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 drink on a daily basis. These substances are insidious and pervasive, making it essential for consumers to be cognisant of their presence and potential health implications.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been incorporated into a wide range of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very properties that make PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their exceptional durability and resistance to degradation—are also responsible for their environmental challenges. Once they enter the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even the human body, thereby compounding the risks associated with prolonged exposure over time.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the authority responsible for overseeing 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 area. While these levels remain minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing presence is concerning, especially as they are being detected more frequently in various catchment areas. To gain a deeper understanding, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources for further information.

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 through external pathways such as industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. When it rains, these chemicals can wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, flowing into the rivers and dams that feed our water treatment facilities. Due to the resilience of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not completely eliminate them, leading to potential health risks.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently considered low, many households in Queensland are rightfully taking precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In such scenarios, the adoption of whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for safeguarding health and ensuring peace of mind.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

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

Typical filtration systems such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems are primarily designed to enhance taste, reduce chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, when it comes to tackling PFAS contaminants, these systems fall short of the necessary standards required for effective removal.

To truly eradicate these persistent chemicals, a more sophisticated approach is essential. Proper removal typically involves:

• Extended contact carbon block filtration techniques that allow for thorough treatment
• Anion exchange resins, or
• Reverse osmosis — advanced technologies that are not usually featured 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 to significantly lower PFAS levels, leaving families at risk.

What Role Do Whole House Filtration Systems Play in Reducing PFAS Exposure?

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

These cutting-edge systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, thereby ensuring comprehensive protection for your household.

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 and overall water safety
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater, enhancing water quality
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, ensuring additional safety
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired, providing an extra layer of protection

It’s not just about enhancing 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 merely for drinking purposes.

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

While a single under-sink filter may safeguard 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 offer 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, giving you peace of mind.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference in Your Water Quality?

Absolutely, especially for families concerned about cumulative exposure to contaminants. While Seqwater is actively managing water quality on a broader level, implementing filtration at the home level provides:

• An added barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defense, regardless of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odour, along with peace of mind regarding water safety
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities, ensuring healthier living environments

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 through the plumbing systems. If you are harvesting rainwater for household use, however, your risk profile is significantly heightened due to various contaminants.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, presenting health risks
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire zones, contributing to pollution
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and release heavy metals into your water supply, further compromising safety
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation, impacting water quality

This emphasises 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, thereby protecting their health.

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, and you may be unknowingly exposing yourself to these harmful chemicals.

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, ensuring reliable performance
• Activated carbon filters engineered for high contact time, which is essential for effective filtration
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants, providing an additional layer of safety
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues that may compromise filtration efficiency

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Trusted Local Experts for Advanced 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 mere taste; it’s about providing peace of mind for you and your family regarding water safety.

With our comprehensive annual servicing and filter replacement programmes, you’ll never need to worry about your system’s performance or the safety of your drinking water.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online to discuss your filtration needs.

Are You Searching for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS?

Inquire about our offerings, designed to cater to your specific needs:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing, ensuring comprehensive safety.
• 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, enhancing health and safety.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Add-Ons for Drinking Water
  Installed discreetly beneath your kitchen sink for ultra-purified water at your most frequently used outlets, ensuring the highest quality.