Do levels of methamphetamine in wastewater in Australia vary by geographic location?
The amount of methylamphetamine found in Australian wastewater varies substantially between Australian jurisdictions†.
In general, consumption levels were similar in capital cities and regional areas. Three sites in South Australia and a site in Victoria had the highest average capital city consumption levels. Most regional sites in Queensland, a regional site in New South Wales and a regional site in South Australia recorded above average consumption levels.
Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (2022). National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program: Report 17. Canberra: ACIC.
† This FAQ uses data from the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program. Methylamphetamine excretion was measured. No attempt was made to differentiate amphetamine use from the proportion of methylamphetamine excreted as amphetamine.
Methylamphetamine is also commonly known as methamphetamine. In this report, consistent with the preferences of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, methylamphetamine is used.