Australian PFAS Chemicals Map

Drinking water for Narrabri is sourced from groundwater bores and supplied to the Namoi Street Reservoir. (detections listed below)

New Funding To Safeguard Narrabri Water Supply

10/11/25: The Minns Labor Government has taken decisive action to shore up water supply in Narrabri, committing an additional $4 million in funding to deliver critical new infrastructure for drinking water.

The new funding for Narrabri Shire Council will deliver a portable water treatment plant to treat water from two PFAS-contaminated bores to a level that meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

It will also support the investigation and delivery of new production bores to significantly increase town water supply.

PFAS was found in two of the town’s three bores in November last year and Narrabri Shire Council introduced water restrictions in early October 2025 when water demand began to increase.

In response to dropping reservoir levels, the NSW Government took the immediate step of providing the Council with $50,000 in emergency funding to deliver a new pump for the town’s operating bore, while working towards a long-term solution.

Fast and efficient to install, the new portable plant is expected to be up and running in a few months and will treat raw water from Narrabri’s existing bores to meet safe drinking water guidelines.

It is the same system currently being used at Sydney Water’s Cascade Water Treatment Plant in the Blue Mountains.

Combined with the newly-installed pump, the portable plant will boost water supply for Narrabri’s 7,000 residents while the NSW Government works closely with Council to look at converting two new test bores at Salesyard and Logan Lane into production bores.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“I was very clear that we would go the extra mile to help Narrabri respond to the PFAS issue and secure a more reliable water supply. Local member Roy Butler has also been a fierce advocate for his community.

“I recognise water restrictions have a big impact on residents, which is why we moved quickly to find a solution.

“We already put $50,000 on the table last month to fund a larger pump and now we are investing up to $4 million to get a mobile treatment plant up and running.

“Work has already started to find alternative bore sites that are free of PFAS and this funding will support that work, putting Narrabri in a stronger position to manage its water supplies.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“Since Narrabri Shire Council asked for help in September, there has been an intensive effort across multiple government departments to quickly find solutions for Narrabri’s drinking water problem.

“Such a quick turnaround would not have been possible without the support of the government and, in particular, Water Minister Rose Jackson.

“I welcome this $4 million commitment to solve the problem and extend my thanks to Minister Jackson and the NSW Government.”

Council expands water supply capacity under Dept of Health approval

Published on 09 October 2025

Narrabri Shire Council has received approval from the NSW Department of Health to blend water from the Tibbereena Street bore with water from the Elizabeth Street bore to supplement the town’s supply.

While the Tibbereena Street bore has previously returned PFAS readings above the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, Council has consulted with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Department of Health experts to determine a safe ratio for blending the two water sources.

Under this arrangement, the Tibbereena Street bore can be used for up to 20 hours daily. This allows a portion of water from the Tibbereena Street bore to be mixed with water from the Elizabeth Street reservoir, resulting in water quality that meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. These calculations assume PFAS levels remain stable and are continually verified through regular testing and ultimately allow council to “top up” its available water supply.

Council will implement an enhanced testing regime to ensure the ongoing safety of Narrabri’s drinking water, as supported by the Department of Health:

    • Weekly testing for the first month
    • Fortnightly testing for the second month
    • Monthly testing thereafter

The Department of Health has advised that while short-term PFAS variations may occur as the blending regime stabilises, these are unlikely to impact public health, as the guideline values are designed to minimise risk over a lifetime of exposure.

While this approval provides a small increase in available supply, it will not be enough to resolve the current situation entirely. Level 4 water restrictions will remain in place to help rebuild the reservoir and secure water for essential use.

Council continues to call for urgent action to be taken by the State Government to help regional water utilities meet the new PFAS standards introduced in July.

Across much of NSW, local councils are responsible for providing safe drinking water to their residents. Despite this, the State Government implemented the new PFAS guidelines, knowing that some councils could not meet them immediately, and did so without offering adequate transition support or funding.

Narrabri Shire Council formally requested a transition period to allow time to identify and secure a compliant water source, but that request was denied.

Narrabri Shire Council General Manager, Eloise Chaplain, said the current situation demonstrates the urgent need for a more practical approach to water management in regional NSW.

“Council has done everything possible to manage this situation responsibly and transparently,” Ms Chaplain said.

