What Are PFAS Chemicals?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in various consumer goods for over 70 years. First discovered by accident in 1938, PFAS were initially commercialised as Teflon, a non-stick coating for cookware. Since then, these chemicals have been incorporated into products like firefighting foams, stain-resistant fabrics, and even cosmetics.
PFAS are incredibly durable, resisting heat, oil, stains, and water. This resilience, however, comes at a cost. PFAS do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, leading to their nickname: “forever chemicals.”
PFAS in South East Queensland’s Drinking Water
Recent reports, including investigations by News.com.au, have raised alarms about PFAS contamination in Australian drinking water supplies, including South East Queensland. The chemicals often enter water systems through industrial runoff, firefighting foam residues, and poorly managed waste sites.
While Australia’s drinking water generally complies with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, these standards have been criticised for setting much higher PFAS limits compared to other countries. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency recently deemed no level of PFAS safe, setting a limit of 4 parts per trillion, while Australian guidelines allow up to 70 parts per trillion for PFOS and 560 parts per trillion for PFOA.
How PFAS Affects Your Health
Studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health issues, including:
- Cancer Risks: Classified as carcinogenic, PFAS can increase the likelihood of cancers in the lungs, liver, and thyroid.
- Reproductive Health: Exposure can impair fertility and harm fetal development, leading to low birth weight and other concerns for newborns.
- Immune System Effects: PFAS weakens the immune response, potentially reducing vaccine efficacy.
- Chronic Diseases: Higher risks of liver damage, elevated cholesterol, and kidney issues have been observed in those with prolonged exposure.
Given these risks, understanding the quality of your home’s drinking water is crucial.
Where Are PFAS Found?
PFAS chemicals are pervasive, present in everyday household items such as:
- Non-stick cookware and grease-resistant food packaging.
- Water-resistant textiles like raincoats, activewear, and upholstery.
- Cosmetics and personal care items, including shampoos and lotions.
- Firefighting foams are used extensively in industrial and training settings.
In South East Queensland, many households rely on tap water that could potentially contain trace levels of PFAS. Even low levels can accumulate in the body over time, compounding health risks.
The Impact of Poor-Quality Drinking Water
Poor-quality drinking water can have far-reaching consequences for families. Contaminants such as PFAS, heavy metals, chlorine, and sediments not only affect taste and odour but also pose health risks. Long-term consumption of contaminated water may lead to chronic illnesses and developmental issues in children.
News.com.au has highlighted the growing concern over aging water infrastructure and its inability to adequately filter out modern contaminants like PFAS. While water providers adhere to existing guidelines, these standards may not reflect the latest research on PFAS toxicity.
How to Reduce PFAS Exposure in Your Home
Protecting your family from PFAS and other water contaminants starts with filtration. Two effective solutions include:
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: These systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane, removing particles as small as 0.0005 microns. Reverse osmosis is highly effective at eliminating PFAS, ensuring the purest drinking water for your home.
- Removes up to 99.98% of contaminants, including heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Ideal for drinking and cooking water, but less suitable for whole-home use due to water wastage.
- Full-Home Filtration Systems: These systems filter water at the point of entry, removing sediments, pesticides, and chlorine. While they don’t match reverse osmosis for PFAS removal, they ensure cleaner water for bathing and household use.
Bottled Water: A Temporary Solution?
While bottled water might seem like a safe alternative, its quality depends on the source and treatment methods. Without advanced filtration, bottled water may still contain PFAS. Furthermore, relying on bottled water contributes to environmental concerns, such as plastic waste.
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: A Need for Reform
Australia’s drinking water guidelines play a crucial role in maintaining public health, but recent findings have sparked calls for stricter standards. Compared to international benchmarks, Australia’s allowable PFAS limits are considerably higher, prompting concerns from health experts.
The government’s action plan for PFAS contamination includes increased monitoring and public education, but more immediate action is needed to protect vulnerable communities. South East Queensland families are encouraged to advocate for better water quality standards and invest in home filtration solutions.
Steps to Protect Your Family
- Test Your Water: Understanding what’s in your water is the first step. Fix My Water can arrange a comprehensive water testing service at nominal cost to identify PFAS and other major contaminants.
- Choose the Right Filtration System: Based on your water test results, select a system that addresses your household’s specific needs, however, Fix My Water systems will certainly assist to combat whatever is flowing through your water mains into your family home.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with developments in water quality standards and PFAS research.
SE Queensland latest updates to the Population and Water Treatment Facilities
Firstly let’s look at the population growth
South East Queensland (SEQ) has experienced significant population growth since 2016. In 2016, the region’s population was approximately 3.49 million. By 2020, it had increased to about 3.80 million, reflecting an annual growth rate of 2.1%.
The 2021 Census recorded SEQ’s population at 3,758,965. citeturn0search1 By June 2023, estimates indicate the population reached 4,016,559, marking a 2.96% increase from the previous year.
Population Growth
It is estimated from 2016 to June 30, 2024 the population has grown by 2,096,322 – this is almost double with virtually zero expansion of the aging water treatment facilities.
This growth is projected to continue, with SEQ’s population expected to increase by almost 2.2 million, reaching around 6 million by 2046.
Water Treatment Upgrades
South East Queensland (SEQ) has undertaken several significant upgrades to its water treatment infrastructure in recent years to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for its growing population. Notable projects include:
- Mt Crosby East Bank Water Treatment Plant: Seqwater initiated a $45 million upgrade in late 2019 to refurbish 20 sand filters, essential for water purification. The project aimed to enhance the plant’s capacity and reliability, with completion expected by 2022.
- Canungra Water Treatment Plant: Recognising the need to support the expanding Canungra community, a new $4 million plant was commissioned in 2016, replacing the original facility built in 1970 and upgraded in 1982. The new plant increased production capacity from 0.4 to 1.5 megalitres per day.
- Petrie Water Supply Upgrade: The Petrie Water Treatment Plant, constructed in the late 1950s, was decommissioned in 2018 due to the high costs of necessary refurbishments. The area was subsequently connected to the SEQ Water Grid, providing about 100,000 residents with a more efficient and reliable water supply.
- Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme: Completed in 2008, this $2.5 billion project is Australia’s largest recycled water initiative. It includes three advanced water treatment plants that can produce up to 232 megalitres of purified recycled water daily, primarily for industrial use and as a supplementary drinking water source during droughts.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Water Quality
PFAS contamination and poor-quality drinking water are pressing issues for South East Queensland families. While government standards and water providers strive to ensure safety, advanced home filtration systems offer an extra layer of protection for your family.
Fix My Water is dedicated to helping families safeguard their health with tailored filtration solutions. From reverse osmosis systems to whole-home filtration, we provide options that ensure clean, safe water for every use.
Schedule a consultation with Fix My Water today to take the first step toward better water quality and peace of mind.