Detected levels of PFOA in Brisbane's drinking water were found to be up to nine times higher than the safe limit set by the US Environmental Protection Agency, although still within Australian guidelines.

Testing since 2018 has shown significant exceedances of the US limit of four parts per trillion at various treatment plants, including Lowood and Tingalpa Creek Channel.

While Seqwater has begun publishing its water quality test results online, it has not released data on previous exceedances, raising further concerns about transparency.

Seqwater has rejected claims of intentionally withholding information, asserting compliance with all reporting obligations and adherence to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Recent test results from Seqwater, the government-owned water authority, have revealed that PFOA levels at Southeast Queensland treatment plants are among the highest in Australia.

The alarming presence of PFOA, a cancer-causing chemical, in Brisbane's drinking water has raised significant concerns among experts.

Despite maintaining that national regulations have not been breached, Seqwater faced criticism for not disclosing exceedances to the public or the Queensland Minister for Water.

Water scientist Ian Wright condemned Seqwater for failing to publicly disclose concerning test results, noting that such levels would be illegal in other countries.

At an event on November 29, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the importance of resident safety and accountability regarding the presence of PFOA in drinking water.

Environmental campaigner Jon Dee has called for an independent inquiry into the high levels of 'forever chemicals' in Brisbane's drinking water, labeling the lack of transparency a scandal that jeopardizes public health.

In addition to PFOA, another chemical known as PFOS, which is associated with environmental contamination from firefighting foam, was also found at levels exceeding proposed Australian regulations.

In 2023, PFOA was recorded at 36 parts per trillion in raw water at Mount Crosby Westbank, a major source of Brisbane's water supply.