New groundwater prohibition area
The use of bore water will be banned in parts of two of Adelaide’s western suburbs from next month.
A groundwater prohibition area (GPA) takes effect on 12 December in an area of Thebarton and Mile End bounded by South and Port roads, the River Torrens, and Livingstone and Rose streets to the south.
Testing has found at least seven contaminated sites in this area, but the primary source identified as a former metal processor on George Street.
A range of hazardous chemicals has been identified in the groundwater, including chlorinated and petroleum hydrocarbons such as tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE), and metals.
PCE and TCE can cause serious health problems, including cancer, if people come into contact with them over long periods, but a bore water ban removes the major pathway for exposure.
At a former mining laboratory at 25 West Thebarton Road, low levels of uranium were found in one testing well, but radiation is not a concern for surrounding properties.
Mains water and rainwater in Thebarton and Mile End are not affected by any of the contaminants, and it is safe to eat home-grown produce so long as it has not been irrigated with bore water.
The water used by West End Brewing for its beer and in the community water fountain on Port Road is also safe, as it comes from the much deeper, contamination-free tertiary aquifer.
GPAs already exist in several parts of the metropolitan area, including Edwardstown, Allenby Gardens, Glenelg East and Hendon.
In a prohibition area, it is illegal to use groundwater above certain depths for any purpose, and a maximum penalty of $8,000 applies.
For more information, visit www.engage.epa.sa.gov.au