Whole House Filters for Effective PFAS Water Protection

While you may not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” have insidiously permeated the very water we drink every day. These substances are not only widespread but also incredibly durable, making it crucial for consumers to stay informed and aware of their potential presence in our surroundings.

Since their inception in the 1950s, these chemicals have found their way into numerous products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The same properties that make PFAS effective in production—such as their exceptional durability—contribute to the environmental issues they cause: they resist degradation. Once they infiltrate the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, heightening the risks associated with long-term exposure.

Key Information on PFAS: Understanding the Risks of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the organization 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 across the region. Although these levels are low and within national safety standards, their rising frequency is alarming, particularly as they appear more often in different catchment areas. For further insights, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources for comprehensive information.

How Do PFAS Contaminate Our Drinking Water?

PFAS are not intentionally 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. During rainfall, 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 the resilience of these chemicals, even state-of-the-art water treatment technologies may not effectively eliminate them.

Currently, while the risks associated with these contaminants are deemed low, many households in Queensland are understandably taking precautionary actions, particularly families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those who rely on rainwater tanks for their daily needs. For these households, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems is 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 at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Common filtration systems, such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems, are primarily designed to enhance taste, lower chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, when it comes to addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the required standards and consequently fall short.

To effectively eliminate these stubborn chemicals, a more advanced filtration approach is necessary. Proper removal generally involves:

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

This situation raises significant concerns for households that use plumbed-in refrigerators, where 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 reduce PFAS levels, leaving families at risk.

How Do Whole House Filtration Systems Reduce PFAS Exposure?

This is where whole-house filtration systems, like those provided by Creek to Coast Plumbing, play a crucial role in ensuring safe drinking water.

These cutting-edge systems treat every drop of incoming water before it flows into any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, guaranteeing that all water utilized in the household is clean and safe.

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
• 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 just about enhancing the taste of your water; it’s about protecting your entire household from harmful contaminants right at the source, ensuring safer water for showers, laundry, and cooking, not merely for drinking purposes.

Why Opt for Whole House Filtration Systems?

While a single under-sink filter may safeguard your kitchen tap, PFAS can still invade your home through various outlets, including bathroom taps, showers, garden hoses, and washing machines. Whole-house systems offer comprehensive protection across all outlets, covering:

• 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 offer complete household protection, installed right at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed professionals.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference?

Absolutely, particularly 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 defence, regardless of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odour, along with peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities

Comparing Town Water and Rainwater: Assessing the Risks of Both Sources

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still infiltrate your home. Conversely, if you are collecting rainwater for household use, your risk profile may be significantly elevated.

Rainwater in Queensland can contain:

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

This highlights the urgent necessity for a whole-house system for homes that rely on tank water, especially 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 state PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate to address this critical issue comprehensively.

To confirm your system’s capability in tackling the problem, 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 Trusted Local Experts for 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 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 have to worry about your system’s performance.

Call 1300 793 962 or reach out to us online for further information.

Are You Seeking Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS?

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 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.