Brighton Groundwater Prohibition Area
The EPA proposes to establish a groundwater prohibition area (GPA) in parts of Brighton (please refer to the map).
Groundwater is water that is present underground within rocks or sediments and can be accessed by a bore with an outdoor pump. Most properties do not have access to groundwater.
A site contamination audit started in 2020 at the On the Run service station at 470 and 478-484 Brighton Road, Brighton in relation to off-site risks from historical groundwater contamination. The EPA received a GPA recommendation from the site contamination auditor in April 2025 based on the presence of groundwater contamination related to historical service station activities, including petroleum hydrocarbons and related compounds. Based on the information reviewed, the EPA is taking action necessary to prevent actual or potential harm to human health or safety.
The EPA proposes to gazette the groundwater prohibition on 11 September 2025. Once established, the taking of groundwater in the area to a depth of 15 metres below ground level will be prohibited. After this date a maximum fine of $8,000 may be issued to persons using bore water at their property.
We invite you to provide feedback about this proposal by 22 August 2025, and we encourage groundwater users in the area to contact us for further information.
Email – engage.epa@sa.gov.au
Phone – (08) 8429 7554
The EPA’s priority is to protect public health and safety through the establishment of a GPA. We will proceed to gazette the Brighton GPA on 11 September 2025 if no new information relevant to the proposed boundary is received.