What are PFAS and why are they a concern?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 15,000 synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to water, oil, stains, and heat. They appear in products like:

• Firefighting foams

   

• Non-stick cookware

   

• Water-repellent fabrics

   

• Food packaging

   

• Industrial coatings

   

The problem? PFAS break down extremely slowly – in the environment and the human body. This is why they’re often called “forever chemicals”.

Over decades, small amounts can build up in soil, water, wildlife, and people. Studies have linked certain PFAS compounds to:

• Hormonal disruption

   

• Liver and kidney damage

   

• Immune system effects

   

• Developmental issues in children

   

• Increased risk of certain cancers

   

Australia vs US: Key differences in PFAS drinking water limits

Australia’s drinking water guidelines are set by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and were updated in June 2025. The United States limits are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and were tightened dramatically in April 2024 following new health risk assessments.

Key takeaway:

• For some PFAS compounds, Australia’s allowable limit is dozens to hundreds of times higher than the US.

   

• The Age reported that Australia allows 140 times more PFOA in drinking water compared to the US limit.

Put simply, the PFAS levels legally allowed in some Australian household taps are comparable to what you’d find in the water of a public swimming pool, even though we drink it every day.

(Sources: NHMRC, US EPA, The Age, 2024–2025)

Why the US limits are lower

The US EPA’s updated limits are based on the latest health risk modelling, which found that even extremely low PFAS levels can be harmful over a lifetime of exposure. Key factors include:

• Cumulative exposure: PFAS build up in the body over time, so even tiny amounts matter.

   

• Sensitive populations: Children, pregnant women, and those with certain health conditions may be more vulnerable.

   

• New toxicology data: Research suggests some PFAS compounds can disrupt immune responses and hormone regulation at lower levels than previously thought.

   

Why Australia’s limits are higher

The NHMRC sets its limits based on a mix of toxicology data, water quality modelling, and practical considerations for Australian utilities.

• Precaution vs practicality: Lower limits can be technically challenging and costly to achieve for water suppliers.

   

• Different risk models: Australia’s modelling considers a “tolerable daily intake” and factors in other possible PFAS exposure sources.

   

• Review cycles: Guidelines are reviewed periodically, so changes often lag behind international moves.

   

That said, the NHMRC’s 2025 update did tighten PFOS limits and introduced new thresholds for PFHxS and PFBS.

PFAS detections in Australia

Recent research and reporting show PFAS are still turning up in Australian tap water:

• The Age revealed that Australian water legally contains PFAS compounds at levels far above US limits.

   

• A University of NSW study found 31 PFAS chemicals in Sydney’s water, including 21 never previously recorded in Australia.

   

• Victoria’s 2023–24 Drinking Water Report recorded 39 contamination incidents involving PFAS.

   

These detections meet Australian standards but sometimes exceed overseas benchmarks.

(Sources: The Age, 7NEWS, UNSW, Victorian Department of Health)

International context

Australia isn’t alone in having higher PFAS limits than the US:

• Canada: 200 ng/L for PFOA (similar to Australia), 200 ng/L for PFOS

   

• European Union: Moving toward group-based regulation and possible bans, with some countries enforcing <2 ng/L for total PFAS in drinking water

   

• New Zealand: Reviewing guidelines in light of US changes

   

What the difference means for households

Whether or not you see the current Australian limits as “safe” depends on:

• Your trust in regulatory thresholds

   

• Your personal risk tolerance

   

• International comparisons

   

Some families choose to go beyond minimum standards, particularly for young children or those with health concerns. Advanced filtration is one of the few ways to reduce PFAS levels in drinking water at home.

Reducing PFAS in your water

While water utilities manage treatment for a wide range of contaminants, PFAS are particularly hard to reduce. Options for households include:

• Reverse osmosis (RO) systems – highly effective for drinking/cooking water

   

• Whole-home water filtration – protects every tap and shower from PFAS exposure

   

• Certified filters – look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification for PFOA/PFOS reduction

   

(Learn more: PureFlow Whole-Home PFAS Filter – Australia’s first residential PFAS reduction system with 95%+ PFOA/PFOS reduction.)