Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Your Water from PFAS

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 insidious and pervasive, making it imperative for consumers to be informed about their existence and potential health implications.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been incorporated into a myriad of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that render PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their exceptional durability—also contribute to their environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once released into the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, compounding the risks associated with exposure over time.

Essential Insights on PFAS: Understanding the Truth Behind “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the authority responsible for overseeing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed that trace amounts of PFAS have been detected in both raw and treated water throughout the region. While these levels remain minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing presence is concerning, especially as they are being found more frequently in various catchment areas. For a more comprehensive understanding, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water?

PFAS are not intentionally introduced during the water treatment process. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply via external pathways such as industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. When it rains, these chemicals can wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that feed our water treatment facilities. Due to the resilience of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not completely eliminate them.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently considered low, many households in Queensland are understandably taking precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In such circumstances, adopting whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for peace of mind and safeguarding health.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

In short, 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, when it comes to addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems fall short of the necessary standards required for effective removal.

To successfully eradicate these persistent chemicals, a more sophisticated approach is required. Proper removal typically involves:

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

This raises serious concerns for households that utilise plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may appear clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges do not include the necessary filtration processes or contact time to significantly lower PFAS levels, leaving families vulnerable to exposure.

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

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those offered by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically important in safeguarding your water supply.

These cutting-edge systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, ensuring that all water used in the home is free from contaminants.

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, improving overall water quality
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, providing an additional layer of safety
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired, ensuring pure drinking water

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

Why Should You Choose Whole House Filtration Systems for Comprehensive Water Safety?

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 water 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 of professionals.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference in Water Quality?

Absolutely, especially for families concerned about cumulative exposure. 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 invaluable peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities, ensuring a healthier living environment

Town Water vs. Rainwater: Evaluating the Risks Associated with Both Supplies for Your Home

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

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, which can introduce harmful pathogens
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire zones, increasing contamination risk
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and release heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation, affecting water taste and quality

This highlights the critical 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, ensuring everyone has access to safe and clean water.

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

If your current filtration system does not specifically mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for this purpose and may leave you vulnerable to contamination.

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, ensuring it meets recognised standards
• Activated carbon filters engineered for high contact time to effectively trap contaminants
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants, providing an extra layer of security
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues that could compromise effectiveness

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Trusted Local Experts for Comprehensive 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, ensuring consistent access to clean water.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Are You Searching for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

Inquire about our offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing for optimal safety.
• 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, ensuring the highest quality.