Whole House Filters: Shielding Your Water from PFAS Contamination

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are increasingly contaminating the water we consume on a daily basis. These substances are not only insidious but also pervasive, making it paramount for consumers to be informed about their presence and potential dangers.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been utilised in a variety of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very properties that render PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—are also the reason for the significant environmental challenges they pose: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals enter the ecosystem, they can persist for many years, accumulating in soil, water, and even the human body, thereby compounding the risks associated with long-term exposure.

Discover Essential Facts About PFAS: Revealing the Truth Behind “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the governing authority responsible for managing 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 area. While these levels remain minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing prevalence is concerning, especially as they are being detected more frequently in various catchment areas. For further insights, you can explore 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 via external pathways such as industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. During rainfall, these chemicals can wash off surfaces such as roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that feed our water treatment facilities. Due to the resilience of these chemicals, even the most advanced water treatment technologies may not be completely effective in eliminating them.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are presently regarded as low, many households in Queensland are justifiably taking precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In such cases, the implementation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes vital for peace of mind and safety.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants from Your Water Supply?

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

Common filtration systems such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems are primarily designed to enhance the taste of water, reduce chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, when it comes to addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the necessary standards to provide adequate protection.

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

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

This raises significant concerns for households that utilise plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may look 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 substantially lower PFAS levels, leaving families at risk.

What Impact Do Whole House Filtration Systems Have on Reducing PFAS Exposure?

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

These innovative systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, ensuring comprehensive filtration.

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

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

It’s not solely about improving 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 Is It Essential to Choose 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, including:

• 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, effectively safeguarding your home from potential contaminants.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Really Make a Difference in Protecting Your Family?

Absolutely, especially for families concerned about cumulative exposure. While Seqwater is diligently managing water quality, implementing filtration at the household level provides:

• An additional barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of public infrastructure
• Enhanced 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. If you are harvesting rainwater for household use, however, your risk profile is significantly heightened due to various factors.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments
• Airborne chemicals originating 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 critical necessity 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’s safety.

How Can You Determine 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 leave you vulnerable.

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 prevent pressure drops or bypass issues

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 across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland regions, understanding that effective filtration transcends mere taste; it’s about providing 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 or reliability again.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online to learn more.

Are You Seeking Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

Inquire about our extensive offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
• 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, providing an extra layer of safety.