NSW EPA - Free Bore Water Sampling

Narromine Shire Council, in partnership with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is offering free groundwater (bore water) sampling for PFAS to eligible residents within the investigation area (see map at the bottom of this page)

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in products such as firefighting foams, food packaging and industrial applications. Due to their persistence, PFAS can remain in the environment for long periods and may be present at low levels in soil and water. 

Following the detection of low levels of PFAS in a bore supplying Narromine’s town water system, this program aims to better understand the presence and extent of PFAS in the local area.

Town Water Supply

Narromine’s treated town water supply remains safe to drink and use. This sampling program is precautionary and focused on improving the understanding of PFAS in groundwater. It does not change the safety of the town’s treated drinking water supply.

About the Program

The NSW EPA is leading a statewide investigation program to better understand the legacy of PFAS use and any potential environmental impacts. Investigations focus on areas where PFAS may have been used historically, particularly where there are possible pathways to water sources such as bores. 

As part of this approach, the EPA works with councils and landholders to:

In Narromine, this bore water sampling program will help identify the potential source and extent of PFAS detected in the local water supply.

Participants will receive:

✔ Free testing of their bore water 

✔ Results within approximately 4 weeks 

✔ Information to help interpret results 

All individual results will remain confidential. De-identified data may be used to inform broader environmental and public health investigations.

Who Can Participate?

If your property is located within the investigation area and you have a bore (registered or unregistered), you are eligible to participate.

How to Register

Registrations are open until 5:00pm, Monday 27 April 2026

To register for your free bore water sampling  HERE

Following registration, Council will confirm your sampling date and time via email and provide a consent form. The property owner and/or occupier must be present at the time of sampling.

More Information

For more information about PFAS and the NSW Government’s investigation program, visit the EPA’s voluntary sampling website: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Chemicals/PFAS-in-NSW/nsw-government-pfas-investigation-program

If you have any further questions about the bore water sampling program, please contact the EPA via email RegOps.IMEH@epa.nsw.gov.au  or phone 131 555.    

You can also contact Council on 6889 9999 for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does participation involve?

Participation is voluntary and free of charge. Council, in partnership with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), will collect a groundwater sample from your private bore to test for PFAS. Participants will receive their results within approximately four weeks, along with information to help interpret the results.

Do I need to be home for the sampling? 

Yes. To enable access to the bore and ensure consent requirements are met, the property owner and/or occupier must be present at the scheduled sampling time.

What results will I receive? 

If you participate, you will receive the results for your property within approximately four weeks. The NSW EPA will also provide information to help you understand what the results mean.

Will my results be kept confidential? 

Yes. Results will be provided directly to the property owner/occupier. De-identified data may be shared with Council and relevant government agencies for public health and environmental monitoring purposes.

Can I drink my bore water? 

NSW Health advises that groundwater from private bores should not be used for drinking, cooking or personal hygiene (including teeth cleaning and bathing) unless it has been appropriately tested and treated to ensure it is safe.

My bore is not registered - can I still participate? 

Yes. Residents within the investigation area can register for sampling whether their bore is registered or unregistered.

How do I register?

You can register online here: Registration will close on Monday 27 April 2026 at 5:00 pm

What happens after I register my interest for bore sampling?

After you register, Council will schedule sampling based on location and your preferred day and time.

You will receive an email confirming your sampling date and time window, along with a consent form.

To proceed with sampling:

On the day, Council’s sampling team will attend your property and collect a groundwater sample from your bore for PFAS testing.

You will receive your results within approximately four weeks, along with information to help you understand the results.

If you need assistance completing the consent form or have any questions, Council staff can assist prior to or on the day of sampling.

Reference Map - sampling area boundary in blue