A ban on the use of groundwater in parts of Adelaide's northwest has been proposed after the discovery of toxic chemicals.
The Environment Protection Authority says it recently reviewed 86 assessment reports on 16 different sites which revealed groundwater contamination in parts of Hendon, Royal Park, Seaton and Albert Park.
The checks revealed the presence of volatile petroleum and chlorinated hydrocarbons including trichloroethene (TCE), dichloroethene (DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC).
"The EPA is proposing to establish a formal prohibition on the extraction of bore water to ensure residents are protected now and well into the future," the authority said in information provided to residents on its website.
"While many chemicals of concern have been identified in the groundwater, chlorinated hydrocarbons are noted to be extremely persistent in the environment and natural degradation is expected to take centuries.
"They are volatile, carcinogenic and present a potential risk to human health if groundwater is utilised regularly for drinking, showering, washing, filling swimming pools, watering lawns or irrigation of edible produce."
The EPA has begun a community consultation process in relation to the proposed ban with information sessions scheduled for May 20 and 21.
Subject to the results of that process the ban is expected to take effect, with a maximum fine of $8000 to be put in place for anyone using bore water on their property.
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