PFAS in NSW water — what it is and what to do about it

​PFAS chemicals have been making headlines across NSW — and for good reason. Found in tap water supplies near defence bases, industrial sites, and fire training facilities, these "forever chemicals" are raising real concerns for families and businesses. Here's a plain-English explanation of what PFAS is, why it matters, and what options you have.

What is PFAS?PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — a large family of man-made chemicals that have been used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. They're found in non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, and many other products.
The reason they've become a serious concern is simple: they don't break down. In the environment and in the human body, PFAS accumulate over time. Studies have linked long-term PFAS exposure to a range of health concerns including effects on the liver, thyroid, immune system, and reproductive health. They're often called "forever chemicals" because of how persistent they are.

Has PFAS been found in NSW water supplies?Yes. PFAS contamination has been identified at multiple sites across NSW — particularly in areas near RAAF bases, defence training facilities, and industrial zones. Areas including parts of Western Sydney, Newcastle, and the Hunter Valley have had investigations conducted or are under ongoing monitoring.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority and NSW Health continue to test and monitor affected areas. While authorities maintain that many town water supplies remain within current safety guidelines, those guidelines themselves have been revised multiple times as new research emerges — meaning today's "safe" threshold may be updated again in coming years.

Why are people switching to spring water?Concern about what's in the tap has been a growing driver for spring water subscriptions across NSW. Whether motivated by PFAS, chlorine taste, fluoride concerns, or general water quality, more NSW households and businesses are opting for a natural spring water delivery service as their primary drinking water source.
Spring water sourced directly from protected highland catchments and filtered naturally through sandstone is a fundamentally different product to treated municipal water. It hasn't passed through ageing infrastructure, and it hasn't been chemically treated before reaching you.

What about Spring Mountain's water?Our spring water is sourced from the NSW Central Coast Highlands — a natural sandstone catchment well away from industrial sites, defence facilities, and known contamination areas. We test our water regularly through independent laboratories and are happy to share results on request.
Our water contains no added fluoride, no added chlorine, and no PFAS has been detected in our testing. It's naturally filtered, naturally mineralised, and bottled under strict food safety standards.

​Spring water vs filtered water vs tap water — the honest comparisonTap water is treated to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, but the treatment process adds chlorine and fluoride, and it travels through infrastructure that varies in age and condition. In areas with PFAS concerns, filtration at the tap may help but doesn't remove all PFAS compounds.
Filtered water services (including some home delivery companies) are often treated or purified municipal water — not spring water. The filtration removes many impurities but the water's origin is still the same supply you're trying to avoid.
Natural spring water, sourced from a protected catchment and bottled at or near the source, bypasses municipal treatment entirely. The water's mineral content and purity come from the geology of the catchment — not from a treatment plant.

What should I do if I'm concerned about PFAS?First, check the current guidance from NSW Health and the NSW EPA for your specific area. Many areas have no identified PFAS issue and your tap water will be within all current guidelines.
If you're in an area with known or suspected contamination, or if you simply want the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly where your drinking water comes from, a natural spring water delivery service is worth considering.
Spring Mountain H2O delivers across Sydney, the Central Coast, and Newcastle. We can tell you exactly where our water comes from, show you our test results, and set you up with a flexible delivery schedule — no lock-in contracts required.

Frequently asked questions

Is PFAS in all NSW tap water?
No. PFAS contamination is site-specific and typically related to proximity to industrial or defence facilities. Many NSW water supplies have no identified PFAS issue. Check NSW EPA and NSW Health resources for your area.

Does a home water filter remove PFAS?
Some filters — particularly activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems — can reduce PFAS levels. However, not all filters are rated for PFAS removal, and effectiveness varies. Check the product specifications for your specific filter.

Is Spring Mountain's water PFAS-free?
PFAS has not been detected in our water in independent testing. Our source is a protected Central Coast Highlands catchment away from known contamination zones. We're happy to share test results on request.

Is spring water better than filtered water?
They're different products. Filtered water is typically treated tap water with contaminants removed. Spring water comes from a natural underground source with its own mineral profile. For people concerned about what's in municipal water at the source, spring water offers a fundamentally different origin.

How do I get spring water delivered to my home or office?
Contact Spring Mountain H2O — we deliver across Sydney, Central Coast, and Newcastle. Call us on 1300 847 789 or fill in our contact form.