Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Against PFAS Contamination

Despite the fact that you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, are infiltrating the water we consume every single day. These substances are both insidious and pervasive, making it essential for consumers to be fully aware of their presence and the potential health implications they pose.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into an extensive range of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that render PFAS highly effective in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—are also responsible for the significant environmental challenges they create: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals enter the ecosystem, they can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, magnifying the risks associated with exposure over time.

Discover Essential Facts About PFAS: The Hidden Threat of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the authority 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 minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing prevalence is concerning, particularly as they are being identified more frequently in various catchment areas. For a comprehensive understanding of these findings, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water Supply?

PFAS are not intentionally added 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 supply our water treatment facilities. Due to the resilience and persistence of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may struggle to completely eliminate them.

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

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants from Our Water Supply?

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

Typical filtration systems like 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 effectively addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the necessary standards required for proper filtration.

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

• 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 raises serious concerns for households using plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may appear 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 significantly lower PFAS levels, leaving families potentially at risk.

What Role Do Whole House Filtration Systems Play in Reducing PFAS Exposure in Households?

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those provided by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically important for health and safety.

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

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

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

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

Why Should You Choose 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 offer comprehensive protection across all outlets, which encompass:

• 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, thereby enhancing your peace of mind about water quality.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference for Families?

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

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

Town Water vs. 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. However, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile is significantly heightened due to the potential for contamination.

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 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.

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. To ensure your system is capable of addressing this serious 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 avoid pressure drops or bypass issues

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Trusted Local Experts for Reliable 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 transcends mere taste; it’s fundamentally about providing peace of mind and health safety 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 or reliability.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online to discuss your water filtration needs.

Are You Searching for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS from Your Water Supply?

Inquire about our diverse 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 — 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.