Toxic chemicals in Katherine water supply

The Northern Territory government has revealed bore water used in Katherine's water supply contains low levels of chemicals linked to firefighting foams.

The Northern Territory government has confirmed Katherine's town water is contaminated with chemicals linked to old firefighting foams.

It comes after the federal Defence department on Tuesday revealed it had found toxic chemicals in bore and surface water surrounding the nearby Tindal RAAF base.

"Early results have been received for Katherine water supply and indicate there are low levels of (pollutants) in ground water," said Xavier Schobben, NT Department of Health Environmental Health Director.

"These results are within the acceptable range of the current interim Australian guidelines."

Finalised results are expected within the coming weeks.

Katherine's water comprises 10-20 per cent of groundwater, while the rest comes from the Katherine River.

The now banned fire fighting foam was used at Tindal between 1988 and 2005.