Australia is known for having some of the safest drinking water in the world, but does that mean it’s completely free from contaminants? While tap water meets strict national guidelines, many Australians are concerned about chemical exposure and long-term health effects.
From disinfectants like chlorine to forever chemicals like PFAS, there’s more in our water than just H₂O. Let’s take a deep dive into Australian tap water—what’s in it, the potential health risks, and how to ensure your family is drinking the safest water possible.
Is Australian Tap Water Safe?
Australia follows the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), which set strict quality standards. Local water authorities regularly test and treat water to remove bacteria and other contaminants. But while tap water is generally safe, it’s not necessarily pure.
Several chemicals and impurities are legally allowed in small amounts, but ongoing research suggests that long-term exposure could still pose risks. Some areas also experience contamination from environmental or industrial sources.
While most people can drink tap water without immediate health concerns, understanding what’s in your water and how to reduce exposure to potential contaminants is key.
Common Contaminants in Australian Tap Water
Chlorine and Chloramine
Why it’s added: Chlorine and chloramine are disinfectants used to kill bacteria and prevent waterborne diseases.
The concern: While these chemicals are necessary for safe drinking water, they can create harmful by-products when they react with organic matter. Trihalomethanes (THMs)—a by-product of chlorine—have been linked to increased cancer risk with long-term exposure. Some people also experience skin irritation, respiratory issues, or find chlorinated water unpalatable.
How to remove it:
- Activated carbon filters (found in jug filters, under-sink filters, and whole-house filtration systems) can effectively remove chlorine and improve taste.
- Reverse osmosis (RO) systems provide an extra level of purification by removing both chlorine and chloramine.
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
What they are: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and waterproof fabrics. These forever chemicals don’t break down easily, meaning they build up in the environment and in our bodies.
The concern: PFAS have been linked to:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Liver and kidney damage
- Hormonal disruption
- Fertility issues
- Higher risk of certain cancers (like testicular and kidney cancer)
Several areas in Australia have detected PFAS contamination in drinking water, especially near industrial sites, military bases, and airports. The long-term health effects of even low-level exposure are still being studied.
How to remove it:
- Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration is the most effective way to remove PFAS.
- Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters can also reduce PFAS levels but may need frequent replacement.
Nitrates
Where they come from: Nitrates enter water supplies through fertilisers, sewage, and agricultural runoff. Rural areas relying on bore water are at higher risk of contamination.
The concern: While nitrates aren’t a major issue for adults, they can be dangerous for infants. High nitrate levels can cause blue baby syndrome, a condition where oxygen transport in the blood is disrupted. Pregnant women are also advised to limit nitrate exposure.
How to remove it:
- Reverse osmosis (RO) systems effectively remove nitrates.
- Standard carbon filters do not remove nitrates, so choosing the right filtration system is essential.
Heavy Metals (Lead, Copper, Arsenic)
Where they come from: Heavy metals in drinking water can originate from old plumbing pipes, industrial pollution, or natural geological sources.
The concern:
- Lead exposure, even at low levels, can impact brain development in children and cause long-term health issues.
- Copper in excess can cause stomach pain and liver damage.
- Arsenic exposure over time has been linked to cancer and organ damage.
How to remove them:
- Reverse osmosis (RO) filters remove lead, copper, and arsenic.
- Distillation units also effectively eliminate heavy metals.
How to Remove Contaminants from Tap Water
If you want cleaner, healthier drinking water, the best solution is home water filtration. The right filter depends on which contaminants you’re concerned about.
Activated Carbon Filters
- Removes: Chlorine, chloramine, most PFAS, and organic chemicals
- Does not remove all: Nitrates, heavy metals, or fluoride
- Found in: Jug filters, under-sink filters, whole-house filtration systems
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
- Removes: Chlorine, PFAS, nitrates, heavy metals, bacteria
- Wastes some water during filtration
- Best for: Households wanting the purest drinking water possible
UV Purification
- Kills bacteria and viruses
- Does not remove chemicals or heavy metals
- Best for: Rural areas with potential bacterial contamination
Whole-House Filtration
- Treats all water entering the home
- Benefits not only drinking water, but skin can improve skin health by removing chlorine and other chemical contaminants from the water.
- Best for: Homes with multiple water concerns, including chlorine-heavy or sediment-rich water
Is Bottled Water a Better Alternative?
Many people turn to bottled water, believing it’s safer or purer than tap water. However:
- Bottled water isn’t necessarily healthier—it’s often just filtered tap water.
- Plastic bottles contain microplastics that leach into the water.
- It’s bad for the environment—Australians use millions of plastic bottles every year, most of which end up in landfill or oceans.
Investing in a high-quality filtration system is a far better long-term solution for both your health and the planet.
Should You Be Concerned About Tap Water?
Australian tap water is safe—but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. While treatment plants do a great job keeping bacteria at bay, they also introduce chemicals like chlorine, and other contaminants like PFAS can still slip through.
The good news? You don’t have to settle for what comes out of the tap. With the right filtration system, you can take control of your water quality, reducing chemical exposure and ensuring your family is drinking the cleanest water possible.
At Swish Plumbing, we help homeowners choose and install the best filtration systems to suit their needs. Whether you want to remove chlorine, eliminate PFAS, or just enjoy better-tasting water, we can help.
Need expert advice on water filtration? Call us today at 0402 547 293.
