Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Your Water from PFAS

While you might not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are contaminating the water we consume daily. These substances are both elusive and widespread, making it imperative for consumers to recognise their presence and understand the implications for health and safety.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have found their way into an extensive array of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that contribute to the effectiveness of PFAS in manufacturing—like their remarkable durability—also pose significant environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once they infiltrate the ecosystem, these chemicals can remain for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby amplifying the risks associated with prolonged exposure over time.

Essential Insights into PFAS: Understanding the Dangers 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 remain low and comply with national safety standards, their increasing presence is concerning, particularly as they are being identified more frequently across various catchment areas. For more comprehensive information, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

How Do PFAS Contaminate Our Drinking Water Supply?

PFAS do not enter the water treatment process intentionally. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through various external pathways, including 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 supply our water treatment facilities. Given the resilience of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not entirely eliminate them.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently deemed low, many households in Queensland are understandably adopting precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those who rely on rainwater tanks. In such cases, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems is essential for ensuring peace of mind and safeguarding health.

Are Standard Water Filters Capable of Effectively Removing PFAS Contaminants?

In summary, most standard water filters are insufficient when it comes to eliminating PFAS.

Common filtration systems such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems are primarily designed to improve taste, lower 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 stubborn chemicals, a more advanced approach is required. The proper removal typically necessitates:

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

This situation raises serious 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 contact time to significantly reduce PFAS levels.

The Importance of Whole House Filtration Systems in Minimising PFAS Exposure

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those provided by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically significant.

These state-of-the-art systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator.

Creek to Coast Plumbing offers the installation of Puretec premium-grade filtration systems that feature:

• Carbon block filters engineered for extended contact time — vital for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater
• UV disinfection to eradicate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for enhanced 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 at the source, ensuring safer water for showers, laundry, and cooking, not merely for drinking.

Why Opt for Whole House Filtration Systems?

Although 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 include:

• Water for drinking and cooking
• Water for bathing and dental hygiene
• Water for laundry
• Water for pets and garden use

Puretec’s FilterWall F-Series and Hybrid-Plus systems are robust enough to guarantee thorough household protection, installed right at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed team.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference in Water Quality?

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

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

Comparing Town Water and Rainwater: Assessing the Risks Linked with Both Supplies

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still seep into your home. However, if you are harvesting rainwater for domestic use, your risk profile becomes significantly elevated.

The 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 highlights the urgent necessity for a whole-house system for homes that rely on tank water, especially those with children, elderly residents, or frequent visitors who may not be accustomed to untreated water.

How to Verify If Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS Contamination?

If your existing filtration system does not explicitly mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for this purpose.

To ensure your system can tackle the issue 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 rated for PFAS contaminants
• Professional installation to prevent pressure drops or bypass issues

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 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 areas, 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.

Call 1300 793 962 or reach out to us online.

Are You Seeking Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

Inquire about our 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 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.