Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Water from PFAS Contamination

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, frequently referred to as “forever chemicals,” are stealthily infiltrating the water we consume daily. These substances are not only pervasive but also insidious, making it essential for consumers to recognise their presence in our environment and the potential risks they pose.

Since their inception in the 1950s, these chemicals have found their way into a multitude of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The characteristics that render PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—are equally responsible for the environmental challenges they present: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals permeate the ecosystem, they can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby amplifying the exposure risks associated with them over time.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the authority tasked with 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. While these levels are currently minimal and comply with national safety standards, their rising presence is concerning, particularly as they are increasingly identified in various catchment areas. For a comprehensive understanding, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

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

PFAS do not enter our 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 be washed off surfaces such as roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to the resilience of these chemicals, even the latest water treatment technologies may struggle to eliminate them completely.

While the current risks associated with these contaminants are generally considered low, many households in Queensland are understandably taking precautionary measures. This is particularly true for families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those who rely on rainwater tanks. In these situations, implementing whole-house water filtration systems becomes vital for ensuring peace of mind regarding water safety.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

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

Common 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, these systems are inadequate for addressing PFAS contaminants, as they do not meet the necessary standards for effective removal.

To properly eliminate these persistent chemicals, a more sophisticated approach is required. Effective removal typically involves:

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

This situation raises significant concerns for households using plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water might seem clean but lacks specific treatment for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges do not incorporate the necessary filtration processes or contact time to significantly reduce PFAS levels.

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

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

These advanced systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator. This comprehensive treatment ensures that all water used in the household is safeguarded against harmful contaminants.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — essential 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 additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired

It’s not solely about improving the taste of your water; it’s about protecting your entire household from harmful contaminants right at the source, ensuring safer water for showers, laundry, and cooking, not just for drinking purposes.

Why Is It Beneficial to Choose 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 provide comprehensive protection across all outlets, including:

• 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 Make a Difference in Water Quality?

Absolutely, especially for families concerned about cumulative exposure. While Seqwater actively manages water quality, implementing filtration at the home level offers:

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

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

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still permeate into your home. Conversely, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile escalates considerably.

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 relying on tank water, particularly those with children, elderly residents, or frequent visitors who may not be accustomed to untreated water.

How Can You Confirm If Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS Contamination?

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

To verify your system's capability to address the issue, look for filters that offer:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration
• Activated carbon filters engineered for extended 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 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 across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland regions, recognising that effective filtration goes beyond taste; it’s about providing peace of mind for you and your family.

With our thorough 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 Looking for 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 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 at your most frequently used outlets.