Whole House Filters: Combatting PFAS Contamination in Water

Even though you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, are infiltrating the water we consume every day. These substances are both insidious and pervasive, highlighting the pressing need for consumers to understand their presence and the potential risks associated with them.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have found their way into a myriad of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that make PFAS beneficial in manufacturing—like their remarkable durability—also contribute to environmental challenges, particularly because they resist degradation. Once these chemicals seep into the ecosystem, they can persist for many years, accumulating in soil, water, and even the human body, thus amplifying the risks linked to exposure over time.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the authority responsible for ensuring the quality of the 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 remain low and comply with national safety standards, their rising presence is concerning, particularly as they are increasingly being detected across various catchment areas. For a more in-depth understanding, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water Sources?

PFAS do not enter the water treatment process intentionally. 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, including roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to the durability of these compounds, even advanced water treatment technologies may struggle to completely remove them.

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

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants from Your Water Supply?

In summary, most standard water filters are not effective at eliminating PFAS from drinking water.

Common 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 for effective removal.

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

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

This situation raises significant concerns for households that depend on plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may seem clean but is not specifically designed to treat PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges do not incorporate the necessary filtration processes or adequate contact time to substantially lower PFAS concentrations.

What Benefits Do Whole House Filtration Systems Provide in Reducing PFAS Exposure?

This is where whole-house filtration systems, including those from Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically important.

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

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — crucial for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilize acidic rainwater
• UV disinfection to 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 safeguarding your entire household from harmful contaminants right at the source, ensuring safer water for showers, laundry, and cooking, not just for drinking.

Why Should You Invest in 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 in Water Quality?

Absolutely, particularly for families concerned about cumulative exposure to contaminants. While Seqwater is actively managing water quality, installing filtration systems at the household level provides:

• An additional barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defense, irrespective of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odor, alongside peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities

Town Water vs. Rainwater: Assessing the Risks Linked to Both Water 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 elevated.

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 relying on tank water, especially those with children, elderly residents, or frequent visitors who may not be accustomed to untreated water.

How Can You Check If Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS Contamination?

If your current filtration system does not explicitly mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for this purpose.

To ensure your system is capable of tackling the issue, 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 Reliable Local Experts for Comprehensive Water Filtration Solutions

As certified Puretec installers, we specialize in designing and implementing whole-house water filtration systems tailored to Queensland's unique conditions, whether you are connected to the town supply or utilizing off-grid tank water. We proudly serve homes throughout the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland regions, recognizing that effective filtration is not just about 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.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online for more information.

Are You Seeking 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 neutralize bacteria and filter chemical residues — ideal for properties utilizing 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.