PFHxS+PFOS0.009ug/L (max), 0.007ug/L (av.)
PFAS chemicals linked to fire fighting foams found in Adelaide River, Batchelor
Chemicals linked to fire fighting foams have been detected at low levels in drinking water in Adelaide River and Batchelor, according to the Health Department.
The department’s director of environmental health, Xavier Schobben, said the authority was still waiting for the full report on the chemicals in water supplies, but preliminary tests from the Power and Water Corporation had been conducted.
“It’s not detectable in Alice Springs. There has been a very low level of detection found in Batchelor and the Adelaide River production bores,” Mr Schobben said…
Testing began in drinking water last month
For the first time, Power and Water Corporation tested for the PFAS chemicals in public drinking water in mid-October.
Results of PFAS testing October 2016:
| Batchelor | From a single Bore (tap water is a blend) | 0.0664 µg/L |
Batchelor (Northern Territory) Hardness
2006/07: Batchelor Hardness 202mg/L
2007/08: Batchelor Hardness 201mg/L
2011/12: Batchelor Hardness 200mg/L
2012/13: Batchelor Hardness 252mg/L
2014/15: Batchelor Hardness 215mg/L
2015/16: Batchelor Hardness 225mg/L
2020/21: Batchelor Hardness 200mg/L (max), 200mg/L (av.)
GUIDELINE
“To minimise undesirable build‑up of scale in hot water systems, total hardness (as calcium
carbonate) in drinking water should not exceed 200 mg/L.
Hard water requires more soap than soft water to obtain a lather. It can also cause scale to form on hot water pipes and fittings. Hardness is caused primarily by the presence of calcium and magnesium ions, although other cations such as strontium, iron, manganese and barium can also contribute.”
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011