Whole House Filters: Protecting Your Home from PFAS Contamination

While you may not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are gradually infiltrating the water supply that we consume daily. These substances are both harmful and widespread, making it crucial for consumers to be aware of their presence and comprehend the potential health risks that can arise from exposure to them over time.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, PFAS have been incorporated into a vast range of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very attributes that make PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their extraordinary durability—also pose significant environmental challenges due to their ability to resist degradation. Once these chemicals enter the ecosystem, they can linger for many years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body. This accumulation heightens the risks associated with exposure, making it imperative to understand their impact.

Gain Essential Knowledge About PFAS: Uncovering the Reality of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the regulatory authority responsible for drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed the detection of trace amounts of PFAS in both raw and treated water throughout the region. Although these levels are low and remain compliant with national safety standards, their increasing prevalence is alarming, particularly as they are increasingly found in various catchment areas. For more in-depth information, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources to gain insights into this significant issue.

Understanding the Pathways Through Which PFAS Contaminate Our Drinking Water

PFAS are not intentionally introduced during the water treatment process. Instead, 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 like roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to the resilient nature of these chemicals, even the most advanced water treatment technologies may not entirely eliminate them from the water supply.

Although the current risks posed by these contaminants are regarded as low, many households in Queensland are taking appropriate precautionary measures. This is especially true for families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those depending on rainwater tanks. In these cases, investing in whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for ensuring peace of mind and safety.

Are Standard Water Filters Sufficient for Eliminating PFAS Contaminants?

In short, most standard water filters are ineffective when it comes to removing PFAS contaminants from drinking water.

Typical filtration systems such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems are primarily intended to enhance taste, lower chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, these systems do not adequately address PFAS contaminants and frequently fail to meet the necessary standards for effectively removing these dangerous chemicals.

To successfully eliminate these persistent chemicals, a more sophisticated approach is required. Effective removal usually involves:

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

This situation raises serious concerns for households that use plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may appear clear but has not been 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 hazardous chemicals.

The Importance of Whole House Filtration Systems in Reducing PFAS Exposure

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those offered by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically important in ensuring safe drinking water.

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

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — crucial for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters that stabilise acidic rainwater and prevent corrosion
• UV disinfection systems that 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 taste of your water; it’s about protecting your entire household from harmful contaminants at the source, ensuring safer water for showers, laundry, and cooking, not just for drinking.

Why Opt for Whole House Filtration Systems?

While a single under-sink filter might safeguard your kitchen tap, PFAS can still infiltrate your home through various sources such as bathroom taps, showers, garden hoses, and washing machines. Whole-house systems provide comprehensive protection across all outlets, including:

• Water for drinking and cooking
• 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, particularly for families concerned about cumulative exposure to contaminants. While Seqwater actively manages water quality, implementing filtration at the household level offers:

• An additional barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of public infrastructure
• Enhanced taste and odour, along with peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to contaminants

Comparing Town Water and Rainwater: Assessing the Risks Associated with Both Supplies

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still infiltrate your home. However, if you are collecting rainwater for household use, your risk profile is significantly increased.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, which can contaminate the water supply
• 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 adversely affect water quality

This underscores the critical necessity for a whole-house system for homes that rely on tank water, particularly those with children, elderly residents, or frequent visitors who may not be accustomed to untreated water.

How Can You Determine 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 offer the necessary protection.

To ensure your system is capable of effectively addressing this critical issue, look for filters that feature:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration
• Activated carbon filters designed for high contact time, which is essential for effective removal
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated specifically 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 reach out to us online to learn more about our exceptional services.

Are You on the Hunt for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS?

Inquire about our wide range of offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, covering taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing for comprehensive protection.
• 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 to provide ultra-purified water at your most frequently used outlets, ensuring safety and quality.