Whole House Filters: Protecting Your Water from PFAS Contaminants

Even though you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are infiltrating the water we consume daily. These substances are both insidious and pervasive, making it crucial for consumers to remain vigilant and informed about their presence in the environment and the potential health risks they carry.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been incorporated into a wide array of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very properties that make PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—also contribute to the environmental challenges they pose: they resist degradation. Once they enter the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby amplifying the risks associated with long-term exposure.

Gain Essential Knowledge About PFAS: The Implications of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the agency responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed that trace amounts of PFAS have been detected in both raw and treated water throughout the region. Although these levels remain minimal and comply with national safety standards, their growing prevalence is concerning, especially as they are increasingly discovered in various catchment areas. For a more detailed understanding, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources, which provide insights into their findings and safety measures.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water?

PFAS are not intentionally introduced during the water treatment process. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through various external pathways such as industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. During rainfall, these chemicals can wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Given the resilience of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not adequately eliminate them, raising significant concerns about the purity of our drinking water.

While the risks linked to these contaminants are currently considered low, many households in Queensland are understandably adopting precautionary measures. This is especially true for families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In such cases, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for ensuring peace of mind and safety for all household members.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

In general, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS from drinking water. These common filtration systems, such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems, are primarily designed to enhance taste, reduce chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, when it comes to addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the necessary standards and thus fall short of providing adequate protection.

To effectively eliminate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced approach is necessary. Proper removal typically involves:

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

This raises considerable concerns for households that use plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may appear clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges fail to incorporate the essential filtration processes or sufficient contact time necessary to significantly reduce PFAS levels, putting families at risk.

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 for ensuring safe drinking water for every household member.

These innovative systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, ensuring that all water used in the household is clean and free from contaminants.

Creek to Coast Plumbing installs Puretec premium-grade filtration systems featuring:

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — essential 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 right at the source. This ensures safer water for showers, laundry, and cooking, not just for drinking purposes.

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, including bathroom taps, showers, garden hoses, and washing machines. Whole-house systems offer 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 provide complete household protection, installed right at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed team of professionals.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference?

Absolutely, especially for families concerned about cumulative exposure to harmful substances in their water supply. 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, regardless of public infrastructure
• Improved 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 penetrate into your home. Conversely, 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 underscores the critical 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 explicitly mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate to address this issue comprehensively. To ensure your 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 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. We understand 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. Regular maintenance ensures that your filtration system operates at optimal efficiency, giving you confidence in your drinking water quality.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online for more information about our services and products.

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 — 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.