PFAS in Australian Tap Water: What a New Survey Reveals

Australian Drinking Water & PFAS Awareness

More Australians Are Concerned About What's in Their Tap Water

A new Australian survey reveals growing concern about PFAS, commonly known as 'forever chemicals', in household drinking water. Yet despite increasing awareness, many Australians aren't checking what's actually in their water.

We explore what the latest findings mean, how Australian drinking water is monitored, why boiling water isn't the answer to PFAS, and what households should know about water filtration.

Australians are becoming increasingly conscious of what they eat, drink and use in their homes. From food ingredients to household chemicals, understanding what we're exposed to has become an important part of everyday life.

On 21 October 2026, 9News reported on a YouGov survey commissioned by Complete Home Filtration that highlighted growing concerns about PFAS and other substances in household water.

The findings suggest an interesting gap between awareness and action. Australians are asking more questions about drinking water quality, but many remain unsure how to check their water or which treatment methods may be appropriate.

What Did the Australian Survey Reveal?

The survey findings reported by 9News provide a snapshot of how Australians are thinking about water quality.

Source: YouGov survey commissioned by Complete Home Filtration, as reported by 9News on 21 October 2026. The published article does not provide the full survey methodology or sample size.

What Are PFAS, or 'Forever Chemicals'?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large group of manufactured chemicals used in industrial and consumer products for decades.

Many PFAS are resistant to heat, water, oil and stains. These properties have made them useful in a variety of applications, including:

• Firefighting foams, particularly those historically used at airports and training facilities
• Water-resistant clothing and fabrics
• Some non-stick and stain-resistant coatings
• Certain industrial manufacturing processes
• Various other commercial and consumer applications

PFAS are commonly called 'forever chemicals' because many are highly persistent and can remain in the environment for long periods.

However, PFAS is not one single chemical. The group includes thousands of different substances, and their behaviour, persistence and potential health effects can vary.

Because of their widespread historical use, certain PFAS have been detected in soil, waterways, wildlife and people around the world.

Have PFAS Been Found in Australian Tap Water?

Yes. PFAS have been detected in some Australian water sources, including certain drinking water catchments.

Previous investigations and water monitoring have identified PFAS compounds in parts of Australia, contributing to greater public interest in how drinking water is tested and regulated.

However, detecting PFAS in water does not automatically mean that the water is unsafe to drink.

The concentration of a substance matters, as does the specific PFAS compound detected and the relevant health-based guideline.

Australian public drinking water supplies are managed and monitored under established drinking water quality frameworks. For a broader explanation of drinking water quality, read our guide to what's in your tap water.

Australia's Updated PFAS Drinking Water Guidelines

In June 2025, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) updated the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines for several PFAS compounds.

The updated guidelines include the following health-based values:

What does ng/L mean? Nanograms per litre. One nanogram is one-billionth of a gram.

These guideline values are designed to support the assessment and management of drinking water quality over long-term exposure. They should not be interpreted as suggesting that any detectable amount of PFAS automatically presents an immediate health risk.

For further information, refer to the NHMRC's official PFAS drinking water guidance.

What About Drinking Water in NSW?

For NSW households, there is useful information available from government agencies and local water providers.

Following the release of the updated PFAS guidelines in June 2025, the NSW Government reported that testing conducted during 2024 and 2025 showed all NSW public drinking water supplies met the updated guideline values.

This included Sydney Water, Hunter Water and regional public water utilities.

Water monitoring remains an ongoing responsibility, and results can vary between water sources and over time.

For the latest information, visit the NSW Government's PFAS and drinking water information page or consult your local water supplier.

What Does Research Say About PFAS and Health?

PFAS have received increasing scientific attention because certain compounds can persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body.

The 9News article reports that a 2025 Australian Bureau of Statistics study detected at least three PFAS compounds in the blood of approximately 85% of Australians aged 12 and over.

This illustrates how widespread exposure to certain PFAS has become. However, detecting PFAS in someone's blood does not, by itself, establish that they will experience adverse health effects.

Research has identified health concerns associated with certain PFAS compounds, while questions remain about the effects of different chemicals and long-term exposure.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

The practical takeaway is to remain informed, follow relevant public health advice and understand that risk depends on the substance, concentration and exposure circumstances.

Does Boiling Water Remove PFAS?

One of the most interesting findings from the survey was that 37% of respondents believed boiling water was the best way to remove harmful substances.

While boiling can help inactivate many disease-causing microorganisms, boiling water does not reliably remove PFAS.

PFAS are chemical substances rather than bacteria or viruses. Heating water to boiling point does not reliably break them down or remove them.

When water evaporates during prolonged boiling, dissolved substances that remain may become more concentrated.

The important distinction: Water disinfection and chemical filtration are not the same thing. Different contaminants require different treatment approaches.

How Can You Check What's in Your Tap Water?

The survey suggests that many Australians are concerned about water quality but aren't actively checking their water. There are several practical ways to become better informed.

1. Review Your Local Water Supplier's Reports

Australian water utilities publish information about drinking water quality, testing and compliance. Depending on your location, reports may include information about PFAS and other water quality indicators.

