You may have heard of increasing reports in the news lately regarding PFAS, PFOS, PFOA contamination in water throughout Australia, more recently in Western Australia, Rottnest Island was put under a spotlight. But what does this actually mean? Does Perth drinking water contain these carcinogenic compounds? And do we need to be concerned?
If you’re unfamiliar with the topic, it’s natural to feel uneasy or concerned. We get it! To help you learn a little more about these trending news stories about certain PFAS, we’ll explore the sources of PFAS contamination, the health implications, and what measures are being taken in Western Australia to address this issue.
What is a PFAS, PFOS and PFOA?
PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in various industries around the world since the 1940s. These chemicals, including PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), are known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, making them prevalent in many everyday products.
When it comes to PFAS water contamination, the primary concern arises from the presence of these chemicals in drinking water, which is regularly consumed, and the potential health effects linked to long-term PFAS exposure due to regular consumption of drinking water.
PFAS, including compounds like PFOS and PFOA, do not break down easily and can accumulate over time. Studies from the World Health Organisation have shown that prolonged high level exposure to PFAS is associated with several serious health issues, including certain cancers, however, despite the increase in media coverage, there is still much to be learnt about PFAS chemicals, which is why we’re seeing the outcomes of many more scientific studies on exposure to PFAS come to light.
Is Western Australia’s drinking water safe from PFAS contamination?
Yes, your home’s water supply is safe to drink and does not contain harmful levels of PFAS chemicals. It’s important to note that when you hear about PFAS contaminated water, this often refers to bore water. Bore water is groundwater that may be more susceptible to contamination from nearby industrial activities and improper disposal of PFAS containing materials. So when talking about the risks of PFAS exposure in water, it’s really only an issue if the person is drinking excessive amounts of bore water (which is highly unlikely for the average suburban homeowner) or are consuming crops that have been grown in the ground with contaminated water.
How do I know my drinking water is safe from PFAS?
Your household water supply, including the water that comes through your taps, showers, dishwashers, hot water systems and other appliances, is provided by Water Corporation. This water is subject to stringent testing and treatment processes designed to ensure it meets the highest possible safety standards and guidelines. This includes regular monitoring for contaminants like PFAS to ensure that the water supplied to your home is safe for consumption. Water Corporation follows guidelines set by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, ensuring that any detected levels of PFAS remain well below the health-based guidance values established to protect public health.
The Australian Government is actively monitoring levels of PFAS. Australian Government studies has found that PFAS are commonly found near sewage treatment plants, landfills, and sites where firefighting foams have been used, such as mining operations, fuel refineries, storage facilities, airports, and fire-training grounds.
All PFAS contaminated sites in Western Australia are closely monitored by the Western Australian Government and there are various ongoing investigations to ensure exposure to PFAS is reduced. Various government agencies have also been proactive in advising affected communities to ensure safety. If you have not heard anything from your local state public health authority, PFAS contaminated water is likely not something you need to worry about.
What can I do to ensure my house receives the best quality water?
Now that we know our household drinking water is safe, what else is there that we can do to improve the quality? Installing a high-quality whole home water filtration system is one of the most effective ways to ensure your household water continues to remain clean and safe.
Whole home water filtration devices
There are various different types of complete home water filtration systems that work to reduce the amounts of various chemicals whether that be PFAS chemicals, chlorine, heavy metals, or other hard water contaminants. These systems can include activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis units, and UV purifiers, each targeting different types of impurities to provide comprehensive protection for your entire water supply. By choosing the right filtration system, you can enhance the safety, taste, and overall quality of the water throughout your home.
Swan’s Professional Plumbing works with various high-quality water filtration systems. If you’d like a free onsite quote on the best water filtration system for your home’s needs, don’t hesitate to get in contact with our friendly team.
Backflow testing
Additionally, if your property is at high risk for backflow and is fitted with a testable backflow prevention device, you need to carry out regular testing. Backflow testing ensures that your water supply remains free from contaminants that could flow back into your clean water from cross-connections within your plumbing system. This helps prevent potential contamination from various sources, safeguarding your household water quality and ensuring that your filtration systems function effectively.
Have I been exposed to PFAS?
Yes, everyone has likely been exposed to PFAS to some extent. These chemicals are prevalent in the everyday environment and are used in a wide range of consumer products such as non-stick cookware, fire fighting foams, stain-resistant fabrics, water-repellent clothing, and certain food packaging materials. In fact, you’ve probably had more exposure to PFAS from household items than water.
As a result, if the entire population’s PFAS levels were tested, almost everyone will have some level of PFAS in their body but they would be at low levels. Remember, the adverse health effects you hear about from exposure to PFAS is as a result of high level human exposure. The issues from PFAS exposure arise when consuming contaminated bore water and food grown using such water as then it enters the human body leading to higher blood levels.
While the levels of exposure for most people are generally low, those living in or near contaminated areas may have higher levels. Continuous efforts by Federal, State and Territory Governments, and public health organisations are actively monitoring, regulating, and mitigating PFAS exposure to protect you from adverse health outcomes.
Can you do anything to reduce PFAS exposure?
Now, it’s clear evidence suggests that it is not necessary to go and bin all of your non-stick pots and pans! However, if you’re actively wanting to reduce exposure to PFAS from water, you could consider implementing practical measures.
Firstly, installing high-quality water filters certified to remove PFAS contaminants can significantly improve the quality of your drinking water. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters are particularly effective in reducing PFAS levels.
Additionally, maintaining a clean home environment. Regularly vacuuming and dusting can minimise the accumulation of PFAS dust and debris.
Finally, keep up-to-date by relying exclusively on credible sources of information, such as Australian Government and State Government agencies, Water Corporation, and public health departments such as The National Health and Medical Research Council. These entities conduct extensive research and monitoring to provide up-to-date findings and recommendations regarding PFAS levels and current safety measures.
It’s easy to get lost by reading about differing opinions on PFAS online, so sticking to these trusted sources will help you navigate the complexities.
What is being done to address PFAS contamination in Australia?
The Australia Government is actively managing exposure to PFAS in Australia. Efforts focus on addressing historical contamination by conducting nationwide investigations to understand the extent and impact of PFAS. When PFAS contamination is identified, tailored management strategies are developed to suit the specific site. Key actions include breaking exposure pathways by providing alternative water supplies and advising communities on reducing exposure.
Additionally, departments are investing in research to fill knowledge gaps regarding the health effects of PFAS and to develop effective remediation strategies. Environmental legislation is being reviewed to enhance the regulation of PFAS and other emerging contaminants. Comprehensive guidance is provided to site managers to ensure appropriate responses to PFAS contamination, and increased coordination and collaboration among all levels of government ensure a unified and effective approach across the nation.
Read more about what the Australian Government is doing about PFAS
Ensure your household water supply remains of high quality with annual plumbing health checks
As your local Perth plumbers, we believe that prevention is best! Whilst we don’t supply your home’s water (that’s a job for Water Corporation!), we can help ensure your plumbing fixtures continue to do their job in delivering a safe and reliable supply of quality water. All members of Swan’s Professional Plumbing, receive a FREE annual plumbing health check.
This includes inspecting your plumbing system for any potential issues, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring all backflow prevention or water filtration devices are functioning correctly. By staying proactive with regular maintenance, we help you safeguard your water quality and protect your home from any unexpected plumbing emergencies. Contact us today to schedule your free annual health check and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your plumbing system is in our expert hands!
