Whole House Filters: Safeguard Against PFAS Contamination

Even though you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly 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 fully aware of their presence and potential impacts on health and the environment.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been embedded in a wide array 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—also contribute to their environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once they infiltrate the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, magnifying the risks associated with long-term exposure.

Essential Information About PFAS: Understanding the Reality of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the organisation tasked with 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 region. Although these levels are minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing prevalence is concerning, particularly as they are being identified more frequently in various catchment areas. For further insights, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

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

PFAS do not enter the water treatment process intentionally. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through external pathways such as 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 their presence.

Although the risks associated with these contaminants are currently regarded as low, numerous households in Queensland are understandably taking precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those who depend on rainwater tanks. In these cases, adopting whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for ensuring peace of mind regarding water safety.

Can Traditional Water Filters Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

In short, most traditional water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS.

Standard 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 successfully eradicate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced approach is required. Effective removal typically involves:

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

This situation raises serious 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 contact time to significantly reduce PFAS levels.

What Benefits Do Whole House Filtration Systems Provide in Reducing PFAS Exposure?

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those provided by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically important.

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

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

• 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, should you desire it

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

Why Is It Essential to Choose Whole House Filtration Systems?

While a singular 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 total household protection, installed right at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed team.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Provide a Significant Difference?

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

• An additional barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defence, irrespective 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 Linked to Both Supplies

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still permeate into your home. However, if you are harvesting rainwater for domestic use, your risk profile is considerably heightened.

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 highlights the critical necessity for a whole-house system for homes reliant 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 explicitly mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for this purpose.

To ensure your system is capable of addressing the issue, look for 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 Comprehensive 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 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.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online.

Are You Seeking Water Filters That Effectively Eliminate 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 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.