that it began publishing PFAS results online from November 2024. However, past exceedances, including those at Tingalpa Creek, remain unpublished, raising questions about accountability.
Community Impact and Expert Criticism
Local residents expressed concerns about the potential risks to their families, particularly given PFAS chemicals’ long-term persistence in the human body and environment. Some have sought advice on whether home filtration systems are necessary. Experts argue that withholding such data undermines public trust and limits the community’s ability to make informed health decisions.
Environmental campaigners and health researchers have called for stricter Australian regulations and greater transparency. One expert noted that PFAS could become the “new asbestos” due to its widespread presence and serious health implications.
Moving Forward
Seqwater insists it has complied with all regulatory obligations, but calls for reform and an independent inquiry into its handling of PFAS data are growing louder. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, concerns about international scrutiny and public safety remain in focus. Experts urge water authorities to prioritise transparency and align with stricter global standards to rebuild trust and protect public health.
Published 29-Nov-2024