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.

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.

  • How will this be communicated to future purchasers?

    After establishment, future purchasers of properties within this area will be made aware of the groundwater prohibition via the Form 1 statement provided to prospective buyers at the time of sale.

    This informs future purchasers that existing groundwater bores are no longer able to be used and no future bores can be installed at the property.

    The Form 1 statement is required to be provided by a vendor (the seller of the property), usually through the real estate agent or conveyancer to a prospective buyer, under Section 7 of the Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994.

    This is in addition to any other EPA interests that have previously been flagged for the title, should they exist.

  • What is the risk to residents?

    For site contamination to become an issue, there needs to be a source (contaminated groundwater), a pathway (extracting that water from a bore), and a receptor (a person coming into contact with that water).

    Using contaminated groundwater for drinking, showering, washing, filling swimming pools, watering lawns or irrigating produce over a long period of time is considered a health risk.

    Prohibiting groundwater use removes the exposure pathway and protects public health. It prevents the spread of the contamination by preventing the use of existing bores, and also prevents the installation of new bores in the future.


  • Are my fruit and vegetables safe?

    Rainwater and mains water (tap water provided by SA Water) are not affected by the groundwater contamination and can be used.

    Home-grown fruit and vegetables are safe to consume if they are not watered with groundwater.

Page published: 30 Jul 2025, 09:30 AM