Occurrence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in water supplies has attracted the worldwide attention of regulators, utilities, researchers and the public. Interest in disinfection by-products (DBPs), including NDMA, stems from concerns related to DBP exposures and potential adverse health outcomes, as suggested by various toxicology and epidemiology studies. To date, limited exposure data have been published on NDMA occurrences in Australia. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of data from the largest survey of NDMA in Australian drinking water. A total of 240 samples, from 36 drinking water treatment plants across five states and one territory, were analysed for NDMA. Only 9 water treatment plants reported samples with NDMA above a 5 ng/L reporting limit. However, NDMA was detected frequently in these plants, with approximately half of the samples collected (43 of 89) containing NDMA. There was a large variation in NDMA concentrations (10 mg/L C).

National occurrence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA): An investigation of 36 Australian drinking water supplies

248th National Meeting (2014)

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