Whole House Filters: Protecting Your Water from PFAS

While you may not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, are quietly infiltrating the water we consume daily. These substances are both insidious and widespread, making it essential for consumers to recognize their presence and understand the implications of exposure. Awareness is the first step towards safeguarding our health and the environment from these persistent contaminants.

Since their emergence in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into a diverse array of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that render PFAS beneficial in manufacturing—like their remarkable durability—also contribute to significant environmental challenges: they resist degradation and can accumulate over time. Once released into the ecosystem, these chemicals can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby amplifying the risks associated with long-term exposure.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the authority in charge of managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, reported the detection of trace amounts of PFAS in both untreated and treated water within the region. Although these concentrations are still low and comply with national safety standards, their rising prevalence is concerning, especially as they are increasingly identified in various catchment areas. For those seeking more detailed information, Seqwater provides valuable resources dedicated to PFAS.

How PFAS Contaminants Enter Our Drinking Water Supply

PFAS are not purposely added during the water treatment process. Instead, these chemicals infiltrate the water supply through several external channels, including industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. During rain events, these contaminants 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 exceptional resilience of these chemicals, even modern water treatment technologies may struggle to completely eliminate them from our water supply.

While the immediate risks associated with these contaminants are currently deemed low, numerous households in Queensland are understandably taking preventive measures. This is particularly true for families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those who depend on rainwater tanks. In these cases, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes crucial for ensuring peace of mind and safeguarding health.

Are Standard Water Filters Adequate for Removing PFAS Contaminants?

In summary, most standard water filters are inadequate for effectively removing PFAS from drinking water.

Conventional filtration systems, such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems, are primarily designed to improve taste, reduce chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, when it comes to addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems fall short of the necessary effectiveness and do not meet the required standards for removal.

To successfully eliminate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced strategy is necessary. Effective removal typically involves:

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

This raises significant concerns for households using plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may appear clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. The majority of tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges lack the essential filtration processes or adequate contact time to significantly reduce PFAS levels, leaving households vulnerable.

How Whole House Filtration Systems Significantly Reduce PFAS Exposure

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

These state-of-the-art systems treat every drop of incoming water before it flows to any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time, which is crucial for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilize acidic rainwater, ensuring water quality
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, thus enhancing overall water safety
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired, providing an extra layer of protection

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

Why Investing in Whole House Filtration Systems is Essential

While a single under-sink filter may protect 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 water outlets, which encompasses:

• Water for drinking and cooking
• 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 directly at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed team, providing peace of mind for every family member.

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

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

• An additional barrier against chemical intrusion into your home
• A consistent line of defense, regardless of fluctuations in public infrastructure
• Enhanced taste and odor, along with invaluable peace of mind for your family
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to certain substances

Comparing Town Water and Rainwater: Assessing Risks Associated with Both Sources

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still infiltrate your household. However, if you are collecting rainwater for domestic use, your risk exposure may be significantly increased.

Rainwater in Queensland can contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, which can introduce harmful pathogens
• Airborne chemicals resulting from industrial activities or bushfire zones
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and subsequently release heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins from decaying vegetation, which can affect water quality

This underlines the critical necessity for a whole-house system for homes relying 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 Reduces PFAS Levels?

If your current filtration system does not specifically state its ability for PFAS reduction, it is likely insufficient for this purpose.

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

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration, indicating effectiveness
• Activated carbon filters engineered for extended contact time, which is crucial for effective filtration
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated specifically for PFAS contaminants, ensuring thorough treatment
• Professional installation to prevent pressure drops or bypass issues that could compromise filtration

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Trusted Local Experts for Comprehensive Water Filtration Solutions

As certified Puretec installers, we specialize in the design and implementation of whole-house water filtration systems tailored to the unique conditions of Queensland, whether you are connected to the municipal supply or utilizing off-grid tank water. We proudly serve residences throughout the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and surrounding inland areas, understanding that effective filtration goes beyond just taste; it’s about providing enduring peace of mind for you and your family.

With our all-inclusive annual servicing and filter replacement programs, you’ll always be assured of optimal system performance.

Call 1300 793 962 or reach out to us online for more information.

Are You Looking for Effective Water Filters to Remove PFAS?

Explore our range of offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing to ensure comprehensive coverage.
• UV + Carbon Combination Systems
  Advanced multi-stage systems designed to neutralize 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 the most frequently used outlets.