Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Against PFAS Contamination

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, are steadily infiltrating the water we consume every day. These substances are both insidious and pervasive, making it essential for consumers to recognise their presence and understand the potential risks associated with them.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into a vast array of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that render PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—are also the source of significant environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals permeate the ecosystem, they can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, intensifying the risks linked to their exposure over time.

Essential Insights on PFAS: Understanding the Reality of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the governing authority for 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 low and comply with national safety standards, their rising presence is concerning, especially as they are increasingly found across various catchment areas. For a comprehensive understanding, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources to learn more about this pressing issue.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water?

PFAS are not deliberately introduced during the water treatment process. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through 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. Due to the resilience of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not completely eradicate them from the water supply.

While the risks posed by these contaminants are currently considered low, many households in Queensland are rightly taking precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In these situations, adopting whole-house water filtration systems becomes crucial for peace of mind and safety.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

In brief, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS contaminants from drinking water.

Conventional filtration systems such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems are primarily designed to improve taste, reduce chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, when it comes to addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the necessary standards and often fall short of effectively removing these harmful chemicals.

To effectively eradicate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced approach is required. Proper removal generally involves:

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

This raises serious concerns for households that utilise plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may appear clear but is not specifically treated for PFAS contaminants. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges lack the necessary filtration processes or contact time to significantly lower PFAS levels, leaving households vulnerable to these dangerous chemicals.

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.

These innovative systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, providing comprehensive protection against contaminants.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — essential for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater and prevent corrosion
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired

It’s not just 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 merely 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 multiple sources 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 Difference?

Absolutely, especially for families concerned about cumulative exposure to contaminants. 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 to contaminants

Town Water vs. Rainwater: Evaluating the Risks Associated with 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, your risk profile is considerably heightened.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, which can contaminate water
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire zones, posing health risks
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and release heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation, which can affect water quality

This highlights 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 specifically mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for this purpose and may not provide the necessary protection.

To ensure your system is capable of effectively addressing the issue, look for filters that include:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration
• Activated carbon filters engineered for high contact time, essential for effective removal
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues that may compromise effectiveness

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 relying on off-grid tank water. We proudly serve homes throughout the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland regions, understanding 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 programs, you’ll never need to worry about your system’s performance or the safety of your water supply.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online to learn more about our services.

Are You Searching for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS?

Inquire about our extensive offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing for comprehensive protection.
• UV + Carbon Combination Systems
  Advanced multi-stage systems designed to neutralize bacteria and filter chemical residues — perfect 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, ensuring safety and quality.