The new national guidelines were introduced without a realistic pathway for small regional utilities to achieve compliance. Local councils have been left to find immediate, complex and costly solutions to a problem the State Government knew existed.

Ms Chaplain continues, “we have essentially been given an extremely challenging task. However, Council is committed to work with all stakeholders to achieve a long term sustainable solution.

“The State Government knows better than anyone else the approvals pathway and timeframes for the solutions to this issue, yet they still proceeded to implement these new guidelines without considering the burden that would be left to Council to manage compliance within the State Government’s revised drinking water guidelines.

“We are committed to ensuring Narrabri’s water remains safe and reliable and look forward to working with the State Government to make that possible.”

Council remains focused on ensuring the ongoing safety, quality and sustainability of Narrabri’s water supply and continues to advocate for a practical, long-term solution.

For further information, visit narrabri.nsw.gov.au/waterrestrictions.

Namoi Street Reservoir

13/10/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.008 ug/l, PFHxS 0.004ug/l

25/9/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: Not detected

22/8/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: Not detected

24/7/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.001 ug/l

30/6/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.009 ug/l, PFHxS 0.006 ug/l

25/6/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.006 ug/l, PFHxS 0.004 ug/l

28/5/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.006 ug/l, PFHxS 0.005 ug/l

28/4/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.007 ug/l, PFHxS 0.006 ug/l, PFBS 0.001ug/l

2/4/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.006 ug/l, PFHxS 0.005 ug/l

7/3/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.008 ug/l, PFHxS 0.005 ug/l

17/2/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.006 ug/l, PFHxS 0.005 ug/l

6/1/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.008 ug/l, PFHxS 0.006 ug/l

4/12/24: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.008 ug/l, PFHxS 0.006 ug/l

Killarney Bore, Narrabri (Bore Shut Down July 2025)

Killarney Bore: 26/5/25: PFOA 0.001 ug/l, PFOS 0.021 ug/l , PFHxS 0.02ug/l , PFBS 0.005 ug/L

Killarney Bore: 28/4/25: PFOA 0.001 ug/l, PFOS 0.018 ug/l , PFHxS 0.017ug/l , PFBS 0.004 ug/L, 6:2 FTS 0.006 ug/L

Killarney Bore: 2/4/25: PFOA 0.002 ug/l, PFOS 0.01 ug/l , PFHxS 0.011ug/l , PFBS 0.002 ug/L

Killarney Bore: 7/3/25: PFOA 0.002 ug/l, PFOS 0.036 ug/l , PFHxS 0.032ug/l , PFBS 0.006 ug/L

Killarney Bore: 17/2/25: PFOA 0.002 ug/l, PFOS 0.032 ug/l , PFHxS 0.031ug/l , PFBS 0.006 ug/L

Killarney Bore: 5/1/25: PFOA 0.002 ug/l, PFOS 0.029 ug/l , PFHxS 0.025ug/l , PFBS 0.005 ug/L
Killarney Bore: 5/12/24: PFOA 0.002 ug/l, PFOS 0.029 ug/l , PFHxS 0.019ug/l , PFBS 0.003 ug/l, 6:2FTS 0.004ug/l.

Tibberena Bore, Narrabri (Bore Shut Down July 2025)

Tibberena Bore: 25/6/2025: PFOS 0.011ug/L, PFHxS 0.007ug/L, PFBS 0.001ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 26/5/2025: PFOS 0.012ug/L, PFHxS 0.007ug/L, PFBS 0.002ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 29/4/2025: PFOS 0.012ug/L, PFHxS 0.008ug/L, PFBS 0.001ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 2/4/2025: PFOS 0.009ug/L, PFHxS 0.006ug/L, PFBS 0.001ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 5/3/2025: PFOS 0.011ug/L, PFHxS 0.006ug/L, PFBS 0.001ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 17/2/2025: PFOS 0.031ug/L, PFHxS 0.02ug/L, PFBS 0.004ug/L, PFOA 0.002ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 6/1/2025: PFOS 0.011ug/L, PFHxS 0.007ug/L, PFBS 0.001ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 4/12/2024: PFOS 0.009ug/L, PFHxS 0.008ug/L

 

