In the quiet streets of Wagga Wagga, a story of resilience and uncertainty unfolds, centered around the persistent presence of PFAS chemicals and their impact on the community's health and environment. This is not just a tale of a small town grappling with a complex issue; it's a microcosm of the broader struggle for transparency and accountability in the face of potential health hazards. Tom Hughes, an 88-year-old resident, embodies the spirit of this narrative. His garden, once a source of joy, now stands as a symbol of the unknown dangers lurking beneath the surface. The cherry tree, once a symbol of abundance, now represents the forbidden fruit, a stark reminder of the risks associated with living near the Kapooka Military Area, a known PFAS contamination site.
PFAS, or Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a group of chemicals that have been used in various industries for their water- and grease-proof properties. They are often referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. The Kapooka Military Area, located just outside Wagga Wagga, has been identified as one of two major sources of PFAS contamination in the city. The proximity of Mr. Hughes' property to this site has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with consuming home-grown produce.
The Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment conducted by Defence in 2021 found that the consumption of home-grown fruits and vegetables from the contaminated area posed a low and acceptable risk. However, for some individual properties bordering the site, there was an elevated risk. This finding highlights the complexity of assessing and managing the impact of PFAS on human health, as it can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of each property.
Mr. Hughes, like many others in the community, has been seeking answers and information about the 'forever chemicals' for six years. His quest has been met with mixed responses, from government representatives who provide only partial information to the ongoing legal battle against firefighting foam manufacturer 3M. The Commonwealth's decision to sue 3M for allegedly withholding information about the adverse environmental effects of its products is a significant development. It underscores the growing recognition of the need for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of PFAS-related issues.
The Kapooka Military Area is not the only source of PFAS contamination in Wagga Wagga. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Wagga, located 20 kilometers away, has also been identified as a major source. In 2023, Defence confirmed the detection of low-levels of PFAS in two of its groundwater monitoring wells, 650 meters from a bore field that is one of four water sources used by Riverina Water, the local water utility. The discovery of PFAS levels above the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines in February 2025 has further heightened concerns about the safety of the city's drinking water supply.
Riverina Water, in response to the contamination, has increased its sampling in the bore field and has 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 developed a memorandum of understanding with Defence, aimed at improving communication and transparency. This agreement, while non-legally binding, includes specific trigger points for action in the event of contamination above mandated thresholds. Riverina Water has also outlined short and long-term plans to address potential impacts on the bore field, including blending water with other sources, utilizing a special license to pump more water from the Murrumbidgee River, and upgrading the Wagga water treatment plant.
Despite these assurances, the community remains wary. Denis O'Carroll, the managing director of the Water Research Laboratory at the University of NSW's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, emphasizes the need for further studies to understand the health impacts of PFAS and to develop effective strategies for minimizing exposure. He notes that while governments are making efforts to minimize exposure, more could be done, especially in the context of drinking water.
The Department of Defence has held community information sessions and undertaken remediation work at both RAAF Base Wagga and the Kapooka Military Area. This includes the removal of nearly 3,000 tonnes of soil and improvements to 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, in a statement, has committed to ensuring the safety of Wagga Wagga's drinking water supply and continues to work closely with Riverina Water, the NSW government, and the Wagga Wagga City Council to safeguard the water supply over the long term.
For Mr. Hughes, the search for answers continues. His story is a testament to the resilience of the community in the face of uncertainty. While the legal and scientific battles rage on, the residents of Wagga Wagga are left to navigate the complexities of PFAS contamination, hoping for a day when the answers they seek will finally be revealed.
