Do You Know What's In Your Drinking Water?

Although it has been all over the news recently in Australia that our drinking water is contaminated with PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' it's surprising how many people are unaware or uninterested in the fact that the quality of our drinking water has been compromised. This does, of course, depend on where you live, but with so many of us travelling, it makes sense to know which areas are at risk. Since having glandular fever many years ago and taking steps to improve my health, I decided to drink filtered water where possible. Now I know this is a contentious issue, and many people are staunch tap water drinkers, but if you want to maintain good health, especially as you age, you may want to consider switching to filtered water. In this post. I'll look at how drinking filtered water could benefit your health and what you are actually drinking if you choose to drink tap water.

What Are Forever Chemicals?

PFAS—often referred to as forever chemicals—are a large family of man-made substances that include PFOA, PFOS, and many related compounds. They’ve been widely used in both industry and everyday products, such as non-stick pans, stain- and water-resistant fabrics, cosmetics, and firefighting foams. They earn the name “forever chemicals” because they resist breaking down in the environment and in the human body, allowing them to persist and build up over time. Interestingly,  Australian guidelines allow for much higher levels than the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximums, but specific contamination varies by region, with some areas in Australia showing levels far exceeding the US standards. From 1 July 2025, three PFAS chemicals (PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS) have been banned from import, export, and manufacture in Australia. which is a step in the right direction, but eradicating these chemicals from the water supply is going to be ongoing.

How Do They Contaminate Our Water Supply?

Forever chemicals don’t just appear in our drinking water by chance—they travel there through everyday use and decades of industrial activity. Factories may discharge them into rivers and groundwater, while firefighting foams used at airports and military sites often seep into soil and spread underground. Landfills are another source, as old products like carpets, clothing, and food packaging gradually release PFAS into the environment. Even at home, when we wash non-stick pans or rinse off cosmetics, tiny traces can slip into wastewater. Because treatment plants aren’t equipped to fully remove them, these chemicals flow back into rivers, lakes, and ultimately, our water supply.

The challenge is that PFAS don’t naturally break down, which means once they’re in the environment, they remain there—slowly building up in both nature and our bodies over time.

How Drinking Water with Forever Chemicals Can Affect Your Health

Forever chemicals in drinking water may seem invisible, but their effects can add up over time. Because PFAS don’t break down easily, they can build up in the body and interfere with important processes. Research has linked long-term exposure to changes in cholesterol levels, liver and kidney issues, and a weakened immune system. Some studies also suggest a higher risk of hormone disruption and certain types of cancer. Even small amounts in water can accumulate over the years, making regular exposure a real concern for our long-term health.

Practical Ways to Reduce Your Exposure to Forever Chemicals

Although forever chemicals are widespread, there are steps you can take to minimize how much ends up in your body. Using a certified water filter for your drinking water that targets PFAS can help reduce contamination from your tap.  In addition to my kitchen sink, I also have a water filter on my shower and bath, as I don't want to bathe in these chemicals either. Staying informed about your local water quality reports allows you to make safer choices about drinking water. At home, be mindful of the products you bring in—choose cookware, food packaging, and household items labeled PFAS-free whenever possible. Reducing the use of stain- and water-resistant sprays, as well as avoiding certain cosmetics, can also help limit exposure. While it’s impossible to avoid PFAS entirely, combining these simple strategies can significantly lower your daily intake and help protect your long-term health.

I hope this post inspires you to consider using filtered water in your home, if you don't already do so.  It's just one more small action that we can take, which will contribute to improving our overall health and well-being.  If you want to take control of your health and fitness, especially as you age and are ready to start your Pilates journey, email me at [email protected]. Alternatively,  access my online Pilates program of on-demand videos, which I specifically designed to help you recover from pain or injury. It would be my pleasure to assist you on your Pilates journey to pain-free living!