Whole House Filters: Protecting Water from PFAS Contamination

Although you may not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals“, are stealthily permeating the water we consume daily. Their alarming presence necessitates that consumers recognise the serious implications of these contaminants in their drinking water and comprehend the associated health risks. Understanding how these substances infiltrate our water sources is crucial in making informed decisions about water safety and personal wellbeing.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have infiltrated a wide range of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The properties that make PFAS so effective in various manufacturing processes—such as their exceptional durability and heat resistance—also contribute to significant environmental challenges. These substances are notoriously resistant to natural degradation, leading to their persistence in the ecosystem for decades. Once they infiltrate the environment, they accumulate in soil, water, and even within the human body, heightening the risks associated with long-term exposure and potential health complications.

Critical Insights on PFAS: Navigating the Risks of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the organisation responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, revealed the detection of trace amounts of PFAS in both raw and treated water across the region. While these levels remain low and comply with national safety standards, the increasing frequency of detections is alarming, especially as they appear in various catchment areas. For detailed information and updates, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources, which offer valuable insights into this pressing environmental and health issue.

Understanding How PFAS Contaminates Our Drinking Water: Essential Pathways Unveiled

PFAS does not intentionally enter our water treatment processes; instead, these chemicals infiltrate the water supply through various external pathways, including industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. Rainfall can wash these chemicals off surfaces such as roads, roofs, and soil, ultimately leading to their flow 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 completely eliminate them, posing potential health risks for the community.

While the current risks associated with these contaminants are considered low, many households in Queensland are understandably adopting precautionary measures. This is particularly true for families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks for their water supply. In such circumstances, implementing whole-house water filtration systems becomes a crucial strategy for ensuring safe drinking water and enhancing peace of mind regarding water quality.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Standard Water Filters for PFAS Removal

In short, most standard water filters are not effective at removing PFAS contaminants from drinking water.

Common filtration systems, such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems, primarily focus on improving taste, reducing chlorine levels, and capturing sediment. However, when it comes to effectively addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems fall short of the necessary filtration standards. The persistent nature of these chemicals demands a more advanced filtration approach that can adequately protect consumers from harmful exposure.

To effectively eliminate 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 not typically included in standard, off-the-shelf filters available in the market.

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

Why Whole House Filtration Systems Are Crucial in Minimising PFAS Exposure

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those offered by Creek to Coast Plumbing, play an essential role in safeguarding your family’s health and wellbeing.

These advanced systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator. This ensures comprehensive protection throughout your home, catering to all water usage needs.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — critical 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, enhancing water purity if desired

It’s not merely about improving the flavour 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.

The Essential Need for Whole House Filtration Systems in Your Home

While a single 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 offer 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 throughout your home.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Really Make a Significant Difference?

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

• An additional barrier against chemical intrusion, safeguarding your health and well-being
• 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

Comparing Town Water and Rainwater: Evaluating the Risks of Both Water Supplies

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

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

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

This highlights the urgent 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 Confirm 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 adherence to 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 of the filtration system

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. Our services extend to 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 supply.

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, protecting your loved ones from potential hazards.

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

Are You Seeking Water Filters that Effectively Eliminate 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 and protection.
• 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 and quality.