Elizabeth Bore, Narrabri

Elizabeth Bore: 25/6/25: PFOS 0.005ug/L, PFHxS 0.002ug/L

Elizabeth Bore: 28/5/25: PFOS 0.005ug/L, PFHxS 0.002ug/L

Elizabeth Bore: 28/4/25: Not Detected

Elizabeth Bore: 2/4/25: PFOS 0.001ug/L

Elizabeth Bore: 5/3/25: Not Detected

Elizabeth Bore: 17/2/25: PFOS 0.006ug/L, PFHxS 0.002ug/L

Elizabeth Bore: 6/1/25: PFOS 0.005ug/L, PFHxS 0.002ug/L

Elizabeth Bore: 4/12/24: PFOS 0.005ug/L, PFHxS 0.002ug/L

Saleyards Reservoir , Narrabri

Saleyards Reservoir: 4/12/24: PFOS 0.008 ug/l, PFHxS 0.006 ug/l

Narrabri Shire down to less than two weeks’ supply of water amid PFAS contamination ‘crisis’

ABC News 9/10/25 by James Paras

Narribri Shire in northern New South Wales has less than two weeks of water available owing to contamination of its regular supplies, according to local authorities.

The council, two hours north-west of Tamworth, relies on water from three bores for its population of almost 13,000 people.

Earlier this year, two of those bores had to be shut down after they tested positive for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or ‘forever chemicals”.

Within a week, the council twice upgraded its water restrictions, which now stand at level four, which limits the use of hoses and encourages conservation.

“We are relying on one source of water, and for a town the size of Narrabri, it’s unacceptable,” said Narrabri Shire’s Mayor Darrell Tiemens.

“The NSW government is working with us, but it’s taking too long.”

New water guidelines

In June, guidelines for Australian Drinking Water were updated to recommend lower acceptable values of PFAS in drinking water.

As a result, Narrabri’s Tibberena and Killarney bores were switched off in July, following detections of unacceptable amounts of PFAS.

NSW Health describes forever chemicals as those used to make products that resist heat and which can stay in water and soil for an extended time after being used.

PFAS chemicals were traditionally used in products like firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and cleaning products.

Narrabri Shire’s only operational bore, Elizabeth Bore, sources water from the Namoi Street Reservoir to supply the township with drinking water.

“We warned the NSW government that we were very concerned about the new water guidelines … we are disappointed that 10 months after that, we’re facing these types of restrictions,” Cr Tiemens said

“Council doesn’t use PFAS, and we refuse to wear the blame for this.”

Findings from a recent inquiry into PFAS contamination in NSW water supplies recommended NSW Health support Narrabri residents to get blood tests after PFAS was first detected in the bores in 2024.

Narrabri Shire made a submission to that inquiry, highlighting the looming danger to its water supply.

Cr Tiemens fears the council will be left with the cost to fix the contaminated bores or install new ones.

“This is water crisis not of our making, we are renewing our calls to the state government [for help].”

Water minister pledges assistance

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said in a statement that “everything possible” was being done to assist Narrabri Shire Council.

“We’re open to all options, including alternative bore sites or water treatment solutions, and we will work with the council to fund and deliver them,” she said.

“We are ready to step in immediately with additional measures like water carting, bottled water distribution, and supplementary water purification systems, if they are required.”

Earlier, a spokesperson from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said in a statement that $50,000 in emergency funding had been made available to deliver a new pump to the operational bore.

The department said the state funding was intended to help councils experiencing water security issues, like PFAS contamination.

“We work closely with councils to identify long-term water solutions, including alternative bore sites and fast-tracking licence approvals where necessary,” the spokesperson said.

DCCEEW said the new infrastructure would double the bore’s pumping capacity from 45 litres of water per second to 80 litres.

“We are also looking for additional funding to find a solution,” DCCEEW’s director of water utilities, Jane Shepherd, told the ABC New England North West breakfast show.

“We are determined on finding where the PFAS contamination is in Narrabri … we don’t want to drill a new bore if it is also going to be contaminated.”

However, Narrabri Shire Council general manager Eloise Chaplain said the mandatory water restrictions would need to bite before the new pump could be installed.

Cr Tiemens explained the bore would need to be at 80 per cent capacity to act as a “buffer”, to cover the estimated 72 hours it would take to install the pump.

However, this is seen as only a temporary solution, with a possible temporary water treatment facility being explored by both council and DCCEEW.

Residents have been asked to use handheld hoses between 7pm and 7am, refrain from washing their cars or filling their pools without approval.

