How Safe is Your Drinking Water?
Most of us are fortunate that, when we turn on the tap, clean, safe and high-quality water comes out. But a senate inquiry into the presence of PFAS or “forever chemicals” is putting the safety of our drinking water back in the spotlight.
Human Intervention in the Water Cycle
There is no “new” water on Earth. The water we drink can be up to 4.5 billion years old and is continuously recycled through the hydrological cycle. This transfers water from the ground to the atmosphere through evaporation and back again (for example, through rain). Humans interfere with this natural cycle by trapping and redirecting water from various sources to use. A lot happens before it reaches your home.
How do we Decide What’s Safe?
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines define what is considered safe, good-quality drinking water. The guidelines set acceptable water quality values for more than 250 physical, chemical, and bacterial contaminants. They take into account any potential health impact of drinking the contaminant over a lifetime as well as aesthetics – the taste and color of the water.
From Water Catchment to Tap
Australians’ drinking water mainly comes from natural catchments. Sources include surface water, groundwater, and seawater (via desalination). Public access to these areas is typically limited to preserve optimal water quality. Filtration and purification of water occurs naturally in catchments as it passes through soil, sediments, rocks, and vegetation.
What about PFAS?
There is also renewed concern about the presence of PFAS or “forever” chemicals in drinking water. Recent research examining the toxicity of PFAS chemicals along with their presence in some drinking water catchments in Australia and overseas has prompted a recent assessment of water source contamination.
Removing PFAS from Water?
Most sources of drinking water are not associated with industrial contaminants like PFAS. So, water sources are generally not subject to expensive treatment processes, like reverse osmosis, that can remove most waterborne pollutants, including PFAS. These treatments are energy-intensive and expensive and based on recent water quality assessments by the NHMRC will not be needed.
Conclusion
While there are concerns about PFAS in drinking water, the good news is that most sources of drinking water are not associated with industrial contaminants like PFAS. Additionally, ultra-low concentrations of chemicals, including PFAS, may not be harmful and total removal is not warranted. The dose that makes the poison, as the saying goes.
FAQs
* How does the water cycle work?
The water cycle involves the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It is a vital process that sustains life on our planet.
* How is drinking water quality determined?
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines define what is considered safe, good-quality drinking water. The guidelines set acceptable water quality values for more than 250 physical, chemical, and bacterial contaminants.
* Can I get PFAS in my drinking water?
Yes, PFAS can be present in some drinking water catchments, particularly those near industrial areas. However, most sources of drinking water are not associated with industrial contaminants like PFAS.
* How can I remove PFAS from my drinking water?
Most treatment processes, including reverse osmosis, can remove PFAS from drinking water. However, these treatments are energy-intensive and expensive, and may not be necessary for most sources of drinking water.
* Can I get sick from PFAS in my drinking water?
While some PFAS have been identified as carcinogenic, it is not certain that PFAS causes cancer. The link is still being debated, and assessment of exposure levels from all sources in the population shows that PFAS levels are falling, which means any exposure risk has also reduced over time.
