Whole House Filters: Protecting Water from PFAS Contamination

Even though you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, frequently known as “forever chemicals”, are quietly seeping into the water that we consume every day. These substances are not only insidious but also extremely widespread, emphasizing the urgent need for consumers to remain vigilant and informed about their presence in the environment and potential health implications.

Since their inception in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into a wide range of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that make PFAS beneficial in manufacturing—such as their exceptional durability—also contribute to the severe environmental issues they create: they resist degradation. Once they enter the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even within human bodies, exacerbating the risks linked to long-term exposure.

Deep Dive into PFAS: Exploring the Serious Implications 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. Although these levels are currently low and comply with national safety standards, their growing prevalence is alarming, particularly as they are increasingly discovered in various catchment areas. For a more in-depth understanding, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

How PFAS Contaminates Our Drinking Water: Understanding the Pathways

PFAS are not intentionally introduced during the water treatment process. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through various external pathways such as industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. During rainfall events, these chemicals can wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Given the resilience of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not effectively remove them.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently regarded as low, many households in Queensland are understandably taking precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In these situations, installing whole-house water filtration systems becomes vital for ensuring peace of mind and protecting health.

Are Standard Water Filters Truly Effective in Removing PFAS Contaminants?

In essence, most standard water filters are inadequate when it comes to effectively removing PFAS from drinking water.

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 do not meet the necessary standards and therefore do not provide effective solutions.

To successfully eliminate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced filtration approach is required. Effective removal generally involves:

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

This raises significant concerns for households that use 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 incorporate the necessary filtration processes or contact time to significantly reduce PFAS levels.

The Critical Role of Whole House Filtration Systems in Reducing PFAS Exposure

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those provided by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become essential for guaranteeing safe drinking water.

These innovative 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 household is clean and safe for consumption.

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

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

It’s not just about improving 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 purposes.

Why Opt for Whole House Filtration Systems?

While a single under-sink filter may protect 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 provide comprehensive protection across all outlets, which encompass:

• 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 certified professionals.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Significant Difference?

Absolutely, particularly for families concerned about cumulative exposure to harmful substances. While Seqwater actively manages water quality, implementing filtration at the home level provides:

• An additional 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: Analyzing the Risks Associated with Both Water Supplies

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

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 emphasizes 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 Water Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS?

If your current filtration system does not specifically mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate to comprehensively address this issue.

To ensure your system can tackle the problem effectively, look for filters that include:

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

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

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

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

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online for more information and to discuss your filtration needs.

Are You Seeking Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

Inquire about our exceptional offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing.
• UV + Carbon Combination Systems
  Advanced multi-stage systems designed to neutralize bacteria and filter chemical residues — ideal 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.