Whole House Filters for PFAS Contamination Protection

Although you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often called “forever chemicals”, are gradually contaminating the water we consume on a daily basis. These substances are both insidious and omnipresent, making it crucial for consumers to identify their existence and grasp the potential hazards linked to them. Understanding the implications of PFAS exposure is vital for safeguarding your health and the health of your loved ones.

Since their emergence in the 1950s, these chemicals have been incorporated 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 exceptional durability—also contribute to serious environmental issues: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals infiltrate the ecosystem, they can remain for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, which escalates the risks associated with prolonged exposure.

Crucial Information on PFAS: Recognising the Threat of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the regulatory body for drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed that trace amounts of PFAS have been identified in both raw and treated water throughout the region. While these levels are currently low and adhere to national safety regulations, their increasing prevalence is alarming, especially as they are detected across various catchment areas. For a holistic understanding of this critical issue, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources to gain more insight into the matter.

How Do PFAS Chemicals Contaminate Our Drinking Water Supply?

PFAS are not intentionally introduced during the water treatment process. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through various external channels, 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, 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 completely eliminate them from the water supply, leaving communities vulnerable.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently assessed as low, many households in Queensland are taking prudent precautions, particularly families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those who rely on rainwater tanks. In such scenarios, investing in whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for ensuring safety and peace of mind regarding the quality of their drinking water.

Are Conventional Water Filters Sufficient for Eliminating PFAS Contaminants?

In short, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS contaminants from drinking water, which is a significant concern for health and safety.

Conventional filtration systems—such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems—are primarily designed to enhance taste, reduce chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, they often do not possess the necessary capabilities to address PFAS contaminants effectively and frequently fall short of removing these hazardous chemicals.

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

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

This situation raises serious concerns for households that utilise plumbed-in refrigerators. While the filtered water may appear clear, it is not specifically treated for PFAS contaminants. Many tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges lack the necessary filtration processes or contact time to significantly decrease PFAS levels, leaving households unprotected against these harmful chemicals.

Understanding the Importance of Whole House Filtration Systems in Reducing PFAS Exposure

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those offered by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically important for ensuring access to safe drinking water.

These innovative systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, providing comprehensive protection against a wide range of contaminants.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — essential for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters that stabilise acidic rainwater and prevent corrosion
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for enhanced filtration at kitchen taps, as desired

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

Why Opt for Whole House Filtration Systems Over Conventional Solutions?

While a single under-sink filter may safeguard your kitchen tap, PFAS can still infiltrate your home through various sources, 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 designed to provide robust protection, installed right at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed team, ensuring that your entire household benefits from clean, safe water.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Offer Enhanced Protection?

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

• An additional 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 to various contaminants

Comparing Town Water and Rainwater: Assessing the Associated Risks

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still infiltrate into your home. Conversely, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile is considerably heightened due to environmental exposure.

Rainwater collected in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, which can contaminate water supplies
• Airborne chemicals resulting from industrial activities or bushfire impacts, posing health risks
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and release heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins from decomposing vegetation, which can adversely affect 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 a healthier environment for all.

How Can You Determine 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 and may not offer the necessary protection against these harmful chemicals.

To ensure that your system is capable of effectively tackling PFAS, look for filters that come with:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration
• Activated carbon filters designed for high contact time, essential for effective removal of contaminants
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants
• Professional installation to prevent pressure drops or bypass issues that may compromise effectiveness

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Local Experts for 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 relying on off-grid tank water. We proudly serve homes across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland regions, recognising that effective filtration goes beyond taste; it’s about ensuring peace of mind for you and your family’s health and safety.

With our comprehensive annual servicing and filter replacement programs, you’ll never need to worry about your system’s performance or the safety of your water supply, allowing you to focus on enjoying the benefits of clean water.

Call 1300 793 962 or get in touch with us online to discover more about our extensive services.

Are You Seeking Water Filters That Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

Explore our comprehensive range of offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing to provide thorough protection against contaminants.
• UV + Carbon Combination Systems
  Advanced multi-stage systems designed to neutralise bacteria and filter chemical residues — ideal for properties relying on 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.