West Lakes

West Lakes

In August 2020 the EPA was notified of testing results from soil collected at the former Port Adelaide wastewater treatment plant in West Lakes, as well as offsite groundwater monitoring bores located in reserves and other public land. The results showed per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) above relevant guidelines.

The EPA advises that groundwater (bore water) in the West Lakes assessment area is contaminated and should not be used for any purpose. The West Lakes and Royal Park groundwater prohibition area was established in December 2023.

Lake water, tap water and rainwater are not affected.

Previous work undertaken by the EPA included a program to sample the lake water, groundwater, fish and crustaceans. The reports are available in the Reports section on this page.

If you have any feedback, questions or concerns, please contact us on:

In August 2020 the EPA was notified of testing results from soil collected at the former Port Adelaide wastewater treatment plant in West Lakes, as well as offsite groundwater monitoring bores located in reserves and other public land. The results showed per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) above relevant guidelines.

The EPA advises that groundwater (bore water) in the West Lakes assessment area is contaminated and should not be used for any purpose. The West Lakes and Royal Park groundwater prohibition area was established in December 2023.

Lake water, tap water and rainwater are not affected.

Previous work undertaken by the EPA included a program to sample the lake water, groundwater, fish and crustaceans. The reports are available in the Reports section on this page.

If you have any feedback, questions or concerns, please contact us on:

Please ask us a question and we will get back to you. Posting your question here allows other visitors to the site to view your question and our answer. If you would like to ask a question privately, please email us. 

  • Hi i got a epa flyer about west lakes soil contamination. Community update #1 issued 24 august 2020 On page 6 there is a picture of west lakes community engagement area. Is the "community engagement area " the known areas where sludge was distributed? We are in mcdonald grove west lakes. Is this street in the area of contamination? Thank u dee

    Dee asked about 5 years ago

    Hello Dee

    Thank you for your question, and thank you for sharing it here so others can also see it and the response.

    The community engagement area shown on the map is approximately 700 homes, and is the distribution boundary for the community update.  The number of properties impacted by sludge is just under 200 properties, and these have not been identified for the protection of  the privacy of those residents.

    All residents who are impacted have been sent a letter that outlines their specific situation in addition to this community update, and have been provided with a copy of the report on the work undertaken in 2001 by the state government (where this offer was accepted).

    I hope that clarifies your query - please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything else we can help you with.

    Kind regards, Environment Protection Authority