Wentworth Falls Lake PFAS Investigation
Summary
- The NSW Government has released precautionary dietary advice for fish caught in Wentworth Falls Lake after testing found per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in some species.
- The community can continue to fish in Wentworth Falls Lake but should follow precautionary dietary advice when eating their catch.
- Wentworth Falls Lake can continue to be used for recreational purposes.
Why testing was undertaken in Wentworth Falls Lake
Testing of surface water and fish caught in Wentworth Falls Lake was completed in response to community concerns.
What we know so far
All water samples show that PFAS is well below the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Recreational Water Quality Guidelines, meaning the risk to recreational users of the Lake from PFAS is low.
PFAS Water Sampling Results – Wentworth Falls Lake (sampled 13 February 2025)
| Wentworth Falls Lake 1 | Wentworth Falls Lake 2 | Wentworth Falls Lake 3 | Wentworth Falls Lake 4 | Recreational Water quality guidelines NHMRC 2019 (µg/L) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFHxS + PFOS (µg/L) | 0.0201 | 0.0106 | 0.0114 | 0.0108 | 2 |
| PFOA (µg/L) | 0.0006 | <0.0005 | 0.0006 | 0.0005 | 10 |
Visitors to Wentworth Falls Lake should avoid swimming for three days after heavy rain and check the Beachwatch website for updates on water quality associated with stormwater pollution.
Fishing in Wentworth Falls Lake
You can continue to fish in Wentworth Falls Lake.
Eating fish from Wentworth Falls Lake
You can continue to eat fish from the Lake by following the precautionary dietary advice to minimise potential exposure to PFAS.
| Servings per week* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Species | Children (2-6 years old) | All other age groups |
| Redfin Perch | 1 | 1 |
| or | or | |
| All other species | 2 | 2 |
*Adult Serving size = 150 grams; Children Serving Size = 75 grams.
Note:
- The consumption of offal in all species listed should be avoided.
- General fish and seafood consumption advice states that people should eat 2-3 serves of fish and seafood each week as part of a balanced diet.
- Independent of the site-specific advice related to PFAS above, pregnant women and women planning pregnancy, should refer to fish consumption advice published by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) relating to mercury.
More information
See The NSW Government PFAS Investigation Program for more information on the NSW Government’s response to PFAS.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Environment Line: [email protected].