Bundaberg—Svensson Heights
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has worked closely with Bundaberg Regional Council (BRC) and Queensland Health in response to the detection of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) in groundwater that supplies part of the town’s water network.
The water sampling, carried out by BRC, identified levels of PFOS and PFHxS exceeding the Australian Drinking Water Guideline in Dr Mays Reservoir, which supplied water to the Svensson Heights residential area.
As a result of the findings, sourcing water from the contaminated area has ceased and further water testing has confirmed that drinking water in the Svensson Heights area no longer contains elevated levels of PFAS.
For further information, please view the following resources:
- Bundaberg Regional Council website
- Environmental investigation
- Svensson Heights PFAS fact sheet (PDF, 104KB)
Health information
Queensland Health has advised that there is no immediate risk to human health, but for further information relating to PFAS and its associated health concerns please read the Svensson Heights PFAS fact sheet (PDF, 104KB) or visit the BRC website.
If you have lived, worked or attended school in Svensson Heights and would like more information about available blood testing, please read the “How do I get a blood test?” fact sheet (PDF, 433KB) If you decide to have a blood test, please download the Blood testing questionnaire (PDF, 308KB) and take it with you to your GP.
Anyone concerned about their own health or that of family members should talk to their GP or call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).