WITH home bores getting their biggest workout in late summer, the Environment Protection Authority is reminding Limestone Coast bore owners to make it a priority to have their groundwater tested regularly.
EPA site contamination manager Andrew Pruszinski said without regular testing by a professional, accredited laboratory, bore users could not assume the water was safe.
“Bore water tends not be used for drinking in metropolitan Adelaide, but if you’re using it to irrigate your home-grown produce or your lawn, or to fill your pool, chemical contamination can still be a serious concern,” Mr Pruszinski said.
“There are several accredited labs that can test your water for a fee.”
Chemicals such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, nitrates, pesticides and PFAS from firefighting foams have leached into the soil in some areas and some of these, like TCE and PCE, are associated with serious human health risks.
Dry cleaners, foundries, metal processors, timber processing plants, airports, landfills, refrigeration factories, petrol stations and fuel stores have all been associated with groundwater contamination.
Mr Pruszinski said just because residents had not been notified of contamination did not mean they could assume their groundwater was safe to use.
