In the quiet suburbs of Wagga Wagga, a story of persistent concern and environmental uncertainty unfolds. Tom Hughes, an 88-year-old resident, has become an unlikely champion for transparency and understanding in the face of a complex environmental issue: PFAS contamination. PFAS, or Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a group of chemicals that have been the subject of both fascination and fear due to their pervasive presence and potential health impacts. This is a tale of a community's struggle for information and the ongoing quest for a safe and healthy environment.
PFAS have been a topic of both state and federal inquiries, with the Commonwealth recently taking legal action against 3M, the manufacturer of firefighting foams containing these chemicals. Mr. Hughes, like many others, has been left with more questions than answers. The Kapooka Military Area, located just outside his home, is a known source of PFAS contamination, and the nearby Kapooka Creek adds to the concern. Despite his efforts to engage with local, state, and federal authorities, Mr. Hughes feels like his voice is not being heard, and his worries are not being addressed.
The Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment conducted by Defence in 2021 found that the consumption of home-grown fruits and vegetables from properties bordering the contamination site posed a low and acceptable risk. However, this does little to ease the minds of those like Mr. Hughes, who are directly affected. The assessment also revealed elevated risks for some individual properties, further highlighting the need for tailored solutions and ongoing monitoring.
The Kapooka Military Area and the nearby RAAF Base Wagga are the two known sources of PFAS in the city. In 2023, Defence confirmed the detection of low-levels of PFAS in its groundwater monitoring wells, located 650 meters from a bore field used by Riverina Water, one of the four water sources for the local water utility. The situation has been further complicated by the fact that PFAS levels above the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines were detected during sampling in February 2025, prompting a multi-agency governance group to address the issue.
Riverina Water, the local water utility, has increased its sampling efforts and assured the community that PFAS levels have remained below the updated Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, which were released in June 2025. The utility has also outlined short and long-term plans in the event of contamination, including blending water with non-affected sources, utilizing a special license to pump more water from the Murrumbidgee River, and upgrading the Wagga water treatment plant. Despite these measures, the community remains vigilant, and the need for further studies and transparency is emphasized.
The story of PFAS in Wagga Wagga is a reminder of the complex interplay between environmental health, community engagement, and government responsibility. While efforts are being made to minimize exposure and ensure the safety of drinking water, the case of Mr. Hughes highlights the importance of continued dialogue and action. As the search for answers continues, the community remains hopeful for a future where the air is clean, the water is safe, and the environment is free from the pervasive presence of 'forever chemicals'.
In my opinion, the ongoing struggle of communities like Wagga Wagga to understand and address PFAS contamination is a call to action for governments and industries worldwide. The pervasive nature of these chemicals and their potential health impacts demand a global effort to minimize exposure and ensure environmental justice. As an expert, I believe that continued research, transparency, and community engagement are essential to addressing this complex issue and safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations.
