Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries since the 1940s. These persistent chemicals are of growing concern in Perth's water supply due to their resistance to breaking down in the environment and potential health impacts.
This page is part of our comprehensive guide to water contaminants in Perth. For an overview of Perth's water sources and treatment process, see our guide to Perth's drinking water supply.
Understanding PFAS in Perth's Water
PFAS chemicals entered Perth's environment primarily through industrial applications, firefighting foams, and consumer products. These substances are nicknamed "forever chemicals" because they don't naturally degrade in the environment. Major sources in Perth include:
- Historic use of firefighting foams at airports and defence sites
- Industrial manufacturing facilities
- Landfill leachate entering groundwater
- Wastewater treatment plant discharges
While Water Corporation monitoring shows PFAS levels in Perth's scheme water generally remain below health guideline values, private bores and wells may have higher concentrations, particularly near known contamination sites such as Pearce RAAF Base and Perth Airport.
Potential Risks of PFAS
The health impacts of PFAS exposure through drinking water are still being studied, but research suggests several concerns:
Health Impacts:
- Potential effects on immune system function
- Possible impacts on cholesterol levels
- Developmental effects in infants and children
- Potential links to certain types of cancer with long-term exposure
Household Impacts:
- Accumulation in plumbing systems over time
- Difficulty removing through standard filtration
- Potential contamination of food when cooking with PFAS-containing water
- Bioaccumulation in home-grown vegetables if watered with contaminated sources
The Australian drinking water guidelines set health-based values for key PFAS compounds (PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS), but many experts advocate for more stringent standards given the persistent nature of these chemicals.
Recommended Filtration Solutions
Best Option: Whole House Filtration + Reverse Osmosis System
This premium combination provides comprehensive protection with whole house filtration plus specialized drinking water purification. The whole house system treats water entering your home, while the Reverse Osmosis system provides the most effective PFAS reduction for your drinking water.
Key features:
- Comprehensive dual-system approach for complete household protection
- Reverse osmosis technology with ultra-fine membrane separation
- Reduces up to 96% of PFAS compounds and other dissolved impurities
- Effectively removes heavy metals and additional contaminants
- Specifically designed for Perth's water conditions

Better Option: Whole House Filtration + Under-Sink Carbon System
This combination provides whole house protection with additional under-sink carbon filtration. The under-sink carbon filter works with the whole house system to absorb additional chemicals with activated carbon technology, which is particularly effective for PFAS reduction at your drinking water tap.
Key features:
- Whole house filtration with additional point-of-use protection
- 1-micron carbon filter designed for Perth's low pressure conditions
- Connects directly to your existing kitchen mixer tap
- Targeted PFAS removal for drinking and cooking water
- Dual-system approach for comprehensive protection

Good Option: Whole House Filtration System
A quality whole house filtration system provides protection with a 20" carbon filter that reduces PFAS exposure at every tap. This system delivers filtered water to every outlet in your home, protecting your family during showering, cooking, and drinking.
Key features:
- Single-system approach for whole house protection
- Carbon filtration technology effective against many PFAS compounds
- Filtered water at every tap in your home
- Reduced PFAS exposure during all water uses
- Simple maintenance with extended filter life

Concerned about PFAS in your water? Call us at (08) 9315 5545 or book a free consultation to discuss filtration solutions!
How We Can Help
As Perth's water quality experts, we offer comprehensive support for addressing PFAS concerns:
- Free water assessment to determine contamination risks specific to your location
- Expert installation of filtration systems customised to your home's needs
- Ongoing maintenance and filter replacement services to ensure continued protection
- Local knowledge of Perth's water supply issues and high-risk PFAS areas
Our team provides proven filtration technology specifically designed to tackle PFAS challenges in Perth's unique water conditions.
Protecting Your Home from PFAS
While Perth's scheme water is generally considered safe and monitored by Water Corporation, PFAS concerns are growing as we learn more about these persistent chemicals. Taking proactive steps to filter your water provides peace of mind, particularly if you live near known contamination sites or use bore water. We can help you implement an effective filtration strategy that addresses PFAS while also improving overall water quality for your family.
Questions about PFAS filtration? Call us at (08) 9315 5545 or book an appointment online for personalised advice.
Frequently asked questions
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in industrial applications and consumer products for their water and oil-repellent properties. They include compounds like PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS.
Plumber Knowledge Base
How to Replace a Worn-out Toilet Outlet Washer (Flapper): A Step-by-Step Guide for Perth Homeowners
Is your toilet keeping you up at night with its constant running? That pesky sound might be more than just an annoyance – it could…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Toilet Repairs – Fixing Leaks and Common Problems
Flush Away Your Worries – Understanding Toilet Troubles Is that constant trickling sound from your toilet driving you up the wall? Or perhaps you’ve noticed…
Read MoreUnclog with Confidence: Perth Homeowner’s Guide to Dealing with Blocked Toilet Drains
There’s nothing quite like the panic that sets in when you flush the toilet and the water starts rising instead of draining. Blocked toilet drains…
Read MoreWobble No More: A Perth Homeowner’s Guide to Fixing a Loose Toilet Bowl
Is your toilet rocking back and forth every time you use it? A loose toilet bowl isn’t just annoying – it’s a serious issue that…
Read MoreTighten Up: A Perth Homeowner’s Guide to Fixing Loose Toilet Connections
Is your toilet hissing, leaking, or just not performing as it should? The culprit might be loose connections. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the…
Read MoreCracked Toilet Troubles: A Perth Homeowner’s Guide to Cistern and Bowl Repairs
Is your toilet showing signs of wear and tear? A cracked cistern or bowl isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a potential disaster waiting to happen. In…
Read MoreHear what our customers have to say:
Get in touch
Call us during business hours, send us an email or fill out the quote request form and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.
-
[email protected]
-
(08) 9315 5545
-
3/52 Roberts St, Osborne Park WA 6017