Whole House Filters: Safeguard Against PFAS in Water

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are infiltrating the water that we consume daily. These substances are both insidious and pervasive, making it imperative for consumers to recognise their presence and potential dangers.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into a diverse range of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very properties that make PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their exceptional durability—also contribute to their environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once they enter the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, compounding the risks associated with prolonged exposure over time.

Discover Crucial Information About PFAS: Understanding the Reality of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the authority responsible for overseeing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed that trace amounts of PFAS have been detected in both raw and treated water throughout the area. While these levels remain minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing presence is indeed alarming, particularly as they are being found with greater frequency in various catchment areas. For a deeper understanding, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

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

PFAS are not intentionally 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 rainfall occurs, 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 remarkable resilience of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not completely eliminate them from the water supply.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently considered low, many households in Queensland are rightfully taking precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In such instances, the adoption of whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for peace of mind and safety.

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

In short, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS chemicals from your 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 tackling PFAS contaminants, these systems fall short of the necessary standards required for reliable filtration.

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 not typically featured 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 include the necessary filtration processes or contact time to significantly lower PFAS levels in the water.

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 offered by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically important for ensuring clean water throughout your household.

These cutting-edge systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, ensuring that all water is safe for use.

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 protect plumbing
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired for enhanced purity

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

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, which include:

• 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 of professionals.

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

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 into your drinking supply
• A consistent line of defense, regardless of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odour, along with peace of mind for your family
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to water 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 plumbing and water systems. If you are harvesting rainwater for household use, however, your risk profile is significantly heightened due to potential contaminants.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

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

This emphasizes 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 supplies.

How Can You Verify If Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS Contaminants?

If your current filtration system does not specifically mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for this purpose and may not provide the protection you need.

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 enhance filtration
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants and effective removal
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues that can 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 Queensland's unique conditions, regardless of 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 taste; it’s about providing peace of mind for you and your family against harmful contaminants.

With our comprehensive annual servicing and filter replacement programmes, you’ll never need to worry about your system’s performance or reliability again.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online to learn more about your options.

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

Inquire about our offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing to ensure 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.