Whole House Filters: Protecting Against PFAS Contamination

Despite being invisible and tasteless, PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals”, are increasingly contaminating the water we drink every day. These substances are alarmingly persistent and widespread, making it crucial for consumers to stay informed and proactive regarding their presence in our surroundings. Understanding the implications of PFAS contamination is necessary for safeguarding our health and the environment.

Since their emergence in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into countless products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant fabrics. The very characteristics that make PFAS highly effective in manufacturing—such as their exceptional resistance to degradation—also create significant environmental problems. Once released, these chemicals can linger for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even the human body, thus amplifying the dangers linked to prolonged exposure.

Understand PFAS: The Risks and Realities of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the organization responsible for overseeing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed the presence of trace amounts of PFAS in both raw and treated water across the region. Although these levels are low and comply with national safety regulations, the increasing detection of PFAS in various catchment areas raises concerns. For those interested in a deeper dive into this issue, visiting Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources can provide valuable insights.

How Do PFAS Contaminate Our Drinking Water Supply?

PFAS do not enter the water treatment process deliberately. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through various external sources, including industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. During rain events, these chemicals can wash off surfaces such as roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Given their resilience, even advanced water treatment technologies may struggle to completely eliminate them.

While the health risks associated with these contaminants are currently deemed low, many households in Queensland are understandably opting for precautionary measures. This is especially true for families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those reliant on rainwater tanks. In these situations, installing whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for ensuring safety and peace of mind.

Are Standard Water Filters Capable of Removing PFAS Contaminants?

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

Common filtration solutions like pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems are primarily designed to enhance taste, diminish chlorine levels, and trap sediment. However, these systems fall short of the necessary standards for effectively addressing PFAS contaminants.

To effectively eradicate these stubborn chemicals, a more sophisticated filtration approach is required. Effective removal typically involves:

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

This raises significant concerns for households using plumbed-in refrigerators, as 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 lower PFAS concentrations.

The Importance of Whole House Filtration Systems in Reducing PFAS Risks

This is where whole-house filtration systems, like those offered by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become vital for 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. This guarantees that all water used in the household is free from harmful contaminants.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time—crucial for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilize acidic rainwater
• UV disinfection to eradicate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for added filtration at kitchen taps, if desired

It’s not just about improving the taste of your water; it’s about protecting your entire household from dangerous contaminants right 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 may safeguard your kitchen tap, PFAS can still infiltrate your home through various outlets, including bathroom taps, showers, garden hoses, and washing machines. Whole-house systems provide comprehensive protection across all outlets, which include:

• Water for drinking and cooking
• Water for bathing and hygiene
• Water for laundry
• Water for pets and garden use

Puretec’s FilterWall F-Series and Hybrid-Plus systems are robust enough to deliver complete household protection, installed directly at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed professionals.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Really Make a Difference?

Absolutely, especially for families concerned about cumulative exposure to harmful substances. While Seqwater actively manages water quality, implementing filtration at the home level provides:

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

Comparing Town Water and Rainwater: Assessing Associated Risks

Even if you are connected to a municipal water supply, PFAS can still seep into your home. On the other hand, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile is considerably amplified.

Rainwater in Queensland may be contaminated with:

• Animal waste from roof catchments
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire areas
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and release heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation

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

How to Determine If Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS?

If your current filtration system does not explicitly mention PFAS reduction, it is likely insufficient to address this critical issue comprehensively.

To confirm that your system is equipped to tackle the problem, look for filters that feature:

• 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 Trusted Local Experts for Effective Water Filtration Solutions

As certified Puretec installers, we specialize in designing and implementing whole-house water filtration systems tailored to Queensland’s specific conditions, whether you are connected to the municipal supply or utilizing off-grid tank water. We proudly serve homes throughout the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and surrounding regions, understanding that effective filtration goes beyond just 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 stress about your system’s performance.

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

Looking for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

Inquire about our available solutions:

• 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 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.