Whole House Filters: Protecting Water from PFAS Contamination

While you may not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are secretly contaminating the water we consume every single day. These substances are both harmful and widespread, underscoring the need for consumers to remain vigilant and informed about their presence in our ecosystems and daily lives.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, PFAS chemicals have been used in a wide variety of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that make PFAS beneficial in manufacturing—like their incredible durability—are also the qualities that create environmental issues: they resist degradation. Once they enter the ecosystem, these chemicals can linger for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby escalating the risks associated with prolonged exposure.

Discover the Critical Impacts of PFAS: The Reality of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the governing body responsible for overseeing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed the detection of trace amounts of PFAS in both raw and treated water across the region. Although these levels are currently low and comply with national safety standards, the growing presence of these chemicals is alarming, especially as they are being found increasingly in various catchment areas. For a deeper dive into this issue, consider visiting Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS information resources.

How Do PFAS Contaminate Our Drinking Water Sources?

PFAS are not intentionally added during the water treatment process. Instead, they enter the water supply through various external pathways, including industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. During rainfall events, these hazardous chemicals can wash off surfaces such as roads, roofs, and soil, eventually 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 be able to fully eliminate them.

While the current risks associated with these contaminants are deemed low, many households in Queensland are understandably opting for precautionary measures. This is especially true for families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those who rely on rainwater tanks. In such cases, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems is vital for peace of mind and the safety of their drinking water.

Are Standard Water Filters Sufficient to Remove PFAS Contaminants?

It is important to note that most standard water filters are ineffective when it comes to removing PFAS from drinking water.

Conventional filtration systems, like pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems, are mainly designed to improve taste, reduce chlorine levels, and filter out sediment. However, when it comes to effectively dealing with PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the necessary standards and thus fall short in safeguarding your water.

To successfully eliminate these stubborn chemicals, a more advanced filtration approach is necessary. Effective removal typically involves:

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

This situation raises significant concerns for households that use plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may seem clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges do not include the necessary filtration processes or contact duration to effectively reduce PFAS levels.

The Importance of Whole House Filtration Systems in Reducing PFAS Exposure

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those provided by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become incredibly significant for ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water.

These state-of-the-art systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, guaranteeing that all water used in the household is purified.

Creek to Coast Plumbing offers the installation of Puretec premium-grade filtration systems that are equipped with:

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — crucial for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters that stabilise acidic rainwater
• UV disinfection systems to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for further filtration at kitchen taps, if needed

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

Why Whole House Filtration Systems Are Essential for Every Home

While a single under-sink filter may protect your kitchen tap, PFAS can still breach 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 dental hygiene
• 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 directly at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed team of professionals.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Improve Water Quality?

Absolutely, especially for families concerned about cumulative exposure to harmful substances. 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, regardless of the status of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odour, along with peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities

Assessing the Risks: Town Water vs. Rainwater Supplies

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still infiltrate your home. On the other hand, if you are collecting rainwater for household use, your risk exposure is significantly increased.

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, releasing heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins generated 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 supplies.

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 to comprehensively address this significant issue.

To ensure your filtration system is capable of tackling the problem effectively, look for filters that include:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration
• Activated carbon filters engineered 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 the unique conditions of Queensland, 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 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 reach out to us online for more information.

Are You Looking for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS?

Discover 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.