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

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

  • 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.