With all the buzz about "forever chemicals" such as PFAS in some of the waterways, staying hydrated with clean and safe water is more important than ever.
Did you know the human body is made up of about 50-80% water? That’s why it’s absolutely essential to stay hydrated for overall health and plain old water should be our main drink of choice. But how do we make sure the water we drink is safe without chemicals that may harm our health?
Can you drink unfiltered tap water in Australia?
Generally tap water is considered safe to drink in Australia, however tap water will vary, depending on where you are and what treatment plant your water comes from. Many treatment plans will monitor for, and treat water to remove pesticides and microbes. But, it’s important to check the quality of the water in your area to find out more.
Sometimes, things happen that can affect the quality of your drinking water. This might be due to events like flooding, problems at the water treatment plant, or the presence of bacteria like E. coli or blue-green algae. If this happens, you might be told to boil your water or take other safety measures by your water supplier. If your water supplier issues a boil water notice, it's usually because there might be harmful germs in the water. When you get this notice, you should bring your water to a rolling boil (using a kettle, for example), then let it cool down before storing it in a clean, covered container in the fridge.
Where do I find out about the water quality in my area?
Water suppliers in each state or territory are required to have a program in place to ensure the safe supply of drinking water. Many areas have a monitoring program where they will routinely publish drinking water quality reports that are available online.
There are also strict guidelines that are set by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to provide a guide for the quality of our tap water. Each state and territory, and their local regulators, may be able to provide more information on how these guidelines are implemented.
How can I check on the quality of my tap water?
If you’re curious about the water being delivered to your taps, jump online to your water provider (the one that sends you water bills) and look for an option to read about their water monitoring or water quality report. Sometimes you can type in your address to check specifically for your area.
What chemicals are added to tap water?
Chlorine is often added in very small amounts to disinfect the water and remove microorganisms that may cause disease.
Most water authorities will add fluoride to their tap water as research has found it reduces tooth decay by 26-44%. Some communities or groups believe that fluoride is better delivered as a topical treatment on teeth, rather than ingested through drinking water, however this may not be affordable for all individuals which is why it’s added to drinking water.
Check in with your local water provider to learn more.
What are “forever chemicals” in drinking water?
Recent news about PFAS (“forever chemicals”) found in some catchments in Sydney has sparked interest in the community. PFAS are human-made chemicals that may enter the water system through many sources such as fire-fighting foams and other commercial sources. It is important to note the level of PFAS chemicals found in Sydney water are within the limits set out for Australia’s Drinking Water Guidelines, however they are above those set by the United States drinking water guidelines.
Do you need a water filter in Australia?
Research into the health impacts of forever chemicals is still emerging and it may depend on how much an individual is exposed to. It’s worth keeping in mind that exposure can also come from other sources such as cookware and paint.
This is an emerging area and Australia’s guidelines are currently under review, but in the meantime, some individuals may choose filtered water to improve the taste, due to their own personal preferences or for further health reasons.
Should I drink bottled water?
Drinking bottled water can add up in cost, often contain more microplastics and may also result in increased single use plastics. If your preference is to not drink tap water, consider choosing a filter. Water filters may help to reduce or eliminate bacteria, pathogens and other smaller particles, depending on the type of filter.
Types of filters
There are many types of filtration methods and these will determine what is removed from tap water. Common types of filters include:
- Activated Carbon filters which remove compounds that affect the taste and odour of the water and may also help to remove a portion of PFAS chemicals.
- Ceramic filters which mostly remove microbes such as bacteria but may not be useful in removing smaller particles.
- Reverse Osmosis filters are largely effective in removing both bacteria and smaller particles such as chlorine, fluoride and most PFAS.
If investing in a water filter, check the supplier’s information and ask for more detail on the performance and what it is capable of removing. It’s also worth discussing with your healthcare professional since some filtration methods may remove minerals and trace elements, such as magnesium and calcium.
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Reviewed by the Healthylife health experts August 2024.
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