Edwardstown and surrounding areas Groundwater Prohibition Area

The EPA established the Edwardstown and surrounding areas groundwater prohibition area (Edwardstown GPA) in January 2018 to protect people from accessing contaminated groundwater. The main contaminants are chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHC), primarily trichloroethene (TCE).

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.

The Edwardstown GPA was established on 9 January 2018 and published in the Government Gazette. The GPA extends to varying depths below ground level (please refer to the map).

Taking of groundwater is prohibited within the specified areas and a maximum fine of $8,000 may be issued to persons using groundwater at their property.