Whole House Filters: Shielding Your Water from PFAS Contamination

Even though 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, which makes it essential for consumers to be fully aware of their presence and the associated risks.

Since their inception in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into a diverse array of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that make PFAS advantageous in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—also pose significant environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once they enter the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, amplifying the risks associated with prolonged exposure over time.

Essential Insights into PFAS: Understanding the Reality 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 throughout the region. Although these levels remain minimal and comply with national safety guidelines, their increasing prevalence is concerning, particularly as they are being found more frequently across various catchment areas. For a more comprehensive understanding, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources to learn about ongoing monitoring efforts and safety measures.

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

PFAS are not deliberately 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 precipitation occurs, these chemicals can wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, subsequently 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 sufficient to completely eliminate them from the water supply.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently regarded as low, many households in Queensland are justifiably taking precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In these cases, the implementation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes vital for ensuring peace of mind and safeguarding health.

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

In summary, most standard water filters are ineffective when it comes to removing PFAS.

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 do not meet the necessary standards. Their limitations pose a significant concern for many households, especially those aiming for cleaner, safer drinking water.

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

• Extended contact carbon block filtration techniques that allow for thorough purification
• Anion exchange resins, which are specialised for removing certain contaminants, or
• Reverse osmosis — advanced technologies that are not typically included in standard, off-the-shelf filters.

This raises serious concerns for households that utilise plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may appear clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Many tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges do not employ the necessary filtration processes or contact time to significantly reduce PFAS levels, potentially leaving families exposed to these harmful substances.

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

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

These innovative systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including the water used in your refrigerator.

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

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

It’s not merely about enhancing the taste of your water; it’s about protecting your entire household from harmful contaminants at the source, ensuring that all water used for showers, laundry, and cooking is safe, not just the water you drink.

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, including bathroom taps, showers, garden hoses, and washing machines. Whole-house systems provide 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, ensuring peace of mind for your family.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference for Your Family?

Absolutely, especially for families who are concerned about cumulative exposure to harmful substances. While Seqwater is proactively managing 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 public infrastructure limitations
• Improved taste and odour, along with enhanced peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to contaminants

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. If you are harvesting rainwater for household use, however, your risk profile is significantly heightened due to various contaminants.

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 leach heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation

This highlights the urgent need for a whole-house system for homes that rely 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 critical purpose.

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
• Activated carbon filters engineered for high contact time to ensure thorough filtration
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants to guarantee efficacy
• Professional installation to prevent pressure drops or bypass issues that compromise filtration

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 the unique conditions of Queensland, 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 improving taste; it’s about ensuring 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 or the safety of your water supply.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online for more information.

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

Inquire about our offerings designed specifically for your needs:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing, ensuring comprehensive protection throughout.
• 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, providing peace of mind.