Your local supplier is a sensible first point of contact if you have concerns about the water delivered to your property.

2. Understand the Results

A substance being detected is not the same as its concentration exceeding a health-based guideline. Results need to be considered alongside the applicable Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and advice from health authorities.

3. Consider Independent Laboratory Testing

Independent testing may be useful for households wanting information about their own water supply, particularly properties using rainwater tanks, bore water or other private sources.

PFAS analysis requires specialised laboratory methods. If arranging testing, use a suitably accredited laboratory and confirm which compounds the test covers.

4. Check Your Existing Water Filter

Not all filters are designed to reduce the same substances. Review your filter's specifications, independent testing information and maintenance requirements to understand its intended performance.

What Types of Water Filters Can Reduce PFAS?

Certain water treatment technologies can reduce particular PFAS compounds. However, effectiveness varies depending on the filter, water conditions, PFAS compounds present and maintenance.

Activated Carbon Filtration

Activated carbon works by adsorbing certain substances onto the surface of the carbon media as water passes through.

Properly designed activated carbon systems can reduce some PFAS compounds, particularly certain longer-chain PFAS. However, not every carbon filter has been independently verified for PFAS reduction, and performance can vary significantly.

Filter capacity, water contact time and cartridge replacement are important considerations.

Reverse Osmosis Filtration

Reverse osmosis (RO) uses a specialised membrane to separate water from a broad range of dissolved substances.

Appropriately designed reverse osmosis systems can be effective at reducing many PFAS compounds and are often considered when more comprehensive drinking water treatment is desired.

A typical under-sink RO system combines several filtration stages, including sediment filtration, carbon filtration and an RO membrane.

What About Other Treatment Technologies?

Specialised ion exchange technologies are also used in PFAS treatment. The NHMRC identifies activated carbon, anion exchange and high-pressure membrane systems among the technologies used to manage PFAS in drinking water.

Important: The effectiveness of a particular household filter should be assessed using relevant product-specific testing. A system containing activated carbon or an RO membrane should not automatically be assumed to remove every PFAS compound.

Why Water Filter Maintenance Matters

Even a well-designed filtration system requires appropriate maintenance to continue operating as intended.

Filter cartridges and RO membranes have a finite service life. Replacement intervals depend on the system, water usage, incoming water quality and manufacturer recommendations.

Choosing a filtration system is only part of the process. Maintaining it correctly is essential for reliable long-term performance.

Choosing a Drinking Water Filtration System for Your Home

If you're considering a water filtration system, the most suitable option depends on your household's needs, available space, plumbing arrangements and the substances you want to reduce.

At Awesome Water, we offer a range of under-sink and reverse osmosis filtration solutions for households looking to improve the quality, taste and convenience of their drinking water.

Here are three options worth exploring.

A note about PFAS reduction: These systems are presented as drinking water filtration options, not as independently verified PFAS removal products. If PFAS reduction is your primary concern, ask about the relevant product specifications and available contaminant-reduction testing before selecting a system.

Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS in Drinking Water

Is Australian tap water safe to drink?

Australian public drinking water supplies are regulated and monitored against established drinking water quality requirements. PFAS have been detected in some sources, but detection alone does not mean the water is unsafe. Consult your local water supplier for location-specific information.

Can you taste or smell PFAS in water?

PFAS generally cannot be reliably identified by taste, smell or appearance. Specialised laboratory testing is required to determine whether particular PFAS compounds are present.

Does boiling tap water remove PFAS?

No. Boiling does not reliably remove PFAS and should not be used as a PFAS treatment method.

Do all water filters remove PFAS?

No. Certain activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems can reduce particular PFAS compounds, but performance varies. Product-specific testing is important when choosing a system for PFAS reduction.

Is bottled water necessarily free from PFAS?

Not necessarily. Bottled water should not automatically be assumed to be free from PFAS. Its quality depends on the water source, treatment and testing.

How often should I replace my water filter?

Replacement intervals depend on the filtration system, water usage, incoming water quality and manufacturer recommendations. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your system.

Understanding Your Water Is the First Step

The latest survey highlights a growing interest in drinking water quality across Australia.

More people are asking questions about PFAS and other substances in household water. But understanding what is present, how water is monitored and which treatment methods are appropriate is just as important as awareness itself.

Water filtration isn't about assuming your tap water is unsafe. It's about making informed choices based on your water quality, household needs and personal preferences.

At Awesome Water, we believe everyone should have access to clear, reliable information about their drinking water.

Need Help Choosing a Water Filtration System?

Whether you're interested in improving taste and odour, exploring reverse osmosis or understanding your existing filtration system, our team can help you find an option that suits your needs.

Call 1800 886 819 or contact Awesome Water for practical advice.

Sources & Further Reading

This article is provided for general educational purposes and should not replace advice from your drinking water supplier, relevant health authorities or qualified water treatment professionals.

• 9News: More Aussies now wary of presence of forever chemicals in household water (21 October 2026)
• NHMRC: Updated Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (25 June 2025)
• NHMRC: PFAS chemical fact sheet and treatment guidance
• NSW Government: PFAS and drinking water information and updates
• NSW Health: PFAS information