Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Water from PFAS Contamination

While you may not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, frequently referred to as “forever chemicals”, are stealthily permeating the water we consume daily. These substances are both insidious and widespread, making it essential for consumers to be acutely aware of their existence and potential risks.

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 in production—such as their remarkable durability—also contribute to their environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once they infiltrate the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby magnifying the risks associated with prolonged exposure.

Essential Insights into PFAS: Understanding the Truth Behind “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the governing body 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. Although these levels remain low and comply with national safety standards, their growing prevalence is concerning, particularly as they are increasingly identified in various catchment areas. For further information, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

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

PFAS are not deliberately introduced during the water treatment process. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through several 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. Because of their resilience, even advanced water treatment technologies may struggle to eliminate them entirely.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently deemed low, many households in Queensland are understandably taking precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those depending on rainwater tanks. In these cases, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes vital for ensuring peace of mind.

Can Standard Water Filters Efficiently Remove PFAS Contaminants?

To put it plainly, most standard water filters are ineffective at eliminating PFAS.

Common filtration systems such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems are primarily designed to enhance taste, lower chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, these systems fall short when it comes to addressing PFAS contaminants, not meeting the necessary standards for effective removal.

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

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

This situation raises serious concerns for households with plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may seem clean but lacks specific treatment for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges do not encompass the necessary filtration processes or contact times to significantly reduce PFAS levels.

How Do Whole House Filtration Systems Contribute to Reducing PFAS Exposure?

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

These advanced 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 showcase:

• Carbon block filters engineered for extended contact time — crucial 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 solely about improving the taste of your water; it’s about safeguarding your entire household from harmful contaminants at the source, ensuring safer water for showers, laundry, and cooking, not just for drinking.

Why Is It Essential to Opt for 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 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 Significant Impact?

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, regardless of public infrastructure
• Enhanced taste and odour, along with peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities

Town Water vs. Rainwater: Assessing the Risks Linked to Both Supplies

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still permeate into your home. If you are harvesting rainwater for household use, however, the 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 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 Determine 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 avoid 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 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 goes beyond 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 Looking 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 — 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.