What's in Your Water?
Know what's in the water your family is drinking
The Home Filtration Company is based in Sydney, providing local expertise to ensure our products are calibrated for your local water supply. It is important to understand the contaminants that may be found in your water to safeguard your family's future.
Dirt, Rust, Heavy Metals & Sediment
Dirt, rust, and sediment are physical impurities commonly found in water, especially in areas with aging infrastructure. These particles not only affect water clarity but can clog plumbing and appliances over time, reducing their lifespan. Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium are more dangerous, potentially causing serious health risks, including developmental issues in children and kidney damage in adults.
In Sydney, sediment and rust often enter water supplies due to old or corroded pipes. Heavy metals, while not common in Sydney’s treated water, can leach into private water supplies or during plumbing failures. A sediment filter removes these impurities, ensuring clear, safe water for your household.
Chlorine
Chlorine is added to water supplies worldwide as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens. However, excessive chlorine can pose risks, including skin irritation, respiratory problems, and unpleasant taste or odour. Prolonged exposure may even lead to health concerns due to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), some of which are suspected to be carcinogenic.
Sydney Water uses chlorine to disinfect the water supply, making it essential for residents to consider filtration systems that balance safety with comfort. A carbon filter effectively removes chlorine while retaining the microbiological safety of treated water.
Asbestos
Asbestos contamination in water is typically caused by deteriorating asbestos cement pipes, which were widely used in Australian water infrastructure before the 1980s. Ingesting asbestos fibers has been linked to gastrointestinal issues, though research is ongoing. The health risks of asbestos in water are less understood compared to airborne exposure, but the potential for harm remains.
Sydney still has a significant number of asbestos cement pipes (Over 40,000 kms!), raising concerns for residents in older neighborhoods. Specialised filters designed to capture fine fibers, such as asbestos, are crucial for ensuring safe drinking water.
Government Information
Council Fact Sheet
In the media 1 - Asbestos in drinking water: What does it mean for human health?
In the media 2 - Asbestos in Australian Homes, Drinking Water a Concern
PFAS
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals", are man-made substances used in industrial and consumer products, such as firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, and water-resistant clothing. These chemicals are highly resistant to degradation and have been linked to serious health effects, including cancer, hormonal disruptions, and immune system issues.
In Australia, PFAS contamination has been a growing concern, especially near industrial areas and firefighting training facilities. While PFAS levels in Sydney’s drinking water are considered to be within current guidelines of Sydney Water, some areas may have elevated levels. It is important to also consider guideline levels, of what we consider 'safe', are under review. Advanced filtration systems, like our PFAS filters, are the best methods to reduce PFAS from your water.
Sydney Water
In the media 1 - ‘Forever chemicals’ across Sydney’s drinking water catchment
In the media 2 - PFAS 'forever chemicals' found in water filtration plants and platypus livers in NSW
UNSW Study - PFAS 'forever chemicals' above drinking water guidelines in global source water
Pesticides
Pesticides, including herbicides and insecticides, can enter water supplies through agricultural runoff or improper disposal. Long-term exposure to pesticides in drinking water has been associated with neurological disorders, endocrine disruption, and even cancer.
In Sydney, while treated water generally meets safety standards, private wells and catchment systems may be at risk of pesticide contamination. Filtration systems that combine carbon filters with additional purification methods effectively remove these chemicals, ensuring safer water for households.
Disinfection Byproducts
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are formed when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter in water. Common DBPs include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids, some of which have been linked to cancer and reproductive issues with long-term exposure.
In Sydney, DBPs are monitored and kept below regulatory limits. These limits may of course be revised in future. Individuals concerned about exposure can benefit from filters designed to specifically remove these byproducts, providing peace of mind and healthier water.
Studies 1 - PFAS promotes disinfection byproduct formation through triggering particle-bound organic matter release in drinking water pipes
In the media 1 - Achieving safe levels of byproducts in disinfected drinking water
