Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Water from PFAS Contamination

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, are infiltrating the water we consume daily. These substances are both insidious and pervasive, highlighting the vital need for consumers to be fully aware of their existence and the potential risks they pose to health and the environment.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been incorporated into a diverse array 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 remarkable durability—contribute significantly 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, thereby compounding the long-term risks associated with exposure.

Essential Insights Into PFAS: Understanding the Dangers of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the 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 region. While these levels remain low and comply with national safety standards, their rising presence is concerning, especially as they are increasingly found in various catchment areas. For a more comprehensive understanding, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources, which provide valuable information on this pressing public health issue.

What Are the Pathways Through Which PFAS Contaminate Our Drinking Water?

PFAS are not deliberately introduced during the water treatment process. Instead, they enter the water supply via external pathways such as industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. When it rains, these chemicals wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to the resilient nature of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not fully eliminate them, leaving a lasting concern for public health.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently viewed 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 these situations, the adoption of whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential, providing peace of mind and an added layer of protection against potential health hazards.

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

In short, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS from the water supply.

Typical 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, when it comes to addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems fall short of the necessary standards required for effective filtration and safety.

To successfully eliminate these persistent chemicals from your water, a more advanced approach is necessary. Effective removal typically involves:

• Extended contact carbon block filtration techniques that allow for longer interaction with the contaminants.
• Anion exchange resins that specifically target and remove harmful chemical compounds, or
• Reverse osmosis — advanced technologies not generally found in standard, off-the-shelf filters.

This raises significant concerns for households that utilise plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may seem clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges do not incorporate the essential filtration processes or contact time required to substantially lower PFAS levels, leaving families vulnerable to these harmful substances.

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

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

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

Creek to Coast Plumbing installs Puretec premium-grade filtration systems that are equipped with:

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — essential for effective PFAS reduction and elimination.
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater, preventing corrosion.
• UV disinfection to eradicate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites present in your water supply.
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, enhancing the safety and purity of your drinking water.

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

Why Should You Invest in Whole House Filtration Systems for Your Home?

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, ensuring safety in:

• 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, providing peace of mind for your entire family.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Offer a Significant Impact on Water Safety?

Absolutely, especially 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 into your water supply.
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of the public infrastructure's condition.
• Improved taste and odour, along with invaluable peace of mind.
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities, ensuring a healthier living environment.

Comparing Town Water and Rainwater: Evaluating 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 increases significantly.

Rainwater in Queensland may be contaminated by:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, which can introduce harmful pathogens.
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or regions affected by bushfires.
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and leach heavy metals into your water supply.
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation, which can affect water quality.

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 unaccustomed to untreated water supplies.

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 expose you to potential health risks.

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 compliance with safety standards.
• Activated carbon filters engineered for high contact time, enhancing their effectiveness against contaminants.
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated specifically for PFAS contaminants, providing superior filtration capabilities.
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues that could compromise filter efficiency.

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 goes beyond taste; it’s about providing peace of mind for you and your family’s health and safety.

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

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online to discover more about our services.

Are You Searching for Water Filters That Effectively Eliminate 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 comprehensive protection.
• UV + Carbon Combination Systems
  Advanced multi-stage systems designed to neutralise bacteria and filter harmful 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, ensuring the highest quality drinking water available.