Narrabri in NSW is experiencing a severe water crisis, with stage 4 restrictions in place due to PFAS contamination in its water supply, worsened by a heatwave with temperatures reaching 50°C.

Water levels at the Namoi Street Reservoir are dropping by about 4% daily, with only one operational bore left, as two others remain offline due to PFAS contamination that has persisted for nearly 10 months.

The NSW EPA is investigating the contamination, which is believed to originate from firefighting foam used near the highway, with rain and floods exacerbating the issue by washing PFAS into underground aquifers, affecting private bores and creeks.

Opposition leaders have criticized the government for lacking a clear long-term water security plan, urging immediate measures like water trucking and faster treatment solutions.

State officials, including Water Minister Rose Jackson, have pledged support such as water carting, bottled water, and purification systems, while investigations into the contamination source continue.

The local council has received $50,000 in emergency funding from the NSW government to install a new pump to boost the capacity of the last remaining bore, but long-term solutions remain costly and under consideration.

In the short term, authorities are mixing small amounts of contaminated water with safe water, restricting garden watering and footpath washing, and plan to install a new pump once water levels reach 80% to reduce restrictions.

The contamination, likely from firefighting foam, has worsened due to recent rain and floods, which have washed PFAS into underground aquifers, prompting ongoing investigations.