Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Your Water from PFAS

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, have insidiously infiltrated the water we consume every day. These substances are not only pervasive but are also extremely durable, making it essential for consumers to remain vigilant and informed about their presence in our environment.

Since their emergence in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into a diverse array of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very qualities that make PFAS beneficial in manufacturing—such as their remarkable resistance to degradation—are also responsible for the significant environmental issues they pose. Once they infiltrate the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even the human body, thereby magnifying the risks associated with long-term exposure.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the governing body responsible for ensuring safe drinking water in South East Queensland, confirmed that trace levels of PFAS have been identified in both raw and treated water across the region. While these concentrations remain minimal and comply with national safety standards, their rising prevalence is concerning, particularly as they are increasingly detected in various catchment areas. For a more thorough understanding of this issue, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources for comprehensive details.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water Sources?

PFAS are not deliberately introduced during the water treatment process. Instead, they breach the water supply via 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, subsequently flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Given the resilience of these chemicals, even the latest water treatment technologies may not successfully eliminate them from our drinking water.

While the current risks associated with these contaminants are deemed low, many households in Queensland are justifiably taking precautionary measures. This is especially true for families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those who depend on rainwater tanks for their water supply. In such situations, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes not just prudent but essential for ensuring peace of mind.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants from Our Water Supply?

In brief, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS contaminants from our water supply.

Common filtration systems such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems are primarily designed to improve taste, reduce chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, these systems fall short when it comes to effectively addressing PFAS contaminants, as they do not meet the necessary filtration standards.

To truly eliminate these persistent chemicals, a more sophisticated filtration approach is required. Effective removal typically involves:

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

This situation raises significant concerns for households that use plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may seem clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges lack the necessary filtration processes or adequate contact time to substantially reduce PFAS levels in drinking water.

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

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

These advanced systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator. They are designed to provide comprehensive protection against contaminants.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — essential 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 merely about improving the taste of your water; it’s about ensuring the entire household is protected from harmful contaminants right at the source, providing safer water for showers, laundry, and cooking, not just for drinking purposes.

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

While a single under-sink filter may offer protection for your kitchen tap, PFAS can still enter your home through various outlets such as bathroom taps, showers, garden hoses, and washing machines. Whole-house systems deliver comprehensive protection across all points of use, 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 total household protection, installed right at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed team.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference for Your Family?

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

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

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

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still infiltrate into your home. However, if you are collecting rainwater for household use, your risk profile is significantly elevated.

Rainwater in Queensland may harbour:

• 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 highlights the urgent need for a whole-house system for homes relying on tank water, especially those with children, elderly occupants, 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 specifically mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for this critical purpose.

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

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

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 the unique conditions of Queensland, whether you are connected to the town supply or using off-grid tank water. We proudly serve homes throughout the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland regions, recognising that effective filtration goes beyond 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 or the quality of your water supply.

Call 1300 793 962 or get in touch with us online for more information.

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

Inquire about our diverse offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing, ensuring comprehensive protection.
• UV + Carbon Combination Systems
  Advanced multi-stage systems designed to neutralise 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.