Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Water from PFAS Contamination

While you may not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, are infiltrating the water supply that millions of people consume daily. These substances are both insidious and pervasive, which makes it imperative for consumers to understand their presence and the potential risks involved.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been incorporated into a vast array of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The properties that make PFAS effective for manufacturers—such as their remarkable durability and resistance to heat—are also responsible for significant environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once they enter ecosystems, these chemicals can persist for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, compounding the risks associated with exposure over time.

Essential Insights on PFAS: Understanding the Threat of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the organization responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed that trace amounts of PFAS have been discovered in both raw and treated water throughout the region. Although these levels remain low and comply with national safety standards, their rising presence is concerning, especially as they are increasingly detected in various catchment areas. For a more comprehensive understanding, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

How Do PFAS Contaminate Our Drinking Water Supply?

PFAS are not deliberately introduced during the water treatment process. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through various external pathways such as industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. When it rains, these chemicals can wash off surfaces, including roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to the resilience of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not be able to completely eliminate them.

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

Are Standard Water Filters Sufficient to Remove PFAS Contaminants?

In summary, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS contaminants from your drinking water.

Common filtration systems like pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems primarily focus on improving taste, reducing chlorine levels, and capturing sediment. However, when addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the necessary standards for effective removal.

To efficiently eliminate these persistent chemicals, a more sophisticated approach is essential. Proper removal typically requires:

• 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 rely on plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may appear clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges lack the necessary filtration processes or sufficient contact time to substantially reduce PFAS levels.

The Importance of Whole House Filtration Systems in Reducing PFAS Exposure

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

These advanced systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator and washing machine.

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

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

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

The Benefits of Choosing 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 offer comprehensive protection across all outlets, covering:

• 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.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Offer Enhanced Protection?

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

• An additional barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defense, regardless of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odor, along with peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities

Assessing the Risks of Town Water vs. Rainwater Supply

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still enter your home. If you are harvesting rainwater for household use, however, your risk profile is significantly increased.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments
• Airborne chemicals from nearby 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 residents, or frequent visitors who may not be accustomed to untreated water supplies.

How to 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.

To ensure your system is equipped to tackle 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 specialize in designing and implementing whole-house water filtration systems tailored to Queensland’s unique conditions, whether you are connected to the town supply or utilizing off-grid tank water. We proudly serve homes throughout the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland regions, recognizing that effective filtration goes beyond taste; it’s about delivering 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.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online.

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

Explore 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 neutralize bacteria and filter chemical residues — ideal for properties relying on rainwater and tank-fed sources.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Add-Ons for Drinking Water
  Installed discreetly beneath your kitchen sink for ultra-purified water accessible at your most frequently used outlets.