Whole House Filters: Shielding Your Water from PFAS Contamination

Even though you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, are stealthily infiltrating the water we consume on a daily basis. These substances are not only insidious but also widespread, making it imperative for consumers to be vigilant about their presence in our environment.

Since their inception in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into a vast array of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. Ironically, the very attributes that make PFAS advantageous in industrial applications—such as their remarkable durability—also contribute to significant environmental issues: they resist degradation. Once introduced into the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even human tissues, which increases the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure.

Essential Insights into PFAS: Understanding the Threat of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the governing body responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed that trace levels of PFAS have been identified in both raw and treated water throughout the region. Although these levels remain below national safety standards, their rising presence is concerning, particularly as they are increasingly detected in various catchment areas. For further information, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources, which provide comprehensive insights.

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 various external pathways, including industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. When it rains, these chemicals can wash off surfaces such as roads, roofs, and soil, subsequently flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Given the resilience of these chemicals, even cutting-edge water treatment technologies may fail to completely remove them from the water supply.

Although the risks associated with these contaminants are currently deemed low, many households in Queensland are justifiably taking precautionary measures, especially families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. For these households, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for ensuring peace of mind and protecting health.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

In brief, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS contaminants from water supplies.

Common filtration systems such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems are primarily designed to improve taste, lower 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 adequately 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 not usually included in standard off-the-shelf filters.

This raises significant concerns for households that use plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may seem clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges lack the necessary filtration processes or contact time that would 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 incredibly 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, ensuring comprehensive protection.

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 stabilise acidic rainwater
• UV disinfection to eradicate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired

It’s not merely about enhancing the taste of your water; it’s about safeguarding your entire household from dangerous contaminants right at the 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 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 Your Water Quality?

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

• An added barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of public infrastructure
• Improved 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 penetrate into your home. If you are harvesting rainwater for household use, however, your risk profile becomes considerably 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 underlines the urgent need 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 Verify 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 and may not provide the protection you need.

To ensure your system is capable of addressing the issue, 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 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 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, recognising that effective filtration transcends mere 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 tailored water filtration solutions.

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 — 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.