Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Water from PFAS Contamination

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals“, are infiltrating the water we consume daily. These substances are both insidious and pervasive, highlighting the critical need for consumers to remain informed about their presence and potential health implications.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into a vast array of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very attributes that render PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—are also responsible for the environmental challenges they pose: they resist degradation. Once they infiltrate the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even the human body, compounding the risks linked to long-term exposure.

Essential Insights into PFAS: Understanding the Reality of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the governing body responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed the detection of trace amounts of PFAS in both raw and treated water across the region. While these levels remain minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing prevalence is concerning, especially as they are being identified more frequently in various catchment areas. For a more comprehensive understanding, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

What Are the Pathways that Allow PFAS to Contaminate Our Drinking Water?

PFAS are not deliberately introduced during the water treatment process. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through various external pathways, including industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. During rainfall, these chemicals can wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to their resilience, even advanced water treatment technologies may struggle to completely eliminate them.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently deemed low, many households in Queensland are understandably taking precautionary measures, especially families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In these instances, the adoption of whole-house water filtration systems becomes imperative for ensuring peace of mind and safety.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

In summary, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS.

Typical filtration systems, such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems, are primarily designed to enhance taste, reduce chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, these systems fall short when it comes to effectively addressing PFAS contaminants, which require more rigorous filtration standards.

To successfully eliminate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced approach is necessary. Proper removal typically involves:

• Extended contact carbon block filtration techniques
• Anion exchange resins, or
• Reverse osmosis — sophisticated technologies not commonly found in standard, off-the-shelf filters.

This raises serious concerns for households that utilise plumbed-in refrigerators. While the filtered water may appear clean, it is often not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges do not include the necessary filtration processes or contact time to significantly diminish PFAS levels.

What Role Do Whole House Filtration Systems Play in Mitigating PFAS Exposure?

This is where whole-house filtration systems, like those provided by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically important.

These state-of-the-art systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator. By ensuring comprehensive treatment, they effectively mitigate the risks associated with PFAS contamination.

Creek to Coast Plumbing installs Puretec premium-grade filtration systems that feature:

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — essential for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired

It’s not solely about enhancing the taste of your water; it’s about protecting your entire household from harmful contaminants right at the source, ensuring safer water for showers, laundry, and cooking, not merely for drinking.

Why Should You Opt for Whole House Filtration Systems?

While a single under-sink filter may safeguard your kitchen tap, PFAS can still infiltrate your home through various outlets such as bathroom taps, showers, garden hoses, and washing machines. Whole-house systems offer comprehensive protection across all outlets, which include:

• Drinking and cooking water
• Water for bathing and brushing
• Water for laundry
• Water for pets and garden use

Puretec’s FilterWall F-Series and Hybrid-Plus systems are robust enough to ensure complete household protection, installed right at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed team.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference?

Absolutely, especially for families concerned about cumulative exposure to contaminants. While Seqwater is actively managing water quality, implementing filtration at the home level provides:

• An added barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odour, along with peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities

Town Water vs. Rainwater: Assessing the Risks Associated with Both Water Supplies

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still permeate into your home. However, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile is significantly heightened due to various factors.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire zones
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and release heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation

This underscores the urgent need for a whole-house system for homes relying on tank water, particularly those with children, elderly residents, or frequent visitors who may not be accustomed to untreated water.

How Can You Verify If Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS Contamination?

If your current filtration system does not explicitly mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for this purpose and may not provide the protection your household requires.

To ensure your system is capable of addressing the issue, look for filters that include:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration
• Activated carbon filters engineered for high contact time
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Trusted Local Experts for Effective Water Filtration Solutions

As certified Puretec installers, we specialise in designing and implementing whole-house water filtration systems tailored to Queensland's unique conditions, whether you are connected to the town supply or utilising off-grid tank water. We proudly serve homes throughout the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland regions, understanding that effective filtration transcends taste; it’s about providing peace of mind for you and your family.

With our comprehensive annual servicing and filter replacement programmes, you’ll never need to worry about your system’s performance again.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online for a consultation.

Are You Looking for Water Filters That Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

Inquire about our offerings, which include:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, encompassing taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing.
• UV + Carbon Combination Systems
  Advanced multi-stage systems designed to neutralise bacteria and filter chemical residues — perfect for properties using rainwater and tank-fed sources.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Add-Ons for Drinking Water
  Installed discreetly beneath your kitchen sink for ultra-purified water at your most frequently used outlets.