What they do: Carry hormone-disrupting chemicals that may affect fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term health.

Where they come from: Created when plastics like bottles and packaging break down and enter food and water.

Source: The Australian – Microplastics in human placentas raising health concerns

What it does: Causes that “pool” taste and smell in tap water, and can form by-products that irritate sensitive drinkers.

Where it comes from: Added by water utilities to disinfect supplies and kill pathogens.

Source: NHMRC – Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Chlorine

What it does: Turns water brown or black, gives a metallic taste, and stains sinks, kettles, and appliances.

Where it comes from: Leaks from old pipes and natural mineral deposits in water supplies.

Source: NHMRC – Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Taste & Odour (Iron/Manganese)

What it does: Long-term exposure increases risks of cancers and developmental issues in children.

Where it comes from: Naturally present in some groundwater and can be elevated near mining or agricultural areas.

Source: NHMRC – Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Arsenic

What they do: Cause gastro illnesses with diarrhoea and stomach cramps, especially risky for kids and older adults.

Where they come from: Can enter supplies through surface water contamination or rare treatment failures.

Source: NHMRC – Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Microorganisms

What they do: Can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, and infections, posing serious risks to children and the elderly.

Where they come from: Rare events of contamination in water sources or failures in disinfection.

Source: NHMRC – Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Microorganisms

What they do: Lead affects brain development in children; copper can cause stomach upset and metallic taste.

Where they come from: Old household plumbing, brass fittings, or fixtures that leach metals into water.

Source: NHMRC – Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Metals