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CASE #003 · WATER

PFAS, the "forever chemicals"

Opening the case on the chemicals that don't break down.

IT DEPENDS

The evidence

PFAS are a family of man-made chemicals used in things like firefighting foam and non-stick coatings. They break down very slowly, which is why they're called "forever chemicals".

70 → 8ng/L: in 2025 the NHMRC cut Australia's drinking water guideline for PFOS from 70 to 8 nanograms per litre, one of the strictest in the world.
Source: NHMRC, Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, PFAS update 2025
2024An Australian water utility detected PFAS in a drinking water dam and took it offline as a supply source.
Source: utility PFAS investigation update, August 2024 (see Sources)
54tap sampling sites in the affected area were tested in April 2025, and all met the guidelines.
Source: utility PFAS investigation update, April 2025 (see Sources)

A stricter guideline isn't a sign your water got worse. It means the bar went up. Your utility publishes results, so you can check your own area.

The fix

  1. Check first. Look up your water utility's latest water quality report or PFAS page for your area.
  2. If you live near a known PFAS site (such as some airports and defence bases), follow your state health department's local advice.
  3. Want a filter for PFAS? Look for certification to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for PFOA/PFOS reduction. Many filters don't have it. "Removes PFAS" on a box isn't the same as a certificate.

Kip's picks

UNDER-SINK

Certified PFAS-reducing filter

Look for: NSF/ANSI 53, PFOA/PFOS listed

See Kip's pick
REVERSE OSMOSIS

Certified RO system

Look for: NSF/ANSI 58, PFOA/PFOS listed

See Kip's pick

Case closed

Check your utility's results first. If you still want a filter, buy one certified for PFOA/PFOS, not just one that says it. CASE CLOSED

Sources

  1. NHMRC, Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, PFAS guideline values updated 2025.
  2. WaterNSW, Medlow Dam PFAS updates, August 2024 and April 2025.
  3. NSF/ANSI 53 and 58, PFOA/PFOS reduction claims.

Facts checked against the sources above. Something wrong or out of date? Message @kipinvestigates and we'll fix it.