Forever Chemicals in Australian Tap Water: Why Reverse Osmosis Is the Only Real Solution
- Filtered Water Systems
- Aug 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 1
A recent investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald has confirmed what many Australians have long feared: our tap water is not as safe as we’re led to believe. Two in-depth reports (SMH, June 2024; SMH, April 2024) reveal that carcinogenic “forever chemicals” have been permitted in Australian tap water at up to 140 times higher than the safe level recommended in the United States.
This discovery is deeply concerning for the 1.8 million Australians already living in affected areas. But while government standards remain behind, Australians don’t need to wait for regulation to catch up. The safest action is to take control of your household water with proven filtration technology—Reverse Osmosis (RO).
At Filtered Water Systems, we provide advanced solutions, including the Aquala P500 tankless reverse osmosis system for drinking water and Triple Whole House Filtration Systems to protect every tap in your home.
What Are Forever Chemicals?
“Forever chemicals” is the common term for a group of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which includes PFOA and PFOS. These compounds earned their name because they do not naturally break down in the body or the environment.
For decades, PFAS were used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, cosmetics, and food packaging. Now, research has linked them to:
Certain cancers (including kidney and testicular cancer)
Hormone disruption
Immune system suppression
Increased cholesterol levels
Developmental issues in children
Once in the body, PFAS accumulate over time. Even extremely low exposures are considered unsafe by health authorities such as the U.S. EPA and the European Union.
Forever Chemicals in Australian Tap Water
The Sydney Morning Herald’s analysis found that forever chemicals have been detected in tap water across Sydney suburbs like North Richmond, Quakers Hill, Liverpool, Blacktown, Emu Plains, and Campbelltown. Beyond Sydney, contamination has also been confirmed in:
Newcastle, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Lithgow, Gundagai, and Yass
Canberra
Melbourne’s inner suburb of Footscray
Adelaide’s city water
Regional Queensland towns such as Cairns and Gladstone
Kingborough in Hobart
Darwin and surrounding areas
This means contamination is not isolated to industrial zones—it’s nationwide.
Australia vs. U.S. Standards: Why Our Water Is Less Safe
Australia’s official drinking water guidelines still allow 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS and 560 ppt for PFOA. In contrast, the U.S. EPA recently lowered its limit to just 4 ppt for both, acknowledging that no level is truly safe.
That means Australians may be drinking water with PFAS concentrations up to 140 times higher than U.S. safety standards.
Worse, only three of the 14,000+ forever chemicals have been banned in Australia. The rest remain unregulated, despite accumulating evidence of their health risks.
Why Forever Chemicals Are So Hard to Remove
Many PFAS leaks originate from industrial sites, landfills, and firefighting foam runoff. Over decades, these chemicals have leached into groundwater and rivers—eventually making their way into tap water supplies.
Globally, PFAS exposure has become nearly universal. In fact, one U.S. case study found 21 cancer cases at a single high school in Oakdale, Minnesota, linked to PFAS-contaminated drinking water. Investigations revealed that 98% of the world’s population now has PFAS in their blood.
This contamination crisis is not slowing down—making it vital for Australians to protect themselves at home.
Reverse Osmosis: The Gold Standard in Protection
While standard carbon filters help reduce chlorine, taste, and some organic contaminants, they are not enough for PFAS.
The gold standard for removing forever chemicals is Reverse Osmosis (RO). RO works by pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks particles as small as 0.0001 microns. PFAS, heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics are all filtered out, leaving only clean water.
Scientific studies confirm that reverse osmosis systems can remove up to 99.99% of PFAS from drinking water—making it the most effective household protection available today.
Solutions from Filtered Water Systems
At Filtered Water Systems, we specialize in Reverse Osmosis systems tailored to Australian homes, designed to protect against forever chemicals and other contaminants.
1. Aquala P500 Tankless Reverse Osmosis System
The Aquala P500 is our flagship undersink RO system—perfect for kitchens where space is at a premium.
Tankless design — saves cupboard space and reduces bacteria risk compared to traditional tank systems
Fast flow rate — ideal for busy households and offices
Mineralisation stage — adds back essential minerals for taste and health after purification
PFAS removal — eliminates 99.99% of forever chemicals along with chlorine, heavy metals, and microplastics
This system is perfect for families, professionals, and health-conscious Australians who want pure, safe drinking water on demand.
2. Triple Whole House Filtration Systems
While drinking water protection is critical, PFAS exposure can also happen through showering, cooking, and even washing clothes. That’s where our Triple Whole House Filtration Systems come in
.
Installed at your home’s entry point so every tap is filtered
Multi-stage filtration with sediment, carbon, and specialty cartridges to tackle chlorine, chemicals, and PFAS depending on which filter is purchased.
Protects your skin, hair, and overall health by reducing chemical absorption in the shower
Extends the life of appliances, clothing, and plumbing by reducing harsh contaminants
With this system, your entire household is protected—not just your drinking glass.
Why Choose Filtered Water Systems?
Specialists in Reverse Osmosis: Our solutions are specifically designed for the Australian water context.
Easy Maintenance: Quick-change cartridges make upkeep hassle-free.
Health First: All systems are tested to remove PFAS, chlorine, heavy metals, and other harmful contaminants.
Flexibility: From renters to homeowners, from single people to large families—we have systems that fit your lifestyle.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait for Regulation to Catch Up
The evidence is clear: forever chemicals in Australian tap water pose a real and urgent health threat. With government standards lagging far behind global benchmarks, households must take action themselves.
Reverse Osmosis systems are the most effective way to safeguard your drinking water—and your family’s long-term health.
At Filtered Water Systems, we’re proud to offer advanced solutions like the Aquala P500 and our Triple Whole House Filtration Systems, giving Australians peace of mind and genuine protection against PFAS.
For more information contact us: At Filtered Water Systems or give us a call +61 478 800 996
Comments