Whole House Filters: Combatting PFAS Contamination in Water

Even though you cannot smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are gradually infiltrating the water we consume daily. These substances are both insidious and pervasive, making it essential for consumers to be acutely aware of their presence and potential impacts on health and the environment.

Since their introduction 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 make PFAS effective in manufacturing—such as their exceptional durability—also contribute to significant environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals enter the ecosystem, they can persist for years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby compounding the risks associated with exposure over time.

Essential Insights into PFAS: Understanding the Reality 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 raw and treated water throughout the region. While these levels remain 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 more detailed information, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

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

PFAS are not deliberately introduced during the water treatment process. Rather, 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. Given the resilience of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not be fully effective in eliminating them.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently deemed low, many households in Queensland are rightfully adopting precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In such cases, the implementation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes crucial for peace of mind and safety.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

In brief, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS.

Typical 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 fail to meet the necessary standards for effective removal.

To truly eradicate these persistent chemicals, a more sophisticated filtration approach is essential. Effective removal typically involves:

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

This raises significant 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 include the necessary filtration processes or contact time to significantly reduce PFAS levels effectively.

What Role Do Whole House Filtration Systems Have in Minimising PFAS Exposure?

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

These innovative systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, thereby safeguarding your entire household.

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

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

While a single under-sink filter may protect your kitchen tap, PFAS can still penetrate 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 complete household protection, installed right at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed team of professionals.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Significant Difference?

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
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of public infrastructure
• Enhanced taste and odour, along with peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities

Town Water vs. Rainwater: Assessing the Risks Linked to Both Supply Types

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still infiltrate your home. However, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile becomes significantly 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 from decomposing vegetation

This underscores the urgent need for a whole-house system in homes relying on tank water, particularly those with children, elderly residents, or frequent visitors who may not be accustomed to untreated water.

How Can You Confirm if Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS?

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

To ensure your system is capable of tackling the issue, look for filters that include:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration
• Activated carbon filters designed 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 environmental conditions, whether you are connected to the town supply or using off-grid tank water. We proudly serve homes throughout the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland regions, recognising that effective filtration transcends taste; it’s fundamentally about providing peace of mind for you and your family.

With our comprehensive annual servicing and filter replacement programmes, you’ll never need to worry about your system’s performance.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online to learn more.

Are You Seeking Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

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 utilising 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.