Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Against PFAS Contamination

While you may not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, insidiously contaminate the water we consume on a daily basis. Their pervasive nature makes it imperative for consumers to recognise and understand their presence, as these substances can pose significant health risks over time.

Since their emergence in the 1950s, PFAS have been integrated into numerous products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that render PFAS advantageous in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—also contribute to the environmental challenges they cause: they resist degradation. Once introduced into the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, which exacerbates the risks associated with prolonged exposure.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the governing body responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, disclosed that trace levels of PFAS have been identified in both raw and treated water throughout the region. Although these concentrations remain low and comply with national safety standards, their rising prevalence is concerning, particularly as they are increasingly detected in various catchment areas. To gain further insights, you may explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

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 via external pathways such as industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. When rainfall occurs, these chemicals can wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, subsequently flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to the resilience of these substances, even advanced water treatment technologies may not effectively eliminate them.

Though the hazards associated with these contaminants are currently deemed low, many households in Queensland are justifiably taking precautionary measures, especially families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In such situations, adopting whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for ensuring peace of mind and safety.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

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

Typical filtration systems such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and simple under-sink systems are primarily designed to enhance taste, lower chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, when it comes to effectively addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the necessary standards required for complete removal.

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

• Extended contact carbon block filtration techniques
• Anion exchange resins, or
• Reverse osmosis — sophisticated technologies that are rarely included in standard, off-the-shelf filters.

This raises significant 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 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 critically important in safeguarding your water supply.

These state-of-the-art systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator’s water supply.

Creek to Coast Plumbing installs Puretec premium-grade filtration systems that 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 dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, should it be desired

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

Why Should You Choose Whole House Filtration Systems for Comprehensive Protection?

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 personal hygiene
• Water for laundry purposes
• Water for pets and garden use

Puretec’s FilterWall F-Series and Hybrid-Plus systems are robust enough to guarantee 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 in Protecting Your Family?

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, irrespective of public infrastructure
• Enhanced 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 becomes 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 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 explicitly mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for that purpose.

To ensure your system is capable of addressing the issue effectively, seek 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 designed 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 Queensland's distinct 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 areas, recognising that effective filtration goes beyond taste; it’s about delivering peace of mind for you and your family.

With our thorough 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 to discuss your options.

Are You Searching for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

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 — perfect for properties relying on 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.