What Are PFAS in Water?

What are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in manufacturing since the 1950s. You’ll find them in products designed to resist heat, stains, oil and water. Think non-stick pans, stain-resistant fabrics, waterproof jackets, food packaging, and firefighting foam.

Why are they in the spotlight now? Because the same qualities that make PFAS so useful (like their resistance to heat, water and oil) also make them incredibly persistent in the environment. They don’t break down easily. That means they can build up over time in soil, waterways, and even in our bodies.

There are more than 4,000 different PFAS compounds, and new ones are still being identified. Some of the most studied, like PFOA and PFOS, have been phased out in many countries due to health concerns. But others are still in use.

In Australia, PFAS are now classified as contaminants of emerging concern. The Department of Health states that some PFAS have been found in the environment near industrial sites and firefighting training areas. They can travel through soil and water, eventually entering drinking water supplies.

That’s why PFAS in water is now a national issue, and why people across the country are paying closer attention to what’s coming out of their taps.

That covers what PFAS are, now let’s look at how these chemicals actually get into our drinking water.

Why are PFAS in water such a concern?

PFAS are often called forever chemicals (and for good reason). They don’t break down naturally; they accumulate in the environment and in our bodies, and they’re remarkably difficult to remove once they’ve entered the water supply. That makes them different from most other common contaminants.

1. They last for a long time

PFAS are chemically stable, meaning they resist heat, water, and oil. These same properties that made them useful in manufacturing also make them incredibly persistent. Once released, they can remain in soil and water for a very long time.

2. They can accumulate in your body

According to the US EPA, small amounts of PFAS can build up in the body over time. Exposure is usually through food or household products, and because the body breaks them down very slowly (if at all), the levels can increase with ongoing exposure.

3. They’re detected in more places, more often

Recent studies have found PFAS in Australian groundwater, rainwater, and even human blood samples. Their widespread detection has prompted national reviews of drinking water safety guidelines and localised investigations into known contamination sites.

4. They’re linked to health concerns

While the science is still evolving, a 2022 study in Environmental Research identified potential links between long-term PFAS exposure and a range of health risks, including:

• Effects on the immune system
• Hormone disruption
• Liver and kidney issues
• Developmental delays in children
• Certain types of cancer

Other international studies found similar links. The Australian Government’s Expert Panel for PFAS also linked PFAS exposure to:

• Increased levels of cholesterol and uric acid in the blood
• Reduced kidney function
• Altered levels of thyroid hormones and sex hormones
• Later age for starting menstruation in girls
• And earlier menopause
• Alterations in some indicators of immune response
• Lower birth weight in babies

We need to be really clear here: all sources are clear that there is more research needed and that the evidence is limited. But as a precaution, Australian authorities have introduced health-based guidance values for PFAS in drinking water, published in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

These concerns don’t mean every drop of water is unsafe. But they do explain why PFAS are under such scrutiny. And why some Australians are choosing to filter their drinking water as an added layer of protection.

Where do PFAS show up in Australia?

In Australia, PFAS have been detected in locations ranging from military bases and industrial sites to rainwater tanks and household dust. And while some areas face higher risks than others, the truth is: PFAS are now present in our broader environment. Here’s what we know.

Contamination hotspots

The Department of Defence has investigated PFAS contamination on and around dozens of current and former defence sites. These investigations focus on places where fire-fighting foams containing PFAS were used, including:

• RAAF Base Williamtown (NSW)
• Army Aviation Centre Oakey (QLD)
• HMAS Albatross (NSW)
• RAAF Base Pearce (WA)

In many of these areas, PFAS has been found in soil, surface water, groundwater, and even homegrown produce. Communities near affected sites have been offered alternative drinking water or property testing. View a full list of affected sites.

PFAS in drinking water and groundwater

Some Australian states have issued alerts about PFAS levels in local water supplies or private bores, particularly in regions near airports, landfills, or industrial zones. While most public water supplies are regularly tested, private sources may not be – and that’s where filtration becomes especially important.

PFAS in our homes and food

Low levels of PFAS have also been found in:

• Rainwater tanks (especially near high-use areas)
• Household dust (from carpets, textiles, furniture)
• Some food packaging, take-away containers, and non-stick cookware
• Imported products with PFAS-treated materials

According to the Australian Department of Health, most people are exposed to small amounts of PFAS through a combination of food, water, and household sources. The good news? It’s possible to reduce your exposure, especially through drinking water.

So, that’s a broad snapshot of PFAS in water. Now, what’s being done about it (and what can you do)?

What is Australia's position on PFAS in water?

Australia recognises PFAS as a serious and emerging contaminant. Government agencies across health, defence, and environment sectors have spent more than a decade assessing the risks and updating their response as science evolves.

Drinking water guidance

Australia was one of the first countries to establish precautionary health-based guideline values for PFAS in drinking water. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), through the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Regulation and environmental response

The Australian Government maintains a dedicated resource about PFAS, where it tracks:

• Contaminated site management and clean-up
• National standards and advice
• Ongoing scientific reviews
• Public health resources and community engagement

Many state governments have also developed their own action plans. For example, NSW and QLD have issued specific guidance on how PFAS is monitored and managed in groundwater, agriculture, and waste streams.

International alignment

Australia is aligned with global best practices, drawing on research from agencies such as the US EPA and World Health Organisation. In fact, Australia's drinking water guidelines are generally more conservative than many international benchmarks, reflecting a precautionary approach.

The bottom line? Australia is taking PFAS seriously. And while regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, the national position is clear: minimise exposure wherever possible and provide Australians with the tools and knowledge to protect their health.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how Zip Water is helping lead that effort.

Can water filters remove PFAS?

Which filtration methods work?

The two most trusted technologies for reducing PFAS in drinking water are:

• Activated carbon filtration. This is a porous material that traps PFAS molecules through a process called adsorption. It’s commonly used in high-performance under-bench systems and some certified pitcher filters.
• Reverse osmosis (RO). RO systems push water through an extremely fine membrane, physically separating PFAS and other contaminants. While very effective, they tend to be bulky and may generate more wastewater.

Both methods are recognised by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Australia’s PFAS Taskforce as viable treatment options for PFAS-contaminated water. However, effectiveness depends on the system’s design, filter quality, and (critically) whether it has been independently certified for PFAS reduction.

Certification matters

Several independent laboratories conduct third-party water quality testing, in line with the globally recognised NSF/ANSI standards, including:

• NSF/ANSI 42: For aesthetic claims (taste, chlorine, odour)
• NSF/ANSI 53: For health claims (like PFAS, lead or asbestos)
• NSF/ANSI 401: For emerging compounds/incidental contaminants such as microplastics.

Before you buy, look for independent lab test results showing certified PFAS reduction in line with NSF/ANSI standards. If you’re not sure where to start, your best bet is a trusted brand that discloses its filtration performance data transparently and has been tested specifically for PFAS.