South Australia has a proud manufacturing history.

But we now know that historic use of chemicals has led to contamination in soil and groundwater.

This contamination can spread beneath the surface and needs addressing for current and future generations.

Many of the chemicals used by industry in the past leaked or were poured on to the ground to evaporate.

Fortunately, practices have changed.

We now have laws that prevent these practices occurring.

Soil and groundwater contamination can affect human health.

But only if there is:

A source - such as a chemical in groundwater

A pathway - such as extracting bore water with a pump

And a receptor - a person coming in to contact with that contaminated water.

Groundwater close to the surface is more likely to be contaminated than deeper aquifers.

That is why it is important to be informed about groundwater use from residential bores.

In some areas of Adelaide the EPA advises residents not to use bore water for any purpose.

The EPA is now consulting with residents in Edwardstown and surrounding suburbs about a proposal to ban the use of contaminated bore water.

There are many plumes of contaminated groundwater in this area.

This proposed groundwater prohibition area covers more than 5000 residential homes from east to west – from South Road crossing parts of Marion Road and south to Daws Road.

You can engage with us by:

Phoning 1800 729 175

Dropping in to a community information session

Or visiting the website for more information.