Whole House Filters: Safeguarding Your Water from PFAS

While you may not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are alarmingly infiltrating the water we consume on a daily basis. These substances are not only insidious but also pervasive, making it vital for consumers to remain vigilant about their presence and potential health implications.

Since their inception in the 1950s, these chemicals have found their way into a myriad of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very characteristics that make PFAS desirable in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—also contribute to significant environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals infiltrate the ecosystem, they can persist for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, magnifying the risks associated with long-term exposure.

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

Recently, Seqwater, the authority tasked with managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed the detection of trace amounts of PFAS in both raw and treated water throughout the region. Although these levels remain low and comply with national safety standards, their rising prevalence is concerning, especially as they are increasingly being identified in various catchment areas. For further information, you may explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water?

PFAS are not deliberately introduced during the water treatment process. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through numerous external pathways, including industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. When rainfall occurs, 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 durability of these chemicals, even advanced water treatment technologies may not completely eliminate their presence.

Although the risks associated with these contaminants are currently deemed low, many households in Queensland are wisely taking precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In these cases, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems is crucial for peace of mind and safety.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

In summary, 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 improve taste, lower chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, when it comes to addressing PFAS contaminants, these systems fail to meet the necessary performance standards.

To successfully eradicate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced approach is essential. Effective removal typically involves:

• Extended contact carbon block filtration techniques
• Anion exchange resins, or
• Reverse osmosis — sophisticated technologies that are rarely included in standard, off-the-shelf filters.

This situation raises significant concerns for households that utilise plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may seem clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges lack the necessary filtration processes or contact time to substantially reduce PFAS levels.

What Role Do Whole House Filtration Systems Play in Reducing PFAS Exposure?

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those provided by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become critically significant.

These innovative systems treat every drop of water entering your home 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 — crucial for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters that stabilise acidic rainwater
• UV disinfection to eradicate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired

It’s not solely about enhancing the taste of your water; it’s about safeguarding your entire household from hazardous contaminants at the source, ensuring safer water for showers, laundry, and cooking, not just for drinking.

Why Should You Choose Whole House Filtration Systems?

While a singular 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 provide comprehensive protection across all outlets, which includes:

• 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.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference?

Absolutely, especially for families that are concerned about cumulative exposure. While Seqwater actively manages water quality, implementing filtration at the home level provides:

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

Town Water vs. Rainwater: Evaluating the Risks Associated with Both Supplies

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still permeate into your home. Conversely, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile is significantly elevated.

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 resulting from decomposing vegetation

This highlights the imperative need for a whole-house system for homes reliant on tank water, especially those with children, elderly residents, or frequent visitors who may not be accustomed to untreated water.

How Can You Verify 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 effectively addressing this issue, look for filters that include:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration
• Activated carbon filters engineered 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 Water Filtration Solutions

As certified Puretec installers, we specialise in designing and implementing whole-house water filtration systems tailored to Queensland's specific conditions, whether you are connected to the town supply or utilising 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 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.

Are You Searching for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS?

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 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.