Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Water from PFAS Contamination

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, are insidiously infiltrating the water we consume daily. These substances are both pervasive and troubling, making it essential for consumers to stay informed about their presence and potential dangers.

Since their inception 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—also contribute significantly to their environmental issues: they resist degradation. Once introduced into the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby compounding the associated risks of exposure over time.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the governing body responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, announced that trace amounts of PFAS have been discovered in both raw and treated water throughout the region. Although these levels are minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing prevalence is concerning, particularly as they are being detected more frequently across various catchment areas. For those seeking further information, you can explore Seqwater’s comprehensive PFAS resources.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water?

PFAS do not enter the 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 wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, subsequently 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 struggle to eliminate them completely.

While the risks linked to these contaminants are currently assessed as low, many households in Queensland are understandably taking precautionary measures, especially families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those dependent on rainwater tanks. In these scenarios, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for ensuring peace of mind and health safety.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

In summary, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS.

Typical filtration systems such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems are primarily designed to improve taste, lower chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, when faced with 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 methods
• Anion exchange resins, or
• Reverse osmosis — sophisticated technologies not commonly found 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 reduce 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 important.

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 include:

• Carbon block filters engineered 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 enhanced filtration at kitchen taps, if desired

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

Why Should You 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, 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 total 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 is actively managing water quality, implementing filtration at the home level offers:

• 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 significantly 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 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.

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 tackling the issue, search for filters that feature:

• 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 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, recognising that effective filtration transcends mere taste; it’s about providing peace of mind for you and your family.

With our comprehensive annual servicing and filter replacement programmes, you’ll 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.