PFAS are often in the news, so it’s natural to wonder whether they’re in your tap water. This guide explains what PFAS are, what Australia’s drinking water guidelines say, how to find out about your area, and which treatment options actually work.
What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of manufactured chemicals. Since the 1950s they’ve been used to make products resist heat, stains, grease and water.
They’re known as “forever chemicals” because they’re extremely persistent. They break down very slowly, can travel long distances in water, and can build up in the environment and in people over time.
Where PFAS come from
PFAS have been used in a wide range of products and processes, including:
- firefighting foams, particularly for training at defence bases, airports and fire training grounds
- non-stick cookware and stain-resistant carpets, fabrics and furniture
- food packaging and some industrial processes
Australia has worked for years to reduce the use of certain PFAS, and some were prohibited from import, manufacture and export from 1 July 2025. Because they last so long, though, PFAS released in the past can remain in the environment for many years.
How PFAS get into drinking water
Where PFAS were used or spilled, they can soak into the soil and move into groundwater, creeks and dams. If those are used as drinking water sources, including private bores, PFAS can end up in the water supply.
Most Australians drink treated town water, and utilities monitor it for PFAS. According to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), PFAS levels measured by Australian water utilities have generally been below, or well below, the guideline values. Higher levels are more likely close to known contamination sites.
What the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines say
NHMRC publishes the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. In June 2025 it released updated health-based guideline values for four PFAS:
| PFAS | Guideline value |
|---|---|
| PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) | 8 ng/L |
| PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) | 200 ng/L |
| PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonic acid) | 30 ng/L |
| PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonic acid) | 1000 ng/L |
A nanogram is one billionth of a gram, which is why PFAS can only be measured by specialised laboratories.
The values are deliberately conservative and designed to protect health over a lifetime of drinking the water. NHMRC notes that a short-term result above a guideline value doesn’t necessarily mean the water is unsuitable to drink; it should instead prompt an investigation. It also describes the health risk from PFAS in drinking water as low for most Australians. You can read more on NHMRC’s PFAS review page.
How to find out about your area
- Check your water utility. Many utilities publish PFAS monitoring results online or in their drinking water quality reports.
- Look for local advice. State environment protection authorities and health departments publish information about known PFAS investigation areas.
- Test private supplies. If you drink bore or dam water, especially near a defence base, airport or fire training ground, a NATA-accredited laboratory can test for PFAS. Test strips and TDS meters can’t. Our guide to testing your water at home explains your options.
Treatment that works
Three technologies have solid evidence behind them:
- Activated carbon. The most studied option. PFAS cling to the carbon’s huge internal surface. How well it works depends on the type and amount of carbon, how long the water is in contact with it, and how much of its capacity has been used.
- Ion exchange. Specialised resins attract and hold PFAS, which carry a negative charge.
- Reverse osmosis (RO). An ultra-fine membrane holds back PFAS along with many other dissolved substances. The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that high-pressure membranes like RO are typically more than 90 per cent effective at removing a wide range of PFAS.
What doesn’t remove PFAS
- Boiling. PFAS aren’t removed or destroyed by boiling water.
- Sediment filters. They trap particles like sand and rust, but PFAS are dissolved in the water and pass straight through.
- Filters not designed for PFAS. A small carbon filter sold for chlorine taste may not have the media or contact time needed. NHMRC notes that filters vary in how well they reduce PFAS.
What to look for in a PFAS filter
- Independent certification for the specific claim. Look for certification to NSF/ANSI 53 (carbon and other adsorptive filters) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) that specifically lists PFOA/PFOS or total PFAS reduction. A product certified for other contaminants isn’t automatically certified for PFAS, so check the listing, not just the logo, or ask the supplier for the independent test report behind the claim.
- A system matched to your water. PFAS levels vary between supplies, so test results help size a system and set a realistic cartridge schedule.
- Proper installation. Plumbed-in systems should be installed by a licensed plumber in line with your state’s plumbing regulations.
Why replacement schedules matter
Carbon and ion exchange media have a limited capacity. Once it’s used up, PFAS start passing through, and you won’t notice because you can’t taste or smell PFAS at these levels. RO membranes and their pre-filters need changing too. As NHMRC points out, filters only keep working if they’re properly maintained and replaced.
It’s also worth knowing that home treatment can reduce things that are in water for good reason, such as fluoride. NHMRC suggests getting expert advice on whether treatment is needed at all, which is why we always recommend testing first.