What is PFAS?
PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of synthetic chemicals used since the mid-20th century in non-stick coatings, firefighting foams and water-repellent products. They are often called "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly in the environment. PFAS have been detected in water sources around the world, and they are an active area of regulation and research in Australia.
What is chloramine, and why does it come up?
Chloramine is a disinfectant some Australian water authorities use instead of, or alongside, chlorine. It is effective and longer-lasting in the pipe network, but it is harder to remove than chlorine and can affect taste. Increasingly, informed buyers ask specifically about chloramine - and many filters that target chlorine taste do not address it as well. We think PFAS and chloramine belong in the same conversation, not treated as separate footnotes.
Does boiling or a basic jug filter remove them?
Boiling does not remove PFAS. Basic jug filters and simple carbon taps are designed mainly for taste and chlorine, and vary widely in what else they reduce. Reducing PFAS and chloramine generally calls for purpose-selected media - for example, a high-quality activated carbon block paired with a PFAS-specific polishing resin.
Where point-of-use filtration fits
Point-of-use filtration treats the water you actually drink and cook with, at the tap, rather than the whole house. It is a practical, lower-cost starting point for households who want more than a basic jug. Our forthcoming 6-in-1 under-sink purifier is being designed with both PFAS and chloramine in mind, pairing an advanced carbon block with a Purolite Purofine PFAS polishing stage. You can see how the stages work on the product page.
An honest note on claims: specific PFAS and chloramine reduction percentages should always be backed by product-specific testing. We publish exact figures only once they are confirmed against approved testing, and we recommend treating any filter brand's numbers the same way.
How to evaluate any "PFAS filter"
- Does it name the specific media used for PFAS, not just "carbon"?
- Are reduction figures tied to a named test method and lab?
- Does it address chloramine as well as chlorine?
- What is the cartridge life, and does performance hold across that life?
Want the deeper science? See our water learning centre, or read how we approach proof on the lab results page.
Want to be first to know when the 6-in-1 lands?
Join the list for the under-sink purifier built around PFAS and chloramine.
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