Thebarton and Mile End Groundwater Prohibition Area

Consultation has concluded

Many historical activities have polluted the groundwater in Hendon.

The EPA wrote to residents to notify them that it was proceeding with the establishment of a groundwater prohibition area in portions of Thebarton and Mile End. The EPA consulted with the local community to provide information and seek feedback on the proposal.

South Australia has a proud manufacturing history. Some chemical disposal and handling practices in these industries that were considered appropriate at the time, are no longer acceptable by today’s environmental standards. Certain chemicals found in groundwater can cause health problems if people are exposed to high enough concentrations over long periods of time.

Under section 103S of the Environment Protection Act 1993, the EPA may prohibit or restrict the taking of groundwater if it may be harmful to human health or safety.

The engagement process was effective in helping the EPA to understand issues important to the local community with regard to managing the legacy of contaminated groundwater.

We are always interested in hearing from our local communities so if you have any feedback, questions or concerns, please get in touch on:


The EPA wrote to residents to notify them that it was proceeding with the establishment of a groundwater prohibition area in portions of Thebarton and Mile End. The EPA consulted with the local community to provide information and seek feedback on the proposal.

South Australia has a proud manufacturing history. Some chemical disposal and handling practices in these industries that were considered appropriate at the time, are no longer acceptable by today’s environmental standards. Certain chemicals found in groundwater can cause health problems if people are exposed to high enough concentrations over long periods of time.

Under section 103S of the Environment Protection Act 1993, the EPA may prohibit or restrict the taking of groundwater if it may be harmful to human health or safety.

The engagement process was effective in helping the EPA to understand issues important to the local community with regard to managing the legacy of contaminated groundwater.

We are always interested in hearing from our local communities so if you have any feedback, questions or concerns, please get in touch on:


Consultation has concluded

  • Please do not use bore water in this area

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    Chemicals from historical industrial activity have contaminated the groundwater Thebarton and Mile End. These chemicals include volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons such as perchloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE) and its degradation products, dichloroethene (DCE), and vinyl chloride (VC). Other chemicals include arsenic, naphthalene and metals including uranium.

    Chlorinated hydrocarbons are extremely persistent in the environment and natural degradation is expected to take centuries. They are denser than water and leach through soil and groundwater. They are volatile, carcinogenic and present a potential risk to human health if groundwater is utilised for drinking, showering, washing, filling swimming pools, watering lawns or irrigation of edible

    Chemicals from historical industrial activity have contaminated the groundwater Thebarton and Mile End. These chemicals include volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons such as perchloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE) and its degradation products, dichloroethene (DCE), and vinyl chloride (VC). Other chemicals include arsenic, naphthalene and metals including uranium.

    Chlorinated hydrocarbons are extremely persistent in the environment and natural degradation is expected to take centuries. They are denser than water and leach through soil and groundwater. They are volatile, carcinogenic and present a potential risk to human health if groundwater is utilised for drinking, showering, washing, filling swimming pools, watering lawns or irrigation of edible produce.

    Naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) is present in any ore, tailings or waste material containing uranium. NORM is also within other materials and mineral deposits such as, coal, bauxite, phosphate rock, tin, gold and rare earth element deposits. NORM is naturally present everywhere in the environment, and can be found in all soils and groundwater in the Adelaide metropolitan area. It is also present in the human body and all living tissues.

    Generally, the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 is administered by the EPA. The Act does not recognise low levels of radioactivity and exempts NORM below a certain level for the purposes of regulation. This is in part due to low levels of radiation being only a fraction of natural exposures and regarded as safe.

    Consultation has concluded

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  • What is the risk to residents

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    Poor quality and polluted groundwater can seriously threaten the health and viability of communities, agricultural operations and the environment. The EPA advises that the groundwater in this area is contaminated and should not be used for any purpose. Coming into contact with it can pose a serious risk to human health.

    This is especially the case if you ingest by drinking, water your fruit and vegetables, wash your food or cook with it (even when boiled). When used to water the garden or lawns, fill a pool or top up a rainwater tank, polluted groundwater creates the opportunity for dermal

    Poor quality and polluted groundwater can seriously threaten the health and viability of communities, agricultural operations and the environment. The EPA advises that the groundwater in this area is contaminated and should not be used for any purpose. Coming into contact with it can pose a serious risk to human health.

    This is especially the case if you ingest by drinking, water your fruit and vegetables, wash your food or cook with it (even when boiled). When used to water the garden or lawns, fill a pool or top up a rainwater tank, polluted groundwater creates the opportunity for dermal exposure to the chemicals of concern with absorption through the skin.

    Contaminated groundwater from bores should also never be used to wash down paths or driveway, or even as grey water for toilet flushing. Preventing the extraction of contaminated groundwater is necessary to protect human health and prevent the spread of contamination.

    Consultation has concluded

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  • We would like to hear from you

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    Community input is an important part of this process and we would especially like to hear from existing bore users, to provide further information on the depth and use of your bore. This information has enabled existing groundwater prohibition areas to target only contaminated aquifers and not impact unnecessarily on existing use of the deeper cleaner aquifers.

    Please explore this website to find out more information and tell us your ideas. You can engage with us by:

    • Phone 08 8204 2004
    • Email
    • Request for a private briefing or attending a community information session.

    Community input is an important part of this process and we would especially like to hear from existing bore users, to provide further information on the depth and use of your bore. This information has enabled existing groundwater prohibition areas to target only contaminated aquifers and not impact unnecessarily on existing use of the deeper cleaner aquifers.

    Please explore this website to find out more information and tell us your ideas. You can engage with us by:

    • Phone 08 8204 2004
    • Email
    • Request for a private briefing or attending a community information session.
    Consultation has concluded

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

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