Whole House Filters: Protecting Water from PFAS Contamination

Even though you may not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals”, are quietly contaminating the water we rely on every day. These hazardous substances are not only enduring but are also widely dispersed throughout the environment, making it crucial for consumers to grasp their ramifications and the health risks they pose to our safety.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have found their way into a multitude of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that make PFAS advantageous in manufacturing—such as their exceptional durability—are also the factors that contribute to significant environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals enter the ecosystem, they can linger for many years, accumulating in the soil, water, and even within human bodies, thereby increasing the risks linked to prolonged exposure.

Vital Information About PFAS: Uncovering the Hazards of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the authority responsible for overseeing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed that trace amounts of PFAS have been detected in both untreated and treated water across the region. Although these levels remain low and adhere to national safety standards, their rising prevalence is alarming, especially as they are increasingly being detected in various catchment areas. For detailed information, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources that provide insights into the ongoing monitoring and safety measures implemented.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminants to Enter Our Drinking Water Supply?

PFAS are not intentionally introduced during the water treatment process. Rather, 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 struggle to completely eliminate them, raising serious concerns regarding potential health risks.

While the current risks associated with these contaminants are considered low, many households in Queensland are prudently taking precautionary steps. This is especially true for families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks for their drinking supply. In these situations, installing whole-house water filtration systems is essential to ensure peace of mind and safeguard the health of all household members.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Standard Water Filters in Removing PFAS Contaminants

In simple terms, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Common filtration systems, including pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems, are primarily designed to enhance the taste of water, lower chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, these systems do not meet the necessary standards for effectively removing PFAS contaminants.

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

• Extended contact carbon block filtration methods to provide sufficient exposure time
• Anion exchange resins specifically engineered for such contaminants, or
• Reverse osmosis — advanced technologies generally not found in standard, off-the-shelf filters.

This situation raises serious concerns for households using plumbed-in refrigerators. While the filtered water may seem clean, it is often not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges lack the essential filtration processes or contact time necessary to significantly reduce PFAS levels, thereby placing users at risk.

Discovering the Significance of Whole House Filtration Systems in Reducing PFAS Exposure

This is where whole-house filtration systems, like those offered by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become crucial.

These innovative systems treat every drop of water entering your home before it reaches taps, appliances, or plumbing fixtures, including refrigerators.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time, which is vital for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater and prevent damage
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired

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

The Extensive Advantages of Choosing Whole House Filtration Systems

While a single under-sink filter may safeguard your kitchen tap, PFAS can still infiltrate your home through various outlets, including bathroom taps, showers, garden hoses, and washing machines. Whole-house systems provide comprehensive protection across all outlets, which include:

• Water for drinking and cooking
• Water used for bathing and brushing
• Water needed for laundry
• Water for pets and garden use

Puretec’s FilterWall F-Series and Hybrid-Plus systems are robust enough to provide complete household protection, installed right at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed team, ensuring that every drop is safe.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Really Make a Difference for Your Family?

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

• An extra barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odour, along with invaluable peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities

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

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still find their way into your home. However, if you are harvesting rainwater for household purposes, your risk profile becomes significantly heightened.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments
• Airborne chemicals originating 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 underscores 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.

How Can You Assess If Your Filter Effectively Reduces PFAS Contaminants?

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

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

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration
• Activated carbon filters designed for high contact time to improve efficacy
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants
• Professional installation to prevent pressure drops or bypass issues that could compromise filtration

Select Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Trusted Local Experts for Reliable Water Filtration Solutions

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

With our comprehensive annual servicing and filter replacement programmes, you’ll never have to worry about your system’s performance or its ability to safeguard your health.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online for further information.

Are You Searching for Water Filters That Efficiently Remove PFAS Contaminants?

Inquire about our diverse range of offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing to ensure comprehensive safety.
• UV + Carbon Combination Systems
  Advanced multi-stage systems specifically designed to neutralise bacteria and filter out 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.