We wake up and shuffle to the kitchen in our slippers. The tap runs clear and cold; steam rises from the shower. Water – that everyday miracle – flows through our homes so reliably. We drink it without thought, cook without question, bathe our children without pause.
How many of us give any thought to the potential presence of chemicals within our water, let alone toxic chemicals such as PFAS?
What Exactly are PFAS?
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used around the world since the 1950s. There are nearly 15,000 different types of PFAS, which are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t easily break down in the environment, and as a result, tend to bioaccumulate.
They are popular because they resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. The problem is that the same strength that makes PFAS useful also makes them extremely persistent. Once they enter the soil, water, wildlife, and even our bodies, they can remain for decades.
PFAS have been used in everyday products like:
- Non-stick cookware;
- Water-repellent clothing;
- Food packaging;
- Firefighting foams;
- Stain-resistant carpets and furniture.
The same qualities that made PFAS useful in everyday life are the very qualities that make them challenging today. Understanding what they are is the first step in understanding why they matter.
Who and What Is at Risk?
In some places, such as firefighter training grounds and defence force bases, the risk of exposure is much higher due to the historical use of toxic firefighter foams which are used for the suppression of flammable liquid fires. Increased levels of PFAS levels have also been found near sewage treatment plants, landfills, and airports.
Health Risks for Humans
Most people have been exposed to small amounts of PFAS usually through food, drinking water, or consumer products. Whilst studies on PFAS are still in the early stages, research suggests that high levels of certain PFAS may be linked to:
- Increased cholesterol levels;
- Liver and kidney effects;
- Reduced immune response;
- Developmental effects in babies and children;
- Increased risk of some cancers.
It is very important to note that the risk depends on how much, how long, and which type of PFAS someone is exposed to. However, the health impacts of low-level exposure over many years are still being studied. Scientists continue to investigate what this means for the broader community.
Effects on Wildlife
The impact of PFAS extends beyond humans to wildlife and ecosystems. Because these chemicals build up over time, animals that live in contaminated areas can gradually accumulate PFAS in their bodies.
Research in Perth’s urban wetlands, including Herdsman Lake and Lake Joondalup, has found for example that tiger snakes are carrying elevated levels of PFAS. Scientists observed impacts on their muscle function, body tone, and energy levels of tiger snakes were impacted. The study is considered one of the first in the world to investigate the effects of PFAS contamination on wild snake populations.
Researchers say this isn’t entirely surprising. These wetlands are in older, developed parts of the city, and receive stormwater runoff from nearby industrial and residential land, as well as seepage from landfill sites. Over time, contaminants can wash into these waterways.
The findings raise broader concerns. If tiger snakes are being affected, other animals that share the same habitat such as frogs, birds, and lizards may also be accumulating PFAS. Further testing is recommended to better understand the full impact on these ecosystems.
PFAS in Perth’s Waterways and Drinking Water
In 2022, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) measured PFAS levels in surface water and groundwater across the Perth metropolitan area.
The report found:
- Nine (9) different PFAS compounds in surface water;
- Thirteen (13) different types in groundwater.
These measurements were described as ‘ambient concentrations’ meaning levels that are relatively widespread and are not linked to a single identifiable source. The report concluded that the PFAS levels detected in Perth’s surface water and groundwater do not pose an unacceptable risk to human health under current Australian guidelines.
However, some experts believe standards could be stricter. Dr Nick Chartres from the University of Sydney has suggested that Australia should consider adopting tougher limits, similar to those introduced in the United States, where regulators are moving toward reducing PFAS levels in drinking water to near-zero.
As Dr Chartres has stated, “We should not be accepting any level of risk.”
This discussion highlights an ongoing debate: while current monitoring indicates Perth’s drinking water meets safety thresholds, scientists and regulators continue to examine whether those guidelines should become even more protective in the future.
Tackling the Problem: Remediation and Management
Cleaning up PFAS is not simple. These chemicals don’t easily break down, which makes removing them from soil and water technically challenging. But that does not mean nothing is being done. Government agencies and scientists are actively working on the solutions to reduce risks and protect communities.
How Is PFAS Being Managed?
There are several ways PFAS contamination can be addressed:
- Containing contamination to prevent further spread;
- Water treatment technologies such as activated carbon filters or specialised resins;
- Soil and waste management including safe removal and disposal.
In some cases, managing the risk such as preventing exposure, is more effective than trying to completely remove every trace of PFAS.
Regulation and Prevention
Australia has strengthened controls around PFAS use and disposal. Certain PFAS chemicals are now restricted or phased out. New firefighting foams are required to meet strict environmental standards.
In Western Australia, DWER plays a key role in:
- Investigating contaminated sites;
- Setting environment guidelines;
- Overseeing clean-up activities;
- Providing public information.
Persistence Meets Persistence
PFAS are known for their persistence – but so is the commitment to managing them.
These chemicals have shown how deeply human-made substances can embed themselves in our environment. But they have also driven innovation and action. The same persistence that makes PFAS so difficult to break down is being matched by scientists, regulators and communities determined to find solutions. With advancing treatment technologies, stronger regulations, and a growing understanding of health impacts, progress is being made. Researchers continue to rise to the challenge and that brings real hope. PFAS may be long-lasting, but so is the resolve to protect our water, wildlife, and future generations.
Investigations that align with best-practice international standards are central to that progress. Industries associated with PFAS use or disposal have a role to play in that progress – and it starts with understanding the contamination footprint they may have left behind. A rigorous, well-designed investigation is not just about compliance; it is about being part of the solution.
