Tap Water Testing
What We Test For
Understanding what's in your water starts here.
Every contaminant we test for, explained in plain language.
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
PFAS per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are synthetic chemicals used in firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, food packaging, and industrial processes. They don't break down in the environment or the human body, which is why they're called forever chemicals. Australian drinking water guidelines set limits for PFAS compounds including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and PFBS. Elevated PFAS levels have been found near Defence bases, industrial sites, and airports across Australia. The only way to know whether PFAS is present in your tap water is to test for it.
Heavy Metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and copper can all be present in tap water. Lead is the most common concern in older homes where lead solder was used in plumbing it leaches directly into drinking water and has no safe level of exposure for children. Arsenic occurs naturally in some groundwater sources. Our laboratory water testing screens for all key heavy metals against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Bacteria & Coliforms
E.coli and total coliforms are the key indicators of microbial contamination in drinking water. Their presence signals that water may have been contaminated by sewage or animal waste. While Sydney's reticulated water supply is chlorinated, bacteria can enter water through ageing infrastructure, private tanks, bore water, or compromised plumbing. Our laboratory water quality screen tests for E.coli and total coliforms against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Disinfection By-Products
When chlorine used to treat drinking water reacts with naturally occurring organic matter, it forms disinfection by-products including trihalomethanes (THMs) and halo-acetic acids (HAAs). These compounds are present in most chlorinated water supplies and are regulated under Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. They are a particular concern for people on tank water who are chlorinating their supply, and for households with high hot water usage where THM levels can concentrate.
pH, TDS & General Chemistry
pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of your water. Water that is too acidic can corrode pipes and leach metals including lead and copper. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measures the concentration of dissolved substances in your water minerals, salts, and metals combined. A high TDS reading alone doesn't indicate a health risk, but combined with other results it provides important context. Our water quality screen also covers nutrients including nitrates, nitrites, fluoride, and chloride.