Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Water from PFAS Contamination

Even though you are unable to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, are infiltrating our daily drinking water. These substances are both insidious and highly pervasive, highlighting the urgent need for consumers to recognise their presence and potential dangers. The growing awareness of PFAS contamination is essential for safeguarding public health and the environment, as these chemicals can have detrimental effects on human health.

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 make PFAS advantageous in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—are also responsible for the significant environmental challenges they pose: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals infiltrate the ecosystem, they can persist for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby compounding the risks associated with prolonged exposure.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the governing body responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, has confirmed the detection of trace amounts of PFAS in both raw and treated water throughout the region. Although these levels remain low and comply with national safety standards, their increasing prevalence is concerning, especially as they are increasingly found in various catchment areas. For more comprehensive information, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

How Do PFAS Contaminate Our Drinking Water Supply?

PFAS are not deliberately introduced during the water treatment process; rather, 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, subsequently flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to the exceptional resilience of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not adequately remove them.

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

Are Standard Water Filters Adequate for Removing PFAS Contaminants?

In summary, most standard water filters are ineffective in removing PFAS contaminants from your water supply.

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 effectively addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems simply do not meet the necessary standards.

To successfully eliminate these enduring chemicals, a more advanced solution is required. Effective removal typically involves:

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

This situation raises significant concerns for households that rely on plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may seem clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges lack the necessary filtration processes or contact time required to significantly reduce PFAS levels.

The Importance of Whole House Filtration Systems in Mitigating PFAS Exposure

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

These innovative 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 — essential for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired

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

Reasons to Opt for Whole House Filtration Systems

While a single under-sink filter may safeguard your kitchen tap, PFAS can still permeate your home through various outlets, including bathroom taps, showers, garden hoses, and washing machines. Whole-house systems provide 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 Offer Significant Benefits?

Absolutely, especially for families concerned about cumulative exposure to contaminants. While Seqwater is actively managing water quality, implementing filtration at the household level provides:

• An added barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odour, along with valuable 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 infiltrate your home. Conversely, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile is considerably 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 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 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 purpose.

To ensure your system is capable of effectively addressing this concern, 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 avoid pressure drops or bypass issues

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Trusted Local Experts for Advanced 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 delivering peace of mind 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.

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

Are You Seeking Water Filters That Effectively Eliminate 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 — 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.