Narrabri Council expands water supply capacity under Department of Health approval

Moree Online News 10/10/25

NARRABRI Shire Council has received approval from the NSW Department of Health to blend water from the Tibbereena Street bore with water from the Elizabeth Street bore to supplement the town’s supply.

Level 4 water restrictions will remain in place to help rebuild the reservoir and secure water for essential use.

While the Tibbereena Street bore has previously returned PFAS readings above the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, Council has consulted with Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Department of Health experts to determine a safe ratio for blending the two water sources.

Under this arrangement, the Tibbereena Street bore can be used for up to 20 hours daily.

This allows a portion of water from the Tibbereena Street bore to be mixed with water from the Elizabeth Street reservoir, resulting in water quality that meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. These calculations assume PFAS levels remain stable and are continually verified through regular testing and ultimately allow council to “top up” its available water supply.

Council will implement an enhanced testing regimen to ensure the ongoing safety of Narrabri’s drinking water, as supported by the Department of Health, including weekly testing for the first month; fortnightly testing for the second month; and monthly testing thereafter.

The Department of Health has advised that while short-term PFAS variations may occur as the blending regime stabilises, these are unlikely to impact public health, as the guideline values are designed to minimise risk over a lifetime of exposure.

While this approval provides a small increase in available supply, it will not be enough to resolve the current situation entirely.

Level 4 water restrictions will remain in place to help rebuild the reservoir and secure water for essential use.

Council continues to call for urgent action to be taken by the State Government to help regional water utilities meet the new PFAS standards introduced in July.

Narrabri Shire Council General Manager, Eloise Chaplain, said the current situation demonstrates the urgent need for a more practical approach to water management in regional New South Wales.

“Council has done everything possible to manage this situation responsibly and transparently,” Ms Chaplain said.

“We have essentially been given an extremely challenging task. However, Council is committed to work with all stakeholders to achieve a long-term, sustainable solution.

“The State Government knows better than anyone else the approvals pathway and timeframes for the solutions to this issue, yet they still proceeded to implement these new guidelines without considering the burden that would be left to Council to manage compliance within the State Government’s revised drinking water guidelines.

“We are committed to ensuring Narrabri’s water remains safe and reliable and look forward to working with the State Government to make that possible.”

2024/25: Narrabri (NSW)

in ,

Drinking water for Narrabri is sourced from groundwater bores and supplied to the Namoi Street Reservoir. (detections listed below)

New Funding To Safeguard Narrabri Water Supply

10/11/25: The Minns Labor Government has taken decisive action to shore up water supply in Narrabri, committing an additional $4 million in funding to deliver critical new infrastructure for drinking water.

The new funding for Narrabri Shire Council will deliver a portable water treatment plant to treat water from two PFAS-contaminated bores to a level that meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

It will also support the investigation and delivery of new production bores to significantly increase town water supply.

PFAS was found in two of the town’s three bores in November last year and Narrabri Shire Council introduced water restrictions in early October 2025 when water demand began to increase.

In response to dropping reservoir levels, the NSW Government took the immediate step of providing the Council with $50,000 in emergency funding to deliver a new pump for the town’s operating bore, while working towards a long-term solution.

Fast and efficient to install, the new portable plant is expected to be up and running in a few months and will treat raw water from Narrabri’s existing bores to meet safe drinking water guidelines.

It is the same system currently being used at Sydney Water’s Cascade Water Treatment Plant in the Blue Mountains.

Combined with the newly-installed pump, the portable plant will boost water supply for Narrabri’s 7,000 residents while the NSW Government works closely with Council to look at converting two new test bores at Salesyard and Logan Lane into production bores.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“I was very clear that we would go the extra mile to help Narrabri respond to the PFAS issue and secure a more reliable water supply. Local member Roy Butler has also been a fierce advocate for his community.

“I recognise water restrictions have a big impact on residents, which is why we moved quickly to find a solution.

“We already put $50,000 on the table last month to fund a larger pump and now we are investing up to $4 million to get a mobile treatment plant up and running.

“Work has already started to find alternative bore sites that are free of PFAS and this funding will support that work, putting Narrabri in a stronger position to manage its water supplies.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“Since Narrabri Shire Council asked for help in September, there has been an intensive effort across multiple government departments to quickly find solutions for Narrabri’s drinking water problem.

“Such a quick turnaround would not have been possible without the support of the government and, in particular, Water Minister Rose Jackson.

