Whole House Filters for PFAS Water Protection Solutions

Even though you cannot smell or taste them, the infiltration of PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals”, into the water we consume on a daily basis is a significant concern. These substances are not merely a temporary issue; they are both insidious and ubiquitous, highlighting the necessity for consumers to recognise their presence in our environment and take appropriate measures to mitigate their impact on health and wellbeing.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, PFAS have been integrated into a wide variety 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 remarkable durability and resistance to heat and stains—are also responsible for the environmental challenges they present: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals enter the ecosystem, they can persist for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby escalating the risks associated with prolonged exposure over time.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the authority tasked with managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, has confirmed the detection of trace amounts of PFAS in both raw and treated water across the region. Although these levels remain low and are within compliance with national safety standards, their rising prevalence is alarming, particularly as they are being identified with increasing frequency in various catchment areas. For further information, visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

What Are the Pathways Through Which PFAS Contaminate Our Drinking Water?

PFAS do not intentionally enter the water supply via 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, ultimately flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to the resilience of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not entirely eliminate them, raising legitimate concerns about the safety of our drinking water.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are presently considered low, many households in Queensland are understandably taking precautionary measures, especially families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those who depend on rainwater tanks. In such cases, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for ensuring peace of mind and safeguarding health.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

In summary, 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, reduce chlorine levels, and trap sediment. However, when it comes to effectively addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems fail to meet the necessary performance standards to guarantee safety.

To truly eliminate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced approach is required. Effective removal typically involves:

• Extended contact carbon block filtration techniques, which provide longer interaction with the water, enhancing efficacy
• Anion exchange resins, specifically designed to attract and remove charged particles
• Reverse osmosis — advanced technologies that are not usually included in standard, off-the-shelf filters, but are crucial for thorough purification.

This raises significant 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 sufficient contact time to significantly reduce PFAS levels, thus leaving residents potentially exposed to harmful substances.

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

This is precisely where whole-house filtration systems, such as those offered by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically important for safeguarding health.

These cutting-edge systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, ensuring that all water used in the home is free from contaminants.

Creek to Coast Plumbing installs Puretec premium-grade filtration systems that are equipped with:

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — this is essential for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater, thereby enhancing the quality of the water
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, ensuring the safety of your water supply
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired, providing an extra layer of protection.

It’s not only about improving the taste of your water; it’s about protecting your entire household from harmful contaminants right from the source, ensuring that all water used for showers, laundry, and cooking is safe and pure, not merely for drinking.

Why Should You Opt for Whole House Filtration Systems for Comprehensive Water Safety?

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 provide comprehensive protection across all outlets, ensuring safety in:

• Drinking and cooking water, essential for daily health and nutrition
• Water used for bathing and brushing, protecting your skin and promoting hygiene
• Water for laundry, ensuring cleanliness in clothing and fabrics
• Water for pets and garden use, safeguarding the health of your animals and plants

Puretec’s FilterWall F-Series and Hybrid-Plus systems are robust enough to guarantee complete household protection, installed right at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed team, ensuring a safe water supply for your entire home.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Enhance Water Quality?

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

• An added barrier against chemical intrusion, enhancing safety
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of public infrastructure conditions
• Improved taste and odour, alongside peace of mind for the household
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to various substances

Comparing Town Water and Rainwater: Assessing the Risks Associated with Both Supplies

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still infiltrate your home, posing significant health risks. If you are harvesting rainwater for household use, however, your risk profile may be significantly heightened due to various environmental factors.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, which can introduce harmful bacteria into the water supply
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire zones, contaminating water quality
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and release heavy metals, posing additional health risks
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation, affecting both water clarity and taste

This underscores the critical 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, ensuring that all who enter your home are safe from potential contaminants.

How Can You Determine 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 may leave you and your family vulnerable to contamination.

To ensure your system is capable of addressing the issue of PFAS, look for filters that include:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration, indicating proven efficacy in removing these chemicals
• Activated carbon filters engineered for high contact time, ensuring that contaminants are thoroughly removed
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated specifically for PFAS contaminants, providing an effective solution
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues, ensuring optimal performance and reliability

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Trusted Local Experts for Comprehensive Water Filtration Solutions

As certified Puretec installers, we specialise in designing and implementing whole-house water filtration systems customised to Queensland’s unique conditions, whether you are connected to the town supply or utilising off-grid tank water. We proudly serve households throughout the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland regions, recognising that effective filtration transcends mere taste; it’s fundamentally about providing peace of mind for you and your family.

With our comprehensive annual servicing and filter replacement programmes, you’ll never need to worry about your system’s performance, ensuring it operates efficiently and effectively at all times.

Call 1300 793 962 or reach out to us online to learn more about our services and how we can assist you.

Are You Seeking Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS?

Inquire about our offerings, which include:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing for comprehensive safety against contaminants.
• 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, ensuring safe water for all applications.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Add-Ons for Drinking Water
  Installed discreetly beneath your kitchen sink for ultra-purified water at your most frequently used outlets, providing peace of mind for drinking and cooking.