Whole House Filters: Combatting PFAS Contamination in Water

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are infiltrating the water we consume daily. These substances are both insidious and pervasive, making it essential for consumers to be aware of their presence and the potential risks they pose to health and the environment.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been incorporated into numerous 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 water and grease—also contribute to significant environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once they enter the ecosystem, these chemicals can remain for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even the human body, thereby amplifying the risks associated with their exposure over time.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the authority 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 currently remain minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing presence is concerning, especially as they are being identified more frequently in various catchment areas. For a more comprehensive understanding, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

Understanding How PFAS Contaminates Our Drinking Water Sources

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. During rainfall, these chemicals can wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, 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 fully eliminate them, raising concerns about ongoing exposure.

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

Do Standard Water Filters Effectively Remove 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 water taste, reduce 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 successfully eradicate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced approach is required. Effective removal generally necessitates:

• Extended contact carbon block filtration techniques
• Anion exchange resins specifically designed for PFAS
• Reverse osmosis, which represents advanced technologies not typically included in standard, off-the-shelf filters.

This situation raises significant concerns for households that utilize plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may seem 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 potentially at risk.

The Importance of Whole House Filtration Systems in Reducing PFAS Exposure

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those provided by Creek to Coast Plumbing, play a crucial role.

These advanced systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator. By ensuring comprehensive treatment, they protect your family from harmful contaminants.

Creek to Coast Plumbing installs Puretec premium-grade filtration systems that feature:

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time, which is essential for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilize acidic rainwater and protect plumbing
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites from your water supply
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, providing ultra-purified drinking water if desired

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

Why Whole House Filtration Systems Are Essential 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, including:

• 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 of professionals.

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

Absolutely, especially for families 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 from municipal sources
• A consistent line of defense, regardless of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odor of water, along with enhanced peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to chemical residues

Comparing Town Water and Rainwater: Assessing the Risks of Each Supply Type

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still permeate into your home. Conversely, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile may be significantly heightened.

Rainwater in Queensland can contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments that can contaminate your water supply
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire zones that can compromise water quality
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and release heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation, impacting water clarity and taste

This situation emphasizes 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 and its potential hazards.

How to Verify if Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS Contaminants

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

To ensure your system can effectively address the issue, look for filters that include:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration to guarantee effectiveness
• Activated carbon filters engineered for high contact time to enhance adsorption of contaminants
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants, ensuring thorough purification
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues that could compromise effectiveness

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Trusted Local Experts for Reliable 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, understanding 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 need to worry about your system’s performance or the quality of your drinking water.

Call 1300 793 962 or reach out to us online for more information and to schedule a consultation.

Are You Looking for Water Filters That Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

Inquire about our comprehensive offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing for maximum safety.
• UV + Carbon Combination Systems
  Advanced multi-stage systems designed to neutralize bacteria and filter chemical residues — ideal for properties utilizing rainwater and tank-fed sources.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Add-Ons for Drinking Water
  Installed discreetly beneath your kitchen sink to provide ultra-purified water at your most frequently used outlets, enhancing safety and taste.