Brighton Groundwater Prohibition Area

Consultation concluded on 22 August 2025. The Brighton GPA was established on 27 November 2025.

The EPA has established 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 has taken action necessary to prevent actual or potential harm to human health or safety.

The GPA was established on 27 November 2025 and published in the Government Gazette. The GPA extends to a depth of 15 metres below ground level.

Taking of groundwater is prohibited in the watertable aquifer and any deeper water bearing zones hydraulically connected to the watertable aquifer up to 15 metres below ground surface within the specified area. A maximum fine of $8,000 may be issued to persons using groundwater at their property.

Please contact us for further information:

Email – engage.epa@sa.gov.au
Phone – (08) 8429 7554

The EPA has established 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 has taken action necessary to prevent actual or potential harm to human health or safety.

The GPA was established on 27 November 2025 and published in the Government Gazette. The GPA extends to a depth of 15 metres below ground level.

Taking of groundwater is prohibited in the watertable aquifer and any deeper water bearing zones hydraulically connected to the watertable aquifer up to 15 metres below ground surface within the specified area. A maximum fine of $8,000 may be issued to persons using groundwater at their property.

Please contact us for further information:

Email – engage.epa@sa.gov.au
Phone – (08) 8429 7554