“I welcome this $4 million commitment to solve the problem and extend my thanks to Minister Jackson and the NSW Government.”

Council expands water supply capacity under Dept of Health approval

Published on 09 October 2025

Narrabri Shire Council has received approval from the NSW Department of Health to blend water from the Tibbereena Street bore with water from the Elizabeth Street bore to supplement the town’s supply.

While the Tibbereena Street bore has previously returned PFAS readings above the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, Council has consulted with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Department of Health experts to determine a safe ratio for blending the two water sources.

Under this arrangement, the Tibbereena Street bore can be used for up to 20 hours daily. This allows a portion of water from the Tibbereena Street bore to be mixed with water from the Elizabeth Street reservoir, resulting in water quality that meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. These calculations assume PFAS levels remain stable and are continually verified through regular testing and ultimately allow council to “top up” its available water supply.

Council will implement an enhanced testing regime to ensure the ongoing safety of Narrabri’s drinking water, as supported by the Department of Health:

  • Weekly testing for the first month
  • Fortnightly testing for the second month
  • Monthly testing thereafter

The Department of Health has advised that while short-term PFAS variations may occur as the blending regime stabilises, these are unlikely to impact public health, as the guideline values are designed to minimise risk over a lifetime of exposure.

While this approval provides a small increase in available supply, it will not be enough to resolve the current situation entirely. Level 4 water restrictions will remain in place to help rebuild the reservoir and secure water for essential use.

Council continues to call for urgent action to be taken by the State Government to help regional water utilities meet the new PFAS standards introduced in July.

Across much of NSW, local councils are responsible for providing safe drinking water to their residents. Despite this, the State Government implemented the new PFAS guidelines, knowing that some councils could not meet them immediately, and did so without offering adequate transition support or funding.

Narrabri Shire Council formally requested a transition period to allow time to identify and secure a compliant water source, but that request was denied.

Narrabri Shire Council General Manager, Eloise Chaplain, said the current situation demonstrates the urgent need for a more practical approach to water management in regional NSW.

“Council has done everything possible to manage this situation responsibly and transparently,” Ms Chaplain said.

The new national guidelines were introduced without a realistic pathway for small regional utilities to achieve compliance. Local councils have been left to find immediate, complex and costly solutions to a problem the State Government knew existed.

Ms Chaplain continues, “we have essentially been given an extremely challenging task. However, Council is committed to work with all stakeholders to achieve a long term sustainable solution.

“The State Government knows better than anyone else the approvals pathway and timeframes for the solutions to this issue, yet they still proceeded to implement these new guidelines without considering the burden that would be left to Council to manage compliance within the State Government’s revised drinking water guidelines.

“We are committed to ensuring Narrabri’s water remains safe and reliable and look forward to working with the State Government to make that possible.”

Council remains focused on ensuring the ongoing safety, quality and sustainability of Narrabri’s water supply and continues to advocate for a practical, long-term solution.

For further information, visit narrabri.nsw.gov.au/waterrestrictions.

Namoi Street Reservoir

13/10/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.008 ug/l, PFHxS 0.004ug/l

25/9/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: Not detected

22/8/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: Not detected

24/7/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.001 ug/l

30/6/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.009 ug/l, PFHxS 0.006 ug/l

25/6/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.006 ug/l, PFHxS 0.004 ug/l

28/5/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.006 ug/l, PFHxS 0.005 ug/l

28/4/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.007 ug/l, PFHxS 0.006 ug/l, PFBS 0.001ug/l

2/4/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.006 ug/l, PFHxS 0.005 ug/l

7/3/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.008 ug/l, PFHxS 0.005 ug/l

17/2/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.006 ug/l, PFHxS 0.005 ug/l

6/1/25: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.008 ug/l, PFHxS 0.006 ug/l

4/12/24: Namoi Street Reservoir: PFOS 0.008 ug/l, PFHxS 0.006 ug/l

Killarney Bore, Narrabri (Bore Shut Down July 2025)

Killarney Bore: 26/5/25: PFOA 0.001 ug/l, PFOS 0.021 ug/l , PFHxS 0.02ug/l , PFBS 0.005 ug/L

Killarney Bore: 28/4/25: PFOA 0.001 ug/l, PFOS 0.018 ug/l , PFHxS 0.017ug/l , PFBS 0.004 ug/L, 6:2 FTS 0.006 ug/L

