What’s Contaminating Australia’s Drinking Water? (And How It Affects Your Health)

It's what we don't see in our water that is the most important.

Clean and safe drinking water is vital for Australian households, but multiple contaminants are now being detected in our water supplies. Chemicals such as PFAS, microplastics, pesticides, and even traces of pharmaceuticals have been found in drinking water across the country.

Here we aim to highlight the main sources of contamination, how they enter our water systems, and their potential health impacts. It’s the first in our Pure Water 4 Life water quality series, where we’ll explore each contaminant in detail.

What Are the Main Contaminants in Australian Drinking Water?

1. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

What is PFAS?PFAS are synthetic “forever chemicals” used in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, food packaging and industrial processes.

How does PFAS get into drinking water?PFAS enter the environment through industrial discharge, contaminated soil, landfill leachate, and firefighting foam runoff. Areas near airports, military bases and manufacturing plants often show higher contamination.

Is PFAS dangerous?Yes. PFAS persist in the human body and may increase risks of cancer, hormonal disruption, liver damage and immune system effects (Australian Department of Health).

2. Microplastics

What are microplastics? Tiny plastic fragments (less than 5mm)are created from the breakdown of larger plastics or released from textiles, tyres, and consumer products.

Where are microplastics found in Australia’s water?A 2022 CSIRO study detected microplastics in nearly all sampled rivers and reservoirs, meaning they can reach household taps.

Health impact: Microplastics can carry toxic chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, potentially affecting the gut, endocrine system, and immune function.

3. Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products

How do pharmaceuticals contaminate water? Residues from medications, hormones and cosmetics enter the water cycle through human excretion, incorrect disposal (flushing pills), and industrial wastewater.

Are they filtered out? Standard wastewater treatment may not completely remove pharmaceuticals, leaving trace amounts in treated water supplies.

Health concerns: Potential risks include antibiotic resistance, hormonal disruption and chronic low-dose exposure effects (World Health Organization).

4. Pesticides and Herbicides

Why are pesticides in drinking water? Agricultural chemicals are often washed into rivers and dams by rainfall and irrigation. Even regulated chemicals can persist in water sources for long periods.

Health effects: Long-term exposure can lead to cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive harm, especially in children.

5. Agricultural and Urban Runoff

What is runoff contamination? Rainwater that flows across urban streets or farmlands collects pollutants such as fertilisers, heavy metals, animal waste, pathogens and oils, which then enter reservoirs and rivers.

Why is this a problem?Runoff can overload water treatment plants after storms and floods, increasing the risk of bacterial or viral outbreaks in drinking water.

Why This Matters for Australian Households?

Even though water utilities must meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), many of these emerging contaminants are not fully addressed by standard treatment processes. PFAS and microplastics, in particular, are challenging because:

• They are hard to remove using conventional filtration

• Their health effects are only now being fully understood

• Levels can spike after extreme weather or pollution events

• Some chemicals, like Chlorine and fluoride, are actually added to the "clean" water by bodies.

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A high-quality home water filtration system can add an extra layer of protection by reducing these contaminants before they reach your glass.

FAQs

What are the most common contaminants in Australian drinking water?

PFAS, microplastics, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, herbicides and urban/agricultural runoff are the main sources.

How do PFAS enter drinking water?

PFAS enter through industrial discharge, landfill leachate and firefighting foams, especially near airports and defence bases.

Can water filters remove PFAS and microplastics?

Yes, advanced filtration systems (such as activated carbon and reverse osmosis) can reduce or remove these contaminants.

Is Australian tap water safe to drink?

Water authorities test regularly, but trace contaminants can still be present. The water can also absorb chemicals after the test facility, often traveling kilometers along only pipes. Adding home filtration provides extra protection.

Visit www.purewater4life.com.au to secure a water filter system appropriate for your needs today.

Next in This Series: PFAS in Australian Drinking Water

This is the first article in our Water Quality Series. Our next article will explore PFAS in depth, including how to test for it and the most effective filters for removal.

Stay updated: Sign up to our newsletter at Pure Water 4 Life to receive the latest insights on Australian water quality.

References:

1. Australian Department of Health and Aged Care – PFAS Information for Communities

2. CSIRO (2022) – Microplastics in Australian Waterways

3. Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) – Chemical Use Reports

4. NHMRC – Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)

5. World Health Organization – Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water