In the quiet suburbs of Wagga Wagga, an 88-year-old man, Tom Hughes, sits on his porch, his cherry tree laden with fruit, but now a source of unease. The tree, once a symbol of abundance, is now a reminder of the pervasive and insidious nature of PFAS, or 'forever chemicals'. These substances, once used in firefighting foams at the nearby Kapooka Military Area, have cast a long shadow over the community, raising concerns about health and environmental risks. This is a story of a man's relentless pursuit of answers, a community's struggle for transparency, and a deeper question about the long-term safety of our drinking water.
PFAS, or Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a group of around 14,000 chemicals that have been used globally in various products, from pesticides to waterproof clothing and non-stick cookware. The term is often associated with firefighting foams, but the reality is far more complex and concerning. According to Professor Denis O'Carroll, a pioneer in PFAS research, "Ninety-seven to 99 percent of the population have some measurable concentrations of PFAS in their blood. It's pervasive, and the question is, if you're never living anywhere near a source of PFAS, how are you exposed?" This raises a deeper question: if PFAS is so pervasive, how do we ensure the safety of our drinking water?
The Kapooka Military Area and the nearby RAAF Base Wagga are the two known sources of PFAS contamination in the city. The Kapooka Military Area, in particular, has been the focus of Mr. Hughes' concerns. He has been writing letters to various government representatives and authorities for six years, seeking information about the 'forever chemicals'. But his quest remains ongoing, as he feels that the information he receives is often incomplete or insufficient. "They tell you what they want you to hear," he said, reflecting on his experience.
The Commonwealth has taken legal action against firefighting foam manufacturer 3M, accusing them of withholding information about the adverse environmental effects of their products. This is a significant development, as it suggests that there is a growing recognition of the need for greater accountability and transparency in the use and disposal of PFAS. However, it remains to be seen whether this will lead to meaningful change in the way PFAS are regulated and managed.
The Department of Defence has held community information sessions and undertaken remediation work at both sites, including the removal of nearly 3,000 tonnes of soil and the improvement of stormwater management. However, the results of sampling in September 2025 and February 2026 have not yet been publicly released, leaving the community in a state of uncertainty. "Defence remains committed to ensuring the safety of Wagga Wagga's drinking water supply," a spokesperson said, but the lack of transparency and the ongoing health concerns of residents like Mr. Hughes suggest that this commitment is yet to be fully realized.
Riverina Water, the local water utility, has increased its sampling in the bore field and confirmed that PFAS levels have remained below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. However, the proposed management plan was abandoned due to no longer being fit for purpose. A new memorandum of understanding has now been developed with Defence, which will be considered at a meeting later this month. This agreement aims to ensure timely and transparent communication between the community and the authorities, but it remains to be seen whether it will be sufficient to address the concerns of residents like Mr. Hughes.
In my opinion, the story of PFAS in Wagga Wagga is a cautionary tale about the long-term impacts of industrial activity on our environment and health. It raises important questions about the role of government in regulating and managing these risks, and the need for greater transparency and accountability. As a community, we must demand more from our authorities and continue to push for answers and action. Only then can we ensure the safety of our drinking water and the well-being of our citizens.
