What do new draft guidelines for ‘forever chemicals’ mean for Australia’s drinking water?

Efforts to reduce levels of PFAS chemicals in our drinking water are important - but most water supplies are already below the new limits

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council has today released draft guidelines for acceptable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in drinking water. PFAS chemicals are also known as forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily and can persist in the environment, including drinking water supplies.

The new guidelines - which are not mandatory but will inform state and territory policy - are expected to be finalised in April 2025. They propose a reduction in the maximum levels previously considered safe for four key PFAS chemicals: PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFBS.

Evidence to date does not establish whether PFAS at exposure levels seen in Australia might increase risks of cardiovascular disease ... Established risk factors ... are likely to be of a much greater magnitude than those potentially caused by PFAS.