Killarney Bore: 2/4/25: PFOA 0.002 ug/l, PFOS 0.01 ug/l , PFHxS 0.011ug/l , PFBS 0.002 ug/L

Killarney Bore: 7/3/25: PFOA 0.002 ug/l, PFOS 0.036 ug/l , PFHxS 0.032ug/l , PFBS 0.006 ug/L

Killarney Bore: 17/2/25: PFOA 0.002 ug/l, PFOS 0.032 ug/l , PFHxS 0.031ug/l , PFBS 0.006 ug/L

Killarney Bore: 5/1/25: PFOA 0.002 ug/l, PFOS 0.029 ug/l , PFHxS 0.025ug/l , PFBS 0.005 ug/L
Killarney Bore: 5/12/24: PFOA 0.002 ug/l, PFOS 0.029 ug/l , PFHxS 0.019ug/l , PFBS 0.003 ug/l, 6:2FTS 0.004ug/l.

Tibberena Bore, Narrabri (Bore Shut Down July 2025)

Tibberena Bore: 25/6/2025: PFOS 0.011ug/L, PFHxS 0.007ug/L, PFBS 0.001ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 26/5/2025: PFOS 0.012ug/L, PFHxS 0.007ug/L, PFBS 0.002ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 29/4/2025: PFOS 0.012ug/L, PFHxS 0.008ug/L, PFBS 0.001ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 2/4/2025: PFOS 0.009ug/L, PFHxS 0.006ug/L, PFBS 0.001ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 5/3/2025: PFOS 0.011ug/L, PFHxS 0.006ug/L, PFBS 0.001ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 17/2/2025: PFOS 0.031ug/L, PFHxS 0.02ug/L, PFBS 0.004ug/L, PFOA 0.002ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 6/1/2025: PFOS 0.011ug/L, PFHxS 0.007ug/L, PFBS 0.001ug/L

Tibberena Bore: 4/12/2024: PFOS 0.009ug/L, PFHxS 0.008ug/L

Elizabeth Bore, Narrabri

Elizabeth Bore: 25/6/25: PFOS 0.005ug/L, PFHxS 0.002ug/L

Elizabeth Bore: 28/5/25: PFOS 0.005ug/L, PFHxS 0.002ug/L

Elizabeth Bore: 28/4/25: Not Detected

Elizabeth Bore: 2/4/25: PFOS 0.001ug/L

Elizabeth Bore: 5/3/25: Not Detected

Elizabeth Bore: 17/2/25: PFOS 0.006ug/L, PFHxS 0.002ug/L

Elizabeth Bore: 6/1/25: PFOS 0.005ug/L, PFHxS 0.002ug/L

Elizabeth Bore: 4/12/24: PFOS 0.005ug/L, PFHxS 0.002ug/L

Saleyards Reservoir , Narrabri

Saleyards Reservoir: 4/12/24: PFOS 0.008 ug/l, PFHxS 0.006 ug/l

Narrabri Shire down to less than two weeks’ supply of water amid PFAS contamination ‘crisis’

ABC News 9/10/25 by James Paras

Narribri Shire in northern New South Wales has less than two weeks of water available owing to contamination of its regular supplies, according to local authorities.

The council, two hours north-west of Tamworth, relies on water from three bores for its population of almost 13,000 people.

Earlier this year, two of those bores had to be shut down after they tested positive for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or ‘forever chemicals”.

Within a week, the council twice upgraded its water restrictions, which now stand at level four, which limits the use of hoses and encourages conservation.

“We are relying on one source of water, and for a town the size of Narrabri, it’s unacceptable,” said Narrabri Shire’s Mayor Darrell Tiemens.

“The NSW government is working with us, but it’s taking too long.”

New water guidelines

In June, guidelines for Australian Drinking Water were updated to recommend lower acceptable values of PFAS in drinking water.

As a result, Narrabri’s Tibberena and Killarney bores were switched off in July, following detections of unacceptable amounts of PFAS.

NSW Health describes forever chemicals as those used to make products that resist heat and which can stay in water and soil for an extended time after being used.

PFAS chemicals were traditionally used in products like firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and cleaning products.

Narrabri Shire’s only operational bore, Elizabeth Bore, sources water from the Namoi Street Reservoir to supply the township with drinking water.

“We warned the NSW government that we were very concerned about the new water guidelines … we are disappointed that 10 months after that, we’re facing these types of restrictions,” Cr Tiemens said

“Council doesn’t use PFAS, and we refuse to wear the blame for this.”

