How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water (And Why It Matters)

PFAS (forever chemicals) are harmful pollutants found in tap water that can impact hormones, immunity and long-term health. The most effective way to remove them is through advanced filtration systems like activated carbon and nanofiltration, which can reduce up to 90% of contaminants.

Key Takeaways

• PFAS are “forever chemicals” that don’t break down and can build up in your body
• They’ve been linked to hormone disruption, immune issues, and certain cancers
• PFAS can enter your tap water through industrial waste and everyday products
• Standard water treatment often doesn’t remove them effectively
• The right water filter can significantly reduce PFAS and other contaminants

It’s no secret anymore… our water isn’t as clean or pure as we once thought.

Recent studies and documentaries like How to Poison A Planet have highlighted the hidden contaminants lurking in our drinking water. We’re talking microplastics, heavy metals, and now...PFAS.

The good news is that there’s a simple way to remove PFAS and microplastics from your water.

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense 

What are PFAS, and why should you care?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a family of human-made chemicals developed in the 1940s. Initially created to make life a little easier, PFAS can be found in products like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams.

But here is the problem...they don't go away.

PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally. Instead, they stick around in the environment (and in our bodies) for years. Over time, they can accumulate in our bodies and have been linked to:

• Hormonal disruptions
• Weakened immune systems
• Increased risk of certain cancers

And this isn’t just happening “somewhere else.” Australia has been flagged as a PFAS hotspot, with levels in some areas exceeding safe drinking guidelines. Even more concerning, studies show that most people already have PFAS in their blood.

Let's not settle for this!

How does PFAS get into your tap water?

PFAS might sound like something from an industrial site, but they’re actually much closer to home.

When products containing PFAS break down, these chemicals leach into the soil, air, and water. Over time, they make their way into local water supplies.

Common items contributing to this are:

• Industrial waste
• Firefighting foam runoff
• Household products (like cosmetics, waterproof fabrics, and even bandages)

Once PFAS are in the water, they’re incredibly hard to remove.

Most conventional water treatment systems simply aren’t designed to filter them fully out. It’s a bit like trying to strain sugar with a colander… it just slips straight through.

So, how do you remove PFAS from water?

This is the part that actually matters! To effectively remove PFAS from tap water, you need advanced filtration, specifically:

• Activated carbon
• Nanofiltration or reverse osmosis

These technologies are designed to trap and reduce microscopic contaminants that standard filters miss. And this is where choosing the right filter makes all the difference.

A simple way to filter PFAS (and 90+ other contaminants)

Living in a world where PFAS are everywhere can feel overwhelming, but this is one of those swaps that’s actually easy.

We came across (and use) Tappwater, a simple “screw-on” tap filter that’s designed to reduce not just PFAS, but a whole range of nasties in your water.

It uses 5-stage nanofiltration combined with activated carbon, helping to reduce up to 99% of contaminants like:

• PFAS (including PFOA & PFOS) - independent test results here
• Microplastics
• Heavy metals
• Chlorine, rust, and sediment
• Up to 90% of fluoride

What I love most is that it is designed to fit easy into real life.

• Tool-free installation (literally screws onto your tap)
• Fits 95% of Australian taps
• Instant clean water with a 4L/min flow rate
• Compact (no bulky jugs or fridge filters)
• Replaceable cartridges every ~2 months

It’s one of those small changes that actually makes a big impact.

Why this swap matters (for you + the planet)

At Go For Zero, we’re all about making low-tox living feel simple and doable, not overwhelming. Switching to a proper water filter means you’re:

1. Reducing your exposure to PFAS and other chemicals
2. Cutting down on single-use plastic bottles
3. Avoiding bulky filter systems
4. Supporting a more sustainable, refill-based system

It’s better for your body and the planet.

Toxins out, sustainability in!

PFAS might be everywhere, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. With the right filtration, you can significantly reduce what’s coming through your tap and into your body.

And honestly? That’s a pretty empowering place to start. I can't wait to hear what you think about of TappWater.

With love,
Ellie

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1. What are PFAS and why are they harmful?

PFAS are “forever chemicals” that don’t break down in the environment or the body. They can accumulate over time and have been linked to hormone disruption, immune issues, and certain cancers.

2. How do PFAS and other contaminants get into tap water?

PFAS enter water through industrial waste, firefighting foam, and everyday household products. They can travel through soil and waterways into local drinking supplies.

3. Can Tappwater filters remove PFAS from tap water?

Yes,  tappwater filters use 5-stage nanofiltration with activated carbon to block PFAS, microplastics, heavy metals, chlorine, rust, and up to 90% of fluoride, providing clean, safe drinking water.

4. How easy is it to install a Tappwater filter?

Installation is simple and tool-free. Tappwater filters screw onto most Australian taps and include five adapters to fit 95% of tap types. Replacement cartridges are cost-effective and last about two months.

5. Are Tappwater filters eco-friendly?

Absolutely. Using a Tappwater filter reduces single-use plastics, including bottled water and bulky filters, and comes with refillable cartridges for sustainable, low-waste water filtration.

6. How do I know if a Tappwater filter is right for me?

If you want toxin-free tap water and a sustainable alternative to bottled water or bulky filters, Tappwater filters are a simple, effective solution.

7. Is Australian tap water safe to drink?

While generally treated, some areas in Australia have recorded PFAS levels above recommended guidelines, meaning additional filtration can be beneficial.

8. What is the easiest way to filter PFAS at home?

A tap-mounted filter with advanced filtration (like activated carbon + nanofiltration) is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce PFAS without needing bulky systems.