Tap water in Australia is generally safe to drink, but recent studies show more PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), or “forever chemicals,” are turning up in our supplies. This guide explains the top 5 water contaminants in Australia, what new PFAS research has uncovered, and simple steps to safeguard your home and family.
Key Insights
- Filters help remove PFAS chemicals, chlorine, lead, pesticides, and bacteria for cleaner, safer water.
- Australian tap water is well-regulated and generally safe, but new research has found more PFAS in some supplies than previously recorded.
- PFAS don’t break down easily and can build up in our bodies over time. Researchers are still figuring out the long-term risks.
- Microbial contaminants like E. coli and Salmonella are rare, but can slip in during pipe breaks, stormwater overflows, or treatment failures.
- Heavy metals like lead, mercury and copper can leach from old plumbing, especially in older homes.
- Chlorine and chloramine disinfect water but can leave behind unwanted taste and odour.
- Nitrates and pesticides from farming can run off into water sources, especially after heavy rain.
- You can reduce exposure to contaminants by using certified water filters, flushing taps in the morning, and checking local water reports.
Is Tap Water in Australia Safe to Drink?
For the most part, yes. Australian water utilities follow strict targets under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, regularly testing for bacteria, chemicals and microbiological markers. Treatment includes coagulation, filtration and disinfection to remove microbes and particles before water leaves the plant and throughout the network.
However, a recent UNSW study found 31 PFAS chemicals in Sydney’s tap water, including some never recorded before and others thought to be harmless surfactants – one of the major reasons Australian households add a point-of-use filter. This raises questions about what levels should be considered safe, suggesting that drinking tap water safely depends more on monitoring frequency and the specific substance than on broad assurance.
Water quality also varies depending on location, infrastructure, and source. Some households may still be exposed to impurities through old pipes, agricultural runoff, or treatment by-products.
Common Water Contaminants in Australia
Even with strong oversight, chemicals are in tap water in Australian homes at trace levels. This includes:
1. PFAS or “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS are synthetic compounds used widely in non‑stick coatings, waterproof fabrics and firefighting foams. PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t easily break down in the environment or the human body, meaning they can build up over time and stay around for decades.
Some compounds like PFBA, 6:2 diPAP, and 3:3 FTCA are getting attention due to how persistent they are and their possible health effects.
- PFBA (Perfluorobutanoic Acid): A short-chain PFAS that is often a breakdown product of other PFAS, detected frequently in drinking water, rainfall, and environmental samples.
- 6:2 diPAP (6:2 Fluorotelomer Phosphate Diester): A PFAS precursor used in grease‑, oil‑ and water‑repellent materials (like paper packaging and coatings) that can slowly transform into other more persistent PFAS compounds.
- 3:3 FTCA (3:3 Fluorotelomer Carboxylic Acid): A relatively new PFAS carboxylic acid found in recent water testing, noted for its persistence and ability to bind to proteins.
Researchers are actively developing promising new materials that could remove and even break down PFAS completely, but these solutions are still in progress. Until these technologies are widely implemented and PFAS monitoring is expanded across Australia, using a high-quality water filter remains one of the most practical ways to reduce your household’s exposure to these stubborn chemicals.
2. Microbial Contaminants
Microbes are the fastest-acting tap water contaminants Australia needs to manage. These include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that can cause illness. Utilities remove most of these microbes with filtration and kill the rest with disinfectants (like chlorine or chloramine). Outbreaks are rare, but line breaks, storm events, or plumbing issues can let microbes through.
Most Common Microbes Found
- E. coli (indicator of faecal contamination)
- Salmonella and Shigella
- Vibrio cholerae (Cholera)
These pathogens can enter water supplies through sewage leaks, animal waste, or failing treatment processes. When there is a risk, boil-water alerts are usually issued.
Health Effects & At-Risk Groups
Diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration are typical. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and immunocompromised people are most vulnerable. Boiling or using a certified microbiological filter is a helpful safety net.
3. Heavy Metals
Heavy metals don’t always come from the water source itself. Often, they leach from old pipes, fittings or industrial dust settling on catchments. Utilities aim to control corrosion, but household plumbing is a big variable.
Older homes (those built before the 1980s) may have plumbing with lead solder or fittings. This risks trace amounts of lead, especially from stagnant water in the morning. If your home checks these boxes, let the tap run briefly before filling a glass, and use cold water for drinking or cooking, as hot water can dissolve metals faster. A filter certified for heavy metal reduction is a smart upgrade if your home has older plumbing.
Health Risks of Long-Term Exposure
- Lead: Developmental and neurological impacts in children; cardiovascular stress in adults.
- Mercury: Kidney and nervous system issues.
- Copper & Zinc: Usually only irritate at higher levels, but can cause stomach upset and have a metallic taste.
4. Chlorine and Chloramine
These chemicals are added during the disinfection process to kill bacteria, but they come with their own concerns. Chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water to form trihalomethanes (THMs). Although these are tightly regulated in Australia and kept below limits, they’re still present in small amounts and long-term exposure to high levels of THMs has been linked to certain cancers.
Disinfectants keep water safe as it travels across long networks, but they can leave an unpleasant flavour or smell, often described as a chemical taste or scent. If you experience this in your home, give the Ecobud water filter a try for fresher-tasting water.
5. Nitrates & Pesticides
Nitrates and pesticides are common in agricultural regions and can enter water sources through fertilisers, septic systems, and animal waste. When it rains, nitrates from farms and compounds like atrazine and glyphosate can seep into groundwater or run off into dams and rivers used for public supply.
High nitrate levels can interfere with the ability of blood to carry oxygen, especially in babies, also known as “blue baby syndrome”. Pregnant women and infants are the most at risk, and while Australia regulates nitrate levels carefully, levels can spike in farming communities, requiring extra caution.
Small amounts of pesticides over time may disrupt hormones, affect the nervous system, or cause other health issues. While levels are generally low, households looking for added protection often choose whole-home or bench-top filters.
How to Protect Your Household
Even if tap water in Australia is safe to drink by government standards, you might still want to reduce your exposure to common contaminants. Here’s what you can do:
- Use a reliable home water filtration system like an Ecobud or Alps water filter to remove a wide range of contaminants.
- Flush your pipes. Run the tap for 30 seconds in the morning to clear out water that’s been sitting overnight.
- Get your water tested if you live in an older home or near farms.
- Report issues to your local water authority if you notice a change in taste, colour, or smell.
- Read local water quality reports provided by your utility.
Ensure Clean Water in Your Home
Tap water in Australia is well-regulated, but it doesn’t hurt to take extra steps to protect your health. Whether you’re worried about chlorine taste or concerned about “forever chemicals”, being informed means you can make the best choices for your household.
Small changes like using a water filter or choosing natural food for a holistic approach can make a big difference in your everyday well-being. Explore Organics on a Budget’s water filters for fresher, better-tasting water.