An independent study into PFAS has discovered disturbingly high levels of the potentially harmful contaminant in popular Darwin spots previously thought to be clean.

The study, commissioned by members of community group Save Rapid Creek and undertaken by Sydney-based ALS Testing, found high traces of the firefighter-foam chemical in areas known to be contaminated, including Rapid Creek and Ludmilla. But their testing also uncovered elements of the chemical in previously unannounced PFAS areas, including Doctors Gully and the Duck Pond.

Darwin Council Waters Ward alderman Andrew Arthur and former CLP candidate Steven Klose had the water analysed from various sites earlier this month.

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ALS found levels at Doctors Gully were 1.4 times above the Australian Government Health Department’s drinking water quality guidelines, but below the recreational level.

Tests were also conducted at the Duck Pond and traces were found there as well.

The foam, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), is feared to be carcinogenic.

Regardless of levels, the men were concerned that the chemical was leeching into the environment in more places than first thought. They want the NT Government to conduct an environmental impact statement.

“Things have changed. We know more about this contaminant and know it’s harmful. We really need to step up and the NT Government needs to step up and clean its own sites,” Mr Arthur said.

NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles said Territorians deserved to live in safe spaces.

“I will seek advice from the Health Department on the significance of this research for Territorians and what if any actions need to be taken,” she said.

Yesterday the Sunday Territorian reported that scientists claimed to have developed technology that could remove 99 per cent of PFAS chemicals from groundwater within minutes of initiation.