PFAS Chemicals in Richmond Water, What You Need to Know
PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large family of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in industrial processes, firefighting foam, non-stick cookware coatings, food packaging and a wide range of consumer products. What makes PFAS particularly concerning is that they do not break down in the environment or in the human body. This is why they have earned the name "forever chemicals." Once they enter a water supply, they remain.
In August 2025, ABC News reported that water samples taken near North Richmond and the surrounding Hawkesbury region contained 31 distinct PFAS chemicals. This was a significant finding, not only because of the number of compounds detected, but because one of those chemicals had never been identified anywhere in the world before. The likely source is historical use of AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) at nearby RAAF Base Richmond, a pattern seen at defence sites across Australia and internationally.
Sydney Water has confirmed that drinking water supplied to Richmond meets all current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. However, some samples tested near the safety thresholds set by overseas regulators, including limits established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which have been significantly tightened in recent years following new research linking PFAS exposure to immune system disruption, hormonal effects, thyroid dysfunction and increased cancer risk in high-exposure populations.
For Richmond families, the practical response is not panic, it is precaution. Australian standards are under review, and the most straightforward way to protect your household right now is to install filtration technology that is proven to remove PFAS before you drink it. Reverse osmosis is that technology.
Does Reverse Osmosis Remove PFAS?
Yes, reverse osmosis is the gold standard for PFAS removal from drinking water. It is the method recommended by environmental scientists, water quality researchers and public health bodies worldwide when households want to reduce their PFAS exposure at the tap.
Reverse osmosis works by forcing water under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane with pores of approximately 0.0001 microns. PFAS molecules, even the smallest ones, are too large to pass through. Studies consistently show that RO removes between 90% and 99% or more of PFAS compounds from drinking water, including the long-chain PFAS chemicals (PFOA, PFOS) as well as many of the shorter-chain variants that are harder to remove by other methods.
By comparison, activated carbon filters, used in most standard under-sink systems, provide partial PFAS reduction. They are effective at removing chlorine, taste and odour, and some PFAS, but they are not as comprehensive as RO. If PFAS is your primary concern, carbon alone is not sufficient.
The Pure Plus+ 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis system ($840) is the recommended choice for Richmond families concerned about PFAS. It installs neatly under your kitchen sink, comes with a dedicated filtered water tap, and provides purified water on demand. Jean-Paul installs and commissions every system himself, walks you through how it works, and backs the installation with a lifetime workmanship warranty.
Under Sink Water Filtration for Richmond
For Richmond households looking for a practical, cost-effective improvement to their drinking water, an under-sink filter is the entry point. The Pure Essential twin-stage carbon filter ($550) removes chlorine, sediment, taste and odour with a fast flow rate and low ongoing maintenance, cartridge replacements run around $80–$120 per year. The system fits neatly inside your kitchen cabinet with a dedicated filtered-water tap on your benchtop, leaving your existing mixer tap untouched. Installation typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours and works in any Richmond property type, apartment, terrace, townhouse or freestanding home.
For Richmond residents who want more comprehensive filtration without going to a full reverse osmosis system, multi-stage carbon options up to 7 stages are available. Jean-Paul will recommend the right configuration based on your water quality concerns and household priorities. Browse the full range on the under sink water filter page.
Whole House Water Filter for Richmond, The HPF-3
For Richmond families who want protection not just at the kitchen tap but at every point of use throughout the home, including showers, baths, laundry and cooking, the HPF-3 High Performance Filtration System is the answer. This is Filters For You's flagship product, installed at the water mains so that every drop of water entering your home is filtered before it reaches any fixture or appliance.
Richmond's semi-rural setting means older infrastructure is more common than in inner Sydney, and properties further from treatment facilities can experience higher sediment loads and particulate content. The HPF-3 is specifically designed to handle this, removing chlorine, sediment, microplastics and a broad range of organic compounds from the whole supply. For households on Richmond's established streets where pipework may be older, whole house filtration offers a comprehensive solution that under-sink systems simply cannot match in scope.
The HPF-3 is priced from $3,150 to $3,550 depending on installation conditions, with all costs, supply, professional installation and commissioning, included in the fixed price. Jean-Paul will assess your property and confirm the exact price before any work begins. There are no surprises on installation day.
Book Water Filter Installation in Richmond
Jean-Paul is taking bookings for Richmond now. Call 0430 546 749 Monday to Saturday, 7am to 6pm. Most bookings are confirmed within 3–5 business days. Every installation is fixed price, the quote you receive is the price you pay. You can also complete the short form below and Jean-Paul will call you back to discuss your options with no obligation. Whether you are most concerned about PFAS, chlorine, taste, or simply want the best possible water for your family, Jean-Paul will recommend the right system honestly and professionally.
