Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Water from PFAS Contamination

Even though you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals“, are steadily infiltrating the water we consume daily. These substances are both insidious and pervasive, making it vital for consumers to understand their presence and potential impacts on health and the environment.

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

Discover Essential Information About 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 within the region. While these levels are minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing presence is concerning, particularly as they are being identified more frequently across various catchment areas. For a more thorough understanding, you can explore Seqwater’s comprehensive PFAS resources.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water?

PFAS are not deliberately introduced during the water treatment process. 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 wash 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 advanced water treatment technologies may not fully eliminate them.

While the risks linked to these contaminants are currently deemed low, many households in Queensland are understandably taking precautionary measures, especially 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 essential for ensuring peace of mind.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

In brief, most standard water filters are ineffective in removing PFAS.

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, when it comes to addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the necessary standards for effective removal.

To successfully eradicate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced approach is required. Effective removal typically involves:

• Extended contact carbon block filtration techniques
• Anion exchange resins, or
• Reverse osmosis — sophisticated technologies that are not typically included in standard, off-the-shelf filters.

This situation raises significant 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.

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

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

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

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — vital 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 is not merely about enhancing the taste of your water; it is about protecting your entire household from harmful contaminants right at the source, ensuring safer water for showers, laundry, cooking, and drinking.

Why Should You Choose Whole House Filtration Systems?

While a single under-sink filter may provide protection for your kitchen tap, PFAS can still enter your home through multiple 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.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference?

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

• An additional barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defence, irrespective of public infrastructure
• Enhanced 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 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 notably heightened.

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 underscores the critical 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 Verify If Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS?

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 the issue, look for filters that include:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration
• Activated carbon filters designed for high 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 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 is about providing peace of mind for you and your family.

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

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online.

Are You Searching for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS?

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 — 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.