What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of more than 4,000 manufactured chemicals used in firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing and stain-resistant products. They're often called "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly and can build up in the body over time.
They reach drinking water when PFAS-containing products wash into waterways and groundwater, or are flushed down drains at home.
What changed in June 2025?
On 25 June 2025 the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) published updated PFAS values in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines — the benchmark that states and territories use to regulate tap water.
| Chemical | Previous guideline | 2025 guideline |
|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 70 ng/L (shared with PFHxS) | 8 ng/L |
| PFHxS | 70 ng/L (shared with PFOS) | 30 ng/L |
| PFOA | 560 ng/L | 200 ng/L |
| PFBS | No value | 1,000 ng/L |
ng/L = nanograms per litre. No health-based value could yet be set for GenX chemicals. Source: NHMRC, June 2025.
Does this mean my tap water is unsafe?
Not necessarily. The guideline values are deliberately conservative — they describe an amount you could drink every day for a lifetime without appreciable health risk. Most Australian town water supplies test well below them. The change mainly means water providers have less headroom, and each state now sets its own timeline for meeting the new values.
Your water utility publishes water quality reports — that's the best place to check your local supply. Households on tank or bore water near airports, defence bases or fire-training sites have historically been the most affected and should consider independent testing.
Can a home water filter remove PFAS?
Reverse osmosis is widely recognised as one of the most effective household treatments for reducing PFAS, because its membrane blocks very small molecules. Activated carbon can also reduce some PFAS, with results depending on the filter and how often it's changed.
A practical setup many households choose: a whole-house filter to treat every tap and shower, plus reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink for the water you drink and cook with.
What should I do?
- Check your water utility's latest water quality report.
- On tank or bore water? Arrange an independent lab test.
- If you want extra peace of mind for drinking water, consider reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink.
- Keep filters on schedule — a spent cartridge stops doing its job.
This guide is general information, not health advice. Sources: NHMRC — Updated Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (June 2025); NHMRC PFAS review.