Governments around the country could be left with a costly clean-up bill by a plan to reduce the levels of so-called 'forever chemicals' allowed in Australia's drinking water.

These are synthetic chemicals, which are found in a range of consumer goods like cookware, building materials and cosmetics. While tougher, the new rules won't be as strict as those introduced in the United States.

• Guest:Dr David Cunliffe, member of National Health and Medical Research Council Water Quality Advisory Committee 
• Producer: Max Chalmers