Whole House Filters: Shielding Your Water from PFAS

While you may not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals“, are insidiously infiltrating the water we consume every day. Their presence is alarming, making it imperative for consumers to recognise the implications of these contaminants in their drinking water and understand the health 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 render PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability and resistance to heat—also contribute to their environmental challenges, as these substances are notoriously resistant to degradation. Once they infiltrate the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby amplifying the risks associated with prolonged exposure.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the organisation responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, announced the detection of trace amounts of PFAS in both raw and treated water throughout the region. Although these levels are currently low and comply with national safety standards, the increasing frequency of detections is concerning, particularly as they are being identified in various catchment areas. For more detailed information, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources, which provide valuable insights into this pressing issue.

How PFAS Contaminates Our Drinking Water: Key Pathways Explained

PFAS does not enter our water treatment processes intentionally; rather, these chemicals infiltrate the water supply through external pathways such as industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. When rainfall occurs, these chemicals can wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, ultimately flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to their resilience and persistence, even the most advanced water treatment technologies may struggle to entirely eliminate them, leading to potential health risks.

While the current risks associated with these contaminants are deemed low, many households in Queensland are understandably taking precautionary measures, especially families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those who rely on rainwater tanks for their water supply. In these cases, adopting whole-house water filtration systems becomes a critical strategy for ensuring safe drinking water and peace of mind.

Are Standard Water Filters Adequate for Removing PFAS Contaminants?

In brief, most standard water filters are not effective at eliminating PFAS contaminants 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 effectively addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the necessary filtration standards. The persistent nature of these chemicals requires a more advanced filtration approach.

To effectively eradicate these stubborn chemicals, a more sophisticated filtration solution is essential, typically involving:

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

This raises significant concerns for households that utilise plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may appear clear and clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges do not incorporate the necessary filtration processes or provide sufficient contact time to significantly reduce PFAS levels, leaving households vulnerable to contamination.

The Importance of Whole House Filtration Systems in Reducing PFAS Exposure

This is where whole-house filtration systems, like those provided by Creek to Coast Plumbing, play a vital role in safeguarding your family’s health.

These advanced systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, ensuring comprehensive protection throughout your home.

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 and mitigate corrosion risks
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present in your water supply
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired for enhanced purity

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

Why Choosing Whole House Filtration Systems is Essential for Your Home

While a single under-sink filter may protect your kitchen tap, PFAS can still enter 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, thus maximising water safety.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Significant Difference?

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

• An additional barrier against chemical intrusion, safeguarding your health
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of the state of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odour in your water, along with enhanced peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities, ensuring cleaner air and water

Town Water vs. Rainwater: Assessing the Risks Associated with Both Water Supplies

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still permeate into your home through the plumbing. If you are harvesting rainwater for household use, however, your risk profile becomes significantly elevated.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, posing health risks
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire zones, which can contaminate your water
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes, leading to the leaching of heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation, affecting water quality

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

How to Verify if Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS Contamination

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

To verify that your system can effectively tackle the issue, look for filters that include:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration, indicating industry standards
• Activated carbon filters engineered for high contact time to enhance efficacy
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems that are rated for PFAS contaminants
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues, ensuring optimal performance

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Local Experts for Reliable 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 is not just about taste; it’s about providing peace of mind for you and your family regarding the quality of your water.

With our comprehensive annual servicing and filter replacement programs, you’ll never need to worry about your system’s performance, ensuring that your water remains safe and clean at all times.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online to learn more.

Are You Searching for Water Filters that Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

Inquire about our extensive offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing for comprehensive safety.
• 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, ensuring maximum safety.