Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Against PFAS in Water

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are infiltrating the water we consume daily. These substances are insidious and pervasive, making it imperative for consumers to remain vigilant about their presence in our environment.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into a wide 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 they infiltrate the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, compounding the risks associated with exposure over time.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the authority 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. While these levels are minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing presence is concerning, particularly as they are being identified more frequently across various catchment areas. For an in-depth understanding, 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. Rather, they infiltrate the water supply through external pathways such as 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 <a href="https://limitsofstrategy.com/when-and-how-much-aquarium-water-needs-chemical-treatment/">water treatment</a> technologies may not completely eliminate them.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently deemed 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 such cases, the adoption of whole-house water filtration systems is essential for ensuring peace of mind.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

In summary, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS.

Conventional 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, when it comes to effectively tackling PFAS contaminants, these systems fall short of the necessary standards for safety and efficacy.

To successfully eradicate these persistent chemicals from your water supply, a more sophisticated filtration approach is required. Effective removal typically involves:

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

This raises serious concerns for households that utilise plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may appear clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges do not incorporate the necessary filtration processes or contact time required to significantly lower 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 critically important.

These advanced systems treat every drop of incoming water prior to it reaching any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator.

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

• 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 merely about enhancing 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 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 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 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
• 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 permeate into your home. However, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile significantly escalates.

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 reliant 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 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
• 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, understanding that effective filtration transcends 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 — 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.