Findings from a recent inquiry into PFAS contamination in NSW water supplies recommended NSW Health support Narrabri residents to get blood tests after PFAS was first detected in the bores in 2024.

Narrabri Shire made a submission to that inquiry, highlighting the looming danger to its water supply.

Cr Tiemens fears the council will be left with the cost to fix the contaminated bores or install new ones.

“This is water crisis not of our making, we are renewing our calls to the state government [for help].”

Water minister pledges assistance

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said in a statement that “everything possible” was being done to assist Narrabri Shire Council.

“We’re open to all options, including alternative bore sites or water treatment solutions, and we will work with the council to fund and deliver them,” she said.

“We are ready to step in immediately with additional measures like water carting, bottled water distribution, and supplementary water purification systems, if they are required.”

Earlier, a spokesperson from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said in a statement that $50,000 in emergency funding had been made available to deliver a new pump to the operational bore.

The department said the state funding was intended to help councils experiencing water security issues, like PFAS contamination.

“We work closely with councils to identify long-term water solutions, including alternative bore sites and fast-tracking licence approvals where necessary,” the spokesperson said.

DCCEEW said the new infrastructure would double the bore’s pumping capacity from 45 litres of water per second to 80 litres.

“We are also looking for additional funding to find a solution,” DCCEEW’s director of water utilities, Jane Shepherd, told the ABC New England North West breakfast show.

“We are determined on finding where the PFAS contamination is in Narrabri … we don’t want to drill a new bore if it is also going to be contaminated.”

However, Narrabri Shire Council general manager Eloise Chaplain said the mandatory water restrictions would need to bite before the new pump could be installed.

Cr Tiemens explained the bore would need to be at 80 per cent capacity to act as a “buffer”, to cover the estimated 72 hours it would take to install the pump.

However, this is seen as only a temporary solution, with a possible temporary water treatment facility being explored by both council and DCCEEW.

Residents have been asked to use handheld hoses between 7pm and 7am, refrain from washing their cars or filling their pools without approval.

Narrabri Council expands water supply capacity under Department of Health approval

Moree Online News 10/10/25

NARRABRI Shire Council has received approval from the NSW Department of Health to blend water from the Tibbereena Street bore with water from the Elizabeth Street bore to supplement the town’s supply.

Level 4 water restrictions will remain in place to help rebuild the reservoir and secure water for essential use.

While the Tibbereena Street bore has previously returned PFAS readings above the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, Council has consulted with Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Department of Health experts to determine a safe ratio for blending the two water sources.

Under this arrangement, the Tibbereena Street bore can be used for up to 20 hours daily.

This allows a portion of water from the Tibbereena Street bore to be mixed with water from the Elizabeth Street reservoir, resulting in water quality that meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. These calculations assume PFAS levels remain stable and are continually verified through regular testing and ultimately allow council to “top up” its available water supply.

Council will implement an enhanced testing regimen to ensure the ongoing safety of Narrabri’s drinking water, as supported by the Department of Health, including weekly testing for the first month; fortnightly testing for the second month; and monthly testing thereafter.

The Department of Health has advised that while short-term PFAS variations may occur as the blending regime stabilises, these are unlikely to impact public health, as the guideline values are designed to minimise risk over a lifetime of exposure.

While this approval provides a small increase in available supply, it will not be enough to resolve the current situation entirely.

Level 4 water restrictions will remain in place to help rebuild the reservoir and secure water for essential use.

Council continues to call for urgent action to be taken by the State Government to help regional water utilities meet the new PFAS standards introduced in July.

Narrabri Shire Council General Manager, Eloise Chaplain, said the current situation demonstrates the urgent need for a more practical approach to water management in regional New South Wales.

“Council has done everything possible to manage this situation responsibly and transparently,” Ms Chaplain said.

“We have essentially been given an extremely challenging task. However, Council is committed to work with all stakeholders to achieve a long-term, sustainable solution.

“The State Government knows better than anyone else the approvals pathway and timeframes for the solutions to this issue, yet they still proceeded to implement these new guidelines without considering the burden that would be left to Council to manage compliance within the State Government’s revised drinking water guidelines.

“We are committed to ensuring Narrabri’s water remains safe and reliable and look forward to working with the State Government to make that possible.”