In a seismic shift, the Australian government is set to impose strict new limits on toxic "forever chemicals" in drinking water - substances linked to cancer and a range of other severe health problems. The long-overdue move marks a major policy turnaround, acknowledging the grave risks posed by PFAS chemicals that have seeped into water supplies nationwide. For years, experts have warned about the dangers, and now, under pressure, Australia will drastically lower the allowable levels of these harmful substances, potentially forcing a massive clean-up effort across the country.

The proposed changes, revealed by the SMH will be announced today and will bring Australia's standards closer to the toughest global regulations, following in the footsteps of the United States. However, some critics argue the new limits don’t go far enough, with certain chemicals still permitted at levels far higher than those in the U.S., despite their known links to cancer, immune system damage, and other health impacts. This is a watershed moment for Australia's environmental and health policy, but the question remains: has this change come too late for communities already heavily exposed - including Richmond in the Hawkesbury? The dangerous cancer-causing chemicals have been detected in the North Richmond water supply at dangerous levels.

PFAS contamination has silently spread through water systems for years, with some locations already breaching the proposed limits. The extent of the damage is still largely unknown, and many areas have never been tested. With the nation now facing the financial and logistical burden of cleaning up contaminated water supplies, the spotlight will likely shift to whether corporate giants - 3M and DuPont - responsible for the pollution will be held accountable.

More to come....