Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Water from PFAS Contamination

Even though you may not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are infiltrating the water we consume on a daily basis. These substances are both insidious and widespread, making it essential for consumers to be informed about their presence and potential risks.

Since their inception in the 1950s, these chemicals have been utilised in a diverse array of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that make PFAS highly effective in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—also present significant environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once introduced into the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for an extended period, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby amplifying the risks associated with chronic exposure over time.

Essential Insights on PFAS: Discovering the Truth About “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the governing body responsible for managing 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 minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing prevalence raises concerns, especially given their more frequent identification in various catchment areas. For further information, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water?

PFAS do not enter the water treatment process intentionally. Instead, they make their way into the water supply through various external pathways, including industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. When rainfall occurs, these chemicals can wash off surfaces such as roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to the resilience of these chemicals, even the most advanced water treatment technologies may not be able to fully eliminate them.

Although the risks associated with these contaminants are currently deemed low, many households in Queensland are taking precautionary measures, particularly those with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those who depend on rainwater tanks. In such cases, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems is essential for ensuring peace of mind and safeguarding health.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

In brief, 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 enhance the taste of water, reduce chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, when it comes to addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the required standards for effective removal.

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

• Extended contact carbon block filtration methods
• Anion exchange resins, or
• Reverse osmosis — sophisticated technologies that are 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 seem clean but has not been specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges lack the necessary filtration processes or contact time 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 vitally 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 — critical 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, if desired

It’s not solely about improving the flavour 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 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 complete 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 provides:

• An additional barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defence, irrespective of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odour, along with invaluable 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 infiltrate into your home. However, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile becomes significantly elevated.

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 from decomposing vegetation

This highlights the critical necessity for a whole-house system in 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 addressing this critical issue, 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 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 take pride in serving homes throughout the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland regions, recognising that effective filtration extends 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 Searching for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS?

Inquire about our offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, encompassing 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.