Posted: September 24, 2026
Categories: Water Articles
PFAS is the collective name for PFOS (Perfluoro Octane Sulfonate) and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid). These synthetic chemicals have been used since the 1940s to make products resistant to stains, grease, and water. They appear in a wide range of applications, including:
- Water protectants for carpets, fabrics, furniture, and apparel
- Paper coatings for food packaging
- Aviation hydraulic fluids
- Cosmetics and sunscreen
- Fire-fighting foams
PFAS are sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily and can remain in the human body for years. Low levels of PFAS have been detected in the blood of nearly everyone worldwide, but higher levels are often found in communities where the local water supply has been contaminated.
PFAS in Sydney Tap Water – What Australian Homeowners Should Know
Recent University of New South Wales (UNSW) testing using brand-new sensitive testing methods detected 31 different PFAS chemicals in Sydney’s tap water, including 21 never before found in Australian drinking water. An Australian Expert Health Panel found evidence for associations between exposure to a few PFAS compounds and some health effects. These effects include increased blood cholesterol, reduced kidney function and some alterations in immune response.
After this testing, it was highlighted that the levels were very low and within safe Australian drinking water guidelines, however, drinking water benchmarks are higher in other countries. The US Environmental Protection Agency considers there is no safe level of PFAS in drinking water, due to the health risks it presents to humans. As the research into the health effects of PFAS evolves, the Australian government recommends human exposure be minimised. This is a precaution because these chemicals persist in humans and the environment.
So while currently, the tested PFAS levels are well within Australian standards though fail the standards of other countries. Preventing the intake of PFAS through specialised water filters acts as an extra safety net for the health of you and your family, to really ensure you are limiting your exposure to chemicals that are still undergoing research.
Why Filtration Matters
PFAS are notoriously difficult to remove. Many standard water filters do little or nothing to reduce them. The most reliable home solutions are:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems – Highly effective, removing up to 99% of PFAS when certified.
- Certified Activated Carbon Filters – Particularly effective when independently tested for PFAS reduction.
- Combination Systems – RO systems paired with carbon post-filtration for maximum contaminant removal.
Whilst it is proving increasingly difficult to remove PFAS from our natural environment, they can be reduced in our drinking water with the right products. There are many types of water filtration technology solutions shown to reduce PFAS chemicals, with an option to suit most budgets.
Filtration Technologies for PFAS Reduction
Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is a type of carbon that has been treated to create many tiny pores on its surface. When water flows through activated carbon, contaminants get trapped in these pores. However, not all carbon filters are equally effective at removing PFAS. Some filters remove almost none, while others can remove nearly 100%. The filter's effectiveness depends on its size, age, quality, type of carbon, surface area, water flow rate, and chemical composition.
To reduce PFAS levels using activated carbon, you can use any of the below filters, along with their appropriate housing for installation:
For homeowners after a straightforward, space-saving option, the Stealthguard® PFAS+ Undersink Upgrade Kit is built for exactly this. Its 1 micron activated carbon filtration physically traps PFAS molecules as water passes through, reducing PFAS by up to 99.7%, along with sediment, chlorine taste and odour, and parasitic cysts such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
It's especially well suited to homes that already have an undersink filtration system in place and want an easier upgrade. The push-fit connections mean no washing out old filters, no fancy tools, and no plumber required. Combined with its compact design, it suits tight undersink spaces in homes, caravans and motorhomes. It's developed in line with NSF/ANSI 42 & 53 standards, and offers a filter life of up to 12 months before it needs changing. Ultimately, it's a simple, low-maintenance way to stay on top of PFAS reduction at home.
To reduce PFAS levels using under sink carbin filtration, we recommend using Stealth Guard
Upgrade Kit:
Buy Separately:
Additional carbon filter options:
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification method that uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate water molecules from other substances. This means the membrane lets water molecules pass through, but prevents larger molecules, contaminants, and impurities from going through the filter. It applies pressure to overcome the natural tendency of minerals to distribute the mineral content in water evenly. RO systems are much larger than typical home units.
To reduce PFAS levels using Reverse Osmosis, you can use any of the following systems:
PFAS Water Filter Performance Comparison
| Filter Type | PFAS Removal Effectiveness | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| Stealthguard® PFAS+ Undersink Upgrade Kit | ★★★★★ (Up to 99.7% PFAS reduction via 1 micron carbon filtration) | Existing undersink setups wanting an easier upgrade. Ideal for homes, caravans and motorhomes | Push-fit install, no plumber needed; space-saving; up to 12-month filter life; also improves taste, clarity, sediment and chlorine odour |
Slight learning curve, may need additional fitting depending on current setup |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) System | ★★★★★ (Up to 99% when certified) | Drinking & cooking water at one tap or whole house with storage tank | Most effective; removes many other contaminants; long filter life |
Higher upfront cost; requires installation; some water waste |
| Certified Activated Carbon (Granular or Block) | ★★★★☆ (60–90% reduction) | Whole-house or under-sink drinking water | Affordable; improves taste & odour; easy to install |
Must be PFAS-certified; regular replacement required |
| Combination RO + Carbon | ★★★★★+ (99%+ with dual treatment) | Maximum protection | Best performance; improves taste |
Higher cost; needs more space and complex install |
| Pitcher or Benchtop Carbon Filter (PFAS-certified) | ★★★☆☆ (40–70% reduction) | Renters or temporary use | Portable; no plumbing; low cost |
Lower removal rate; frequent cartridge changes |
| Standard Non-Certified Carbon Filter | ★★☆☆☆ (Low/inconsistent) | Taste/odour improvement only | Low cost; easy install |
Not proven for PFAS removal; may give false sense of security |
Final Advice
PFAS contamination in Sydney’s water is within national guidelines but may exceed stricter global standards. If you want greater peace of mind, choose a PFAS-certified filtration system, especially if you live in an area with known contamination risks.
To learn more about PFAS, check out the links below.
Australian Government PFAS website: www.pfas.gov.au
