Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Against PFAS Contamination

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are infiltrating the water we drink every day. These substances are insidious and pervasive, making it vital for consumers to be conscious of their presence. Awareness is the first step towards safeguarding yourself and your family from potential health risks associated with these contaminants.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been incorporated into a multitude of products, such as firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very properties that make PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their exceptional durability—are also responsible for their environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once they enter ecosystems, these chemicals can linger for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even the human body, compounding the risks associated with exposure over time and making it essential to understand their impact.

Essential Insights into PFAS: Understanding the Reality of “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 across the region. While these levels remain minimal and adhere to national safety standards, their increasing presence is concerning, particularly as they are being found more frequently in various catchment areas. For those seeking a deeper understanding, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources for comprehensive information.

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 through 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 entirely eliminate them from our water supply.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently considered low, many households in Queensland are rightfully taking precautionary steps, especially families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In such situations, the adoption of whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for peace of mind, ensuring that all water used in the home is safe and free from harmful chemicals.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

In short, 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 taste, reduce chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, when it comes to addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the necessary standards for effective removal.

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

• Extended contact carbon block filtration techniques
• Anion exchange resins, or
• Reverse osmosis — advanced technologies not typically featured in standard, off-the-shelf filters designed for consumer use.

This raises serious 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 and refrigerator filter cartridges do not include the necessary filtration processes or contact time to significantly lower PFAS levels, thereby potentially jeopardising the health of those consuming this water.

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. These systems are designed to treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator.

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 and ensuring contaminants are adequately filtered out
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater and protect plumbing
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, ensuring that the water is safe for all household uses
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired, providing an extra layer of protection against contaminants

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

Why Should You Choose Whole House Filtration Systems?

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 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, delivering peace of mind for every homeowner.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference?

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

• An added barrier against chemical intrusion, safeguarding your family
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odour, along with peace of mind regarding water quality
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities, ensuring the water is safe for everyone

Town Water vs. Rainwater: Evaluating the Risks Associated with Both 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. Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, posing health risks
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire zones, potentially contaminating your water
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and release heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation, affecting both taste and safety

This emphasises 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 and its potential hazards.

How Can You Verify If Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS?

If your current filtration system does not specifically mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for this purpose. To ensure your system is capable of addressing the issue effectively, 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, critical for effective removal
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants, providing superior filtration
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues, ensuring optimal performance

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Trusted Local Experts for 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 is not just about taste; it’s about providing peace of mind for you and your family regarding the safety of your drinking water.

With our comprehensive annual servicing and filter replacement programmes, you’ll never need to worry about your system’s performance, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

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

Are You Searching for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS?

Inquire about our offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing for comprehensive 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.