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WATER ADVICE

PFAS Water Testing for Private Bores and Rainwater Tanks

Water Filtration Guides
Water sample prepared for couriered PFAS laboratory testing from private bores and rainwater tanks across Australia

PFAS water testing is often discussed in relation to town water, but many Australian properties rely on private bores, wells or rainwater tanks. These supplies are managed differently: the owner is generally responsible for understanding the source, arranging appropriate testing and deciding what action is justified.

A professional laboratory result can help establish whether PFAS compounds were detected and provide the evidence needed before considering any treatment system. A basic home water test, taste check or TDS meter cannot determine whether PFAS is present.

If your property receives town water, first review our guide to checking local PFAS drinking-water information before arranging private testing.

When Should a Private Water Supply Be Tested for PFAS?

PFAS testing is not automatically necessary for every bore or rainwater tank. It may be worth discussing with a qualified laboratory or environmental authority when the property is near a known or suspected PFAS source, including an airport, defence site, firefighting training ground, landfill, industrial area or another location associated with historical use of firefighting foams.

Testing may also be appropriate when a government investigation identifies PFAS in the surrounding area, when private water is used for drinking or food preparation, or when a property owner needs evidence for an agricultural, commercial or environmental decision. The relevant risk depends on local history, the water source and its intended use—not simply the appearance or taste of the water.

Why Ordinary Home Tests Are Not Enough

PFAS are a large group of manufactured chemicals that require specialised laboratory analysis. General water-quality kits may measure properties such as pH, hardness or dissolved solids, but those readings do not show whether PFAS is present. A low TDS result is not evidence that water is free from PFAS.

Sampling technique also matters because PFAS can be present at very low concentrations and contamination may occur during collection or handling. Contact the laboratory before collecting the sample. Use only the bottles, instructions, storage conditions and packaging specified by the laboratory.

What to Ask the Laboratory

Before ordering a test, ask which PFAS compounds are included, the laboratory’s reporting limits, whether the method is covered by the laboratory’s current accreditation scope, and whether quality-control samples are required. Confirm the correct sampling point, bottle type, collection method, storage temperature, delivery timeframe and total price.

If the property has several possible water sources, explain how each source is used. A sample taken after an existing filter may answer a different question from a sample taken directly from the bore, tank or incoming supply. The laboratory can advise how to structure sampling for the intended purpose.

Arrange Testing from Anywhere in Australia

HG PureWater can direct customers to Test Needs Australia, an independent laboratory that accepts water samples sent from across Australia. Its listed services include PFAS testing for private drinking water, bores, wells, rainwater tanks, surface water and selected commercial or industrial applications.

Before collecting or sending a sample, contact Test Needs Australia to confirm the suitable analytical suite, current reporting limits, supplied bottle requirements, collection procedure, storage, packaging, delivery timeframe and current price. Samples may be couriered to its Campbellfield laboratory or delivered in person, but customers should obtain current instructions first. https://www.testneeds.com.au/water-testing/water-testing-cost/

Further information about its PFAS testing service is available here. https://www.testneeds.com.au/water-testing/pfas-testing/

Understand the Result Before Choosing Treatment

A laboratory report should identify the compounds tested, the result for each analyte, the unit of measurement and the reporting limit. “Not detected” generally means the result was below the method’s reporting limit; it does not necessarily prove absolute absence.

Results should be interpreted against the current guidance relevant to the water’s intended use. Australian drinking-water guidance and local environmental advice can change, so use current official information and seek professional advice where necessary. https://guidelines.nhmrc.gov.au/australian-drinking-water-guidelines/part-5/physical-chemical-characteristics/cas-numbers-1763-23-1-pfos-335-67-1-pfoa-355-46-4-pfhxs

Test First, Then Discuss the Treatment Options

Do not select a treatment system from suspicion alone. After receiving the complete laboratory report, send it through the HG PureWater contact page or to EcoDesalt together with details of the water source, intended use, required flow rate and estimated daily demand. We can then discuss whether treatment is appropriate and what further information is required.

EcoDesalt customised proposals require a water-quality report and detailed application requirements before a final quotation. Testing first helps avoid unsuitable assumptions and gives both the customer and the treatment provider a clearer basis for the next decision.

If PFAS is detected, review our reverse osmosis and PFAS guide before comparing treatment options.

Sources and evidence checked 1 September 2026