Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Your Water from PFAS

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are infiltrating the water we consume on a daily basis. These substances are not only insidious but also pervasive, making it imperative for consumers to understand their presence and potential risks. The lack of sensory detection does not diminish their impact; awareness is crucial for safeguarding health and ensuring safe drinking water.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into a vast array of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that render PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability and resistance to heat and stains—are also the culprits behind their environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals enter the ecosystem, they can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even the human body, thereby compounding the risks associated with prolonged exposure.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the authority responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed that trace amounts of PFAS have been identified in both raw and treated water across the region. While these levels remain minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing presence is concerning, particularly as they are being discovered more frequently across various catchment areas. For a comprehensive understanding of this issue, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water?

PFAS are not intentionally 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. During rainfall, these chemicals can wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that replenish our water treatment facilities. Given the resilience of these chemicals, even the most advanced water treatment technologies may not completely eliminate them, raising concerns about water safety.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently deemed 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 such circumstances, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for peace of mind and the assurance of clean, safe water.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

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

Typical filtration systems such as 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 fall short of the necessary standards and capabilities required to ensure safe drinking water.

To effectively eradicate these persistent chemicals, a more sophisticated approach is required. 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 that utilise 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 required to significantly lower PFAS levels, which can lead to false confidence in water safety.

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

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those offered by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically important for ensuring safe water throughout the home.

These cutting-edge systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator. This comprehensive approach ensures that every source of water in your home is safeguarded against contamination.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — essential for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater and improve water quality
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that threaten health
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired for enhanced safety

It’s not just about improving the taste of your water; it’s about protecting your entire household from harmful contaminants right from the source. This ensures safer water for showers, laundry, cooking, and drinking, providing comprehensive protection for the whole family.

Why Should You Choose Whole House Filtration Systems for Your Home?

While a single under-sink filter may safeguard 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, ensuring safety where it matters most. This includes:

• Drinking and cooking water
• Water for bathing and brushing
• Water for laundry and cleaning
• 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, providing peace of mind against harmful contaminants.

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

Absolutely, especially for families concerned about cumulative exposure to PFAS and other harmful substances. While Seqwater is actively managing water quality, implementing filtration at the home level offers:

• An added barrier against chemical intrusion into your domestic water supply
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of public infrastructure conditions
• Improved taste and odour, along with enhanced peace of mind for your family
• 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’s water system. If you are harvesting rainwater for household use, however, your risk profile significantly increases due to potential contaminants present in roof catchments.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments that can compromise water quality
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire zones that can contaminate water
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and release heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation that can affect taste and safety

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, ensuring safety for all.

How Can You Verify If Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS?

If your current filtration system does not specifically mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for addressing this crucial concern.

To ensure your system is capable of tackling the issue, look for filters that include:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration, ensuring efficacy
• Activated carbon filters engineered for high contact time to enhance filtration
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants, ensuring thorough removal
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues that could compromise filtration

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Trusted Local Experts for Effective 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. We understand that effective filtration transcends mere taste; it’s about providing peace of mind regarding the safety of your water 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, ensuring reliable access to clean and safe water.

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

Are You Searching for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS?

Inquire about our offerings designed for comprehensive filtration:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing for complete safety.
• 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, ensuring safety.