Warning issued over false health claims by water filtration companies
Authorities are warning Perth residents about false and misleading health claims by salespeople attempting to sell water filtration systems.
Water Corporation is investigating claims by at least one northern suburbs company that Perth’s drinking water “is shortening your family’s lifespan.”
The company also makes bogus claims in marketing material about chlorine and metals in drinking water and asserts falsely that water flushed down a toilet today is used as drinking water a week later.
A second company has been issued a cease-and-desist letter over false and misleading health claims in radio and television advertisements.
The Department of Health is reminding the community about the safeguards in place for Western Australia’s drinking water.
Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said the Department of Health requires Western Australian scheme drinking water suppliers to provide drinking water that is safe and complies with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
“Routine sampling and reporting shows that water provided to the WA community from drinking water suppliers is of the highest microbiological and chemical quality and safe to drink,” Dr Robertson said.
“Making false claims about water quality is unacceptable, and people do not need to spend thousands on water filtration systems.
“With the Water Corporation, we urge anyone approached in this manner to note details of the interaction and contact Consumer Protection.”
In 2018, Consumer Protection took action in response to bogus door-to-door salespeople purporting to be from the Government and claiming to be investigating water quality in the area.
The salespeople would conduct “tests” before advising homeowners their tap water was unsafe and recommending the installation of filtration systems.
Water Corporation Head of Water Quality Rachael Miller said homeowners should be wary of any company making unsubstantiated claims regarding drinking water safety.
“The public can be confident that water supplied by Water Corporation complies fully with health parameters under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, which are among the most stringent standards of their kind anywhere in the world,” Ms Miller said.
“Unlike other capital cities in Australia, Perth’s drinking water comes from a range of sources such as groundwater and desalination.
“This can mean drinking water in some areas tastes differently to other parts of the city, but it certainly does not mean our drinking water is unsafe.
“We have no issue with companies selling water filtration systems, but together with the Department of Health, we take very seriously any false health claims relating to the safety of drinking water supplies.”
Consumers approached by these salespeople or feel that they have been misled after purchasing a water filtration system, can contact Consumer Protection by emailing consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or phone 1300 30 40 54.
Further information about water quality across WA, including Water Corporation’s 2023-24 Drinking Water Quality Annual, is available on Water Corporation’s website.
For health information about drinking water in Western Australia visit HealthyWA.
Water Corporation is investigating claims by at least one northern suburbs company that Perth’s drinking water “is shortening your family’s lifespan.”
The company also makes bogus claims in marketing material about chlorine and metals in drinking water and asserts falsely that water flushed down a toilet today is used as drinking water a week later.
A second company has been issued a cease-and-desist letter over false and misleading health claims in radio and television advertisements.
The Department of Health is reminding the community about the safeguards in place for Western Australia’s drinking water.
Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said the Department of Health requires Western Australian scheme drinking water suppliers to provide drinking water that is safe and complies with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
“Routine sampling and reporting shows that water provided to the WA community from drinking water suppliers is of the highest microbiological and chemical quality and safe to drink,” Dr Robertson said.
“Making false claims about water quality is unacceptable, and people do not need to spend thousands on water filtration systems.
“With the Water Corporation, we urge anyone approached in this manner to note details of the interaction and contact Consumer Protection.”
In 2018, Consumer Protection took action in response to bogus door-to-door salespeople purporting to be from the Government and claiming to be investigating water quality in the area.
The salespeople would conduct “tests” before advising homeowners their tap water was unsafe and recommending the installation of filtration systems.
Water Corporation Head of Water Quality Rachael Miller said homeowners should be wary of any company making unsubstantiated claims regarding drinking water safety.
“The public can be confident that water supplied by Water Corporation complies fully with health parameters under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, which are among the most stringent standards of their kind anywhere in the world,” Ms Miller said.
“Unlike other capital cities in Australia, Perth’s drinking water comes from a range of sources such as groundwater and desalination.
“This can mean drinking water in some areas tastes differently to other parts of the city, but it certainly does not mean our drinking water is unsafe.
“We have no issue with companies selling water filtration systems, but together with the Department of Health, we take very seriously any false health claims relating to the safety of drinking water supplies.”
Consumers approached by these salespeople or feel that they have been misled after purchasing a water filtration system, can contact Consumer Protection by emailing consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or phone 1300 30 40 54.
Further information about water quality across WA, including Water Corporation’s 2023-24 Drinking Water Quality Annual, is available on Water Corporation’s website.
For health information about drinking water in Western Australia visit HealthyWA.