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Tonsley and surrounding areas Groundwater Prohibition Area

Consultation has concluded

Tonsley proposed groundwater prohibition area.

On 8 April 2021 the EPA established a groundwater prohibition area (GPA) in Tonsley and portions of Clovelly Park, Mitchell Park and Marion. These suburbs have a proud manufacturing history, with some past chemical disposal and handling practices having contaminated the groundwater.

If contaminated groundwater is a risk to human health, the EPA has the ability under the Environment Protection Act 1993 to establish a groundwater prohibition area. The purpose is to protect both current and future landholders from accessing the contaminated groundwater.

Before it made this determination, the EPA undertook a 90 day community consultation. All copies of reports, community updates and information is available from this website. If you can't find what you are looking for, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know:

Ph: (08) 8429 7554

Email: engage.epa@sa.gov.au

On 8 April 2021 the EPA established a groundwater prohibition area (GPA) in Tonsley and portions of Clovelly Park, Mitchell Park and Marion. These suburbs have a proud manufacturing history, with some past chemical disposal and handling practices having contaminated the groundwater.

If contaminated groundwater is a risk to human health, the EPA has the ability under the Environment Protection Act 1993 to establish a groundwater prohibition area. The purpose is to protect both current and future landholders from accessing the contaminated groundwater.

Before it made this determination, the EPA undertook a 90 day community consultation. All copies of reports, community updates and information is available from this website. If you can't find what you are looking for, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know:

Ph: (08) 8429 7554

Email: engage.epa@sa.gov.au

Consultation has concluded

  • Home grown veggies are safe - if watered with tap or rainwater

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    Rainwater and mains water (tap water) are not affected by groundwater contamination.

    Home-grown fruit and vegetables are safe to consume, provided you are not watering them with bore water.

    Sites that were formerly industrial may have further restrictions that you should be aware of. Please see the Form 1 Statement that was provided to you at the time of purchase, or contact the EPA if you would like to find out more information.

  • Please do not use your bore water

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    Groundwater (bore water) in the upper 2 aquifers (0–25 m below ground level) is known to be contaminated and extraction is now prohibited.

    Deeper aquifers used by schools and councils are not affected.

    Health problems can occur if people come into contact with the contaminated water over a long period of time. The contamination presents a potential risk to human health if groundwater is utilised for drinking, showering, washing, filling swimming pools, watering lawns or irrigating edible produce.

    Groundwater from bores in this area should also never be used to wash down paths or driveways, or even as grey water for toilet flushing. Preventing the extraction of contaminated groundwater is necessary to protect human health and prevent the spread of contamination.

  • We value your input!

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    The EPA has established groundwater prohibition areas in several areas of metropolitan Adelaide. Community engagement has informed their establishment, and in some instances has changed the depth and breadth of the prohibition.

    The purpose is to protect both current and future landholders from accessing the contaminated groundwater.

    Community engagement with the EPA is ongoing, and we encourage you to please get in contact with us during this time.

    We are available over the phone and online and encourage you to please call or email us, either during or outside of business hours.

    • Phone: 8429 7554
    • Email: engage.epa@sa.gov.au
    • Video conference or in person: please contact us to make arrangements