Whole House Filters: Protecting Your Water from PFAS Risks

While you may not be able to smell or taste them, the presence of PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, is a pressing concern as they are contaminating the water we consume every day. These substances are both insidious and widespread, highlighting the urgent need for consumers to understand their implications for health and safety.

Since their inception in the 1950s, these chemicals have found their way into numerous products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very qualities that make PFAS desirable in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—also contribute to significant environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once introduced into the environment, these chemicals can persist for many years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby amplifying the risks associated with long-term exposure.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the governing body responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, disclosed that trace amounts of PFAS have been identified in both raw and treated water within the region. Although these levels are currently low and comply with national safety standards, the rising frequency of their detection is concerning, especially as they are increasingly appearing in various catchment areas. For further insights, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

What Are the Pathways Through Which PFAS Contaminate Our Drinking Water?

PFAS do not enter the water treatment process by design. 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, subsequently flowing into the rivers and dams that feed our water treatment facilities. Given the resilience of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not fully eradicate them.

Although the current risks associated with these contaminants are deemed low, many households in Queensland are proactively taking precautionary measures, particularly those with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or families relying on rainwater tanks. In these circumstances, the implementation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes vital for ensuring peace of mind.

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

In summary, most standard water filters are ineffective when it comes to removing PFAS.

Common filtration systems such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems are primarily designed to improve taste, lower chlorine levels, and filter out sediment. However, these systems do not meet the necessary standards to effectively combat PFAS contaminants.

To successfully eliminate these enduring chemicals, a more advanced approach is essential. Effective removal generally requires:

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

This raises significant concerns for households using plumbed-in refrigerators, as the filtered water may seem clean yet is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges lack the necessary filtration processes or contact time to meaningfully reduce PFAS levels.

What Essential Functions Do Whole House Filtration Systems Serve in Minimising PFAS Exposure?

In this context, whole-house filtration systems, such as those provided by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically significant.

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 offer:

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — a crucial factor 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 enhanced filtration at kitchen taps, should you desire it

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

Why Is It Important to Choose Whole House Filtration Systems?

While a single under-sink filter may protect your kitchen tap, PFAS can still enter 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 encompass:

• 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 certified team.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Significant Difference?

Certainly, especially for families concerned about cumulative exposure. While Seqwater is actively monitoring water quality, adopting filtration at the residential 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

Comparing Town Water and Rainwater: Assessing the Risks Linked to Both Supplies

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still infiltrate your home. However, if you are collecting rainwater for household purposes, your risk profile becomes considerably elevated.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

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

This underscores the critical necessity for a whole-house system for homes that depend on tank water, especially those housing children, elderly residents, or frequent visitors who may not be accustomed to untreated water.

How Can You Determine If Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS?

If your current filtration system does not explicitly state PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for this specific purpose.

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
• 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 Comprehensive Water Filtration Solutions

As certified Puretec installers, we specialise in designing and implementing whole-house water filtration systems tailored to the unique conditions of Queensland, whether you are connected to the town supply or relying on off-grid tank water. We proudly serve homes throughout the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland areas, recognising that effective filtration goes beyond taste; it’s about delivering peace of mind for you and your family.

With our extensive 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 Looking for Water Filters That Efficiently Remove PFAS?

Inquire about our comprehensive 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 — ideal 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.