Recent investigations by Jandakot Airport Holdings (JAH) at the Jandakot Airport site and surrounds discovered an above-acceptable level of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, in groundwater on land adjoining the north-west boundary of the airport.

JAH commenced a program of residential groundwater testing to investigate the presence of PFAS associated with the historic use of firefighting foams. 

More than 300 samples have been collected and analysed during the testing program. Results have shown drinking water guidelines are met for the main source of drinking water at more than 90 per cent of properties.

We have worked closely with affected residents to understand their water requirements, and ensure they have access to suitable water for drinking and domestic use in the immediate term, and continue to work with relevant WA and Commonwealth government agencies on a long-term solution.

We note that the WA Health Department advises people to avoid the use of bore water for uses such as drinking, cooking, watering edible plants, and filling swimming or paddling pools, without first testing the water for suitability.

PFAS is the short name for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of over 4000 chemicals. The Australian Government PFAS information portal describes PFAS as very effective at resisting heat, stains, grease and water, making them useful chemicals for a range of applications including:

• Stain and water protection for carpets, fabric, furniture and apparel

• Paper coating (including for some food packaging)

• Metal plating

• Photographic materials

• Aviation hydraulic fluid

• Cosmetics and sunscreen

• Medical devices.

You can read more about the nature of PFAS and their use here: https://www.pfas.gov.au/about-pfas/substances

Because they are heat resistant and film-forming in water, some PFAS have also been used as very effective ingredients in fire-fighting foams.

These substances were added to foams used widely at Australian airports in the 1990s and earlier to improve their ability to smother fires.

In Australia, the historical use of PFAS in firefighting foams has seen increased levels of the substances being detected at airports, Department of Defence bases, and other sites where firefighting training has been conducted. 

The use of foam with PFAS was subsequently phased out from the early 2000s.

PFAS do not break down naturally in the environment, and can be transferred between soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater. 

Current State and Federal Government advice is that risks to human health from PFAS are low. The Australian Government’s information portal for PFAS has a body of material that can help you understand more about PFAS. Information regarding research into human exposure and the potential implications for health can be found at: https://www.pfas.gov.au/

If you would like more information, please contact watertesting@jandakotupdates.com.au

The most up-to-date information from the WA Department of Health on the potential health impacts of PFAS exposure can be found at https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/N_R/Per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl-substances-PFAS

Advice is to generally minimise exposure via use of untested or PFAS-impacted water.

The WA Health Department recommends against the use of bore water for such uses as drinking, cooking, watering edible plants and filling swimming or paddling pools, without first testing the water for suitability.

Home-grown fruit and vegetables irrigated with bore water should be washed with drinking water before eating. https://www.wa.gov.au/service/environment/environment-information-services/pfas-investigations-western-australia

To find out more about PFAS visit the Australian Government Information Portal: https://www.pfas.gov.au/

The most up-to-date information from the WA Department of Health on the potential health impacts of PFAS exposure can be found at www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/N_R/Per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl-substances-PFAS