Whole House Filters: Effective Protection Against PFAS Contamination

Even though you cannot smell or taste them, the insidious presence of PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, is infiltrating the water we consume every day. These substances are not merely a transient concern; they are pervasive and dangerous, making it crucial for consumers to acknowledge their presence in our environment and take decisive action to mitigate their effects.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been incorporated into a diverse range of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very properties that make PFAS exceptionally useful in manufacturing, such as their remarkable durability and resistance to heat and stains, are also the reasons they pose 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, thereby exacerbating the risks associated with exposure over time.

Discover the Dangers of PFAS: Unveiling the Threat of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the governing body responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed that trace amounts of PFAS have been detected in both raw and treated water across the region. Although 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 a thorough understanding, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources for further insights.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water?

PFAS do not enter the water supply through the water treatment process intentionally. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through various external pathways, including industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. During rainfall events, 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 be able to eliminate them entirely, raising serious concerns about the safety of our drinking water.

While the risks associated with these contaminants are currently deemed low, many households in Queensland are understandably taking precautionary measures, especially families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those who rely on rainwater tanks. In such instances, adopting whole-house water filtration systems becomes vital for ensuring peace of mind and protecting health.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

In summary, 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 enhance taste, reduce chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, when it comes to addressing the specific issue of PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the required performance standards to ensure safety.

To effectively eradicate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced approach is necessary. Proper removal usually involves:

• Extended contact carbon block filtration techniques, which allow for prolonged interaction with the water
• Anion exchange resins, specifically designed to attract and remove charged particles
• Reverse osmosis — advanced technologies that are generally not included in standard, off-the-shelf filters, but are essential for thorough purification.

This raises serious 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 do not incorporate the necessary filtration processes or contact time required to significantly lower PFAS levels, potentially leaving residents exposed to harmful substances.

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 important for safeguarding health.

These state-of-the-art systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, ensuring that all water used in the home is free from contaminants.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — essential for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater, enhancing the quality of the water
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, ensuring the safety of your water supply
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps, if desired, providing an extra layer of protection.

It’s not only about improving the taste of your water; it’s about protecting your entire household from harmful contaminants at the source, ensuring that all water used for showers, laundry, and cooking is safe and pure, not merely suitable for drinking.

Why Should You Choose Whole House Filtration Systems for Comprehensive Water Safety?

While a single under-sink filter may safeguard 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 offer comprehensive protection across all outlets, ensuring safety in:

• Drinking and cooking water, essential for daily health
• Water for bathing and brushing, protecting your skin and hygiene
• Water for laundry, ensuring cleanliness in clothing and fabrics
• Water for pets and garden use, safeguarding the health of your animals and plants

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, guaranteeing a safe water supply for your entire home.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference in Water Quality?

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

• An added barrier against chemical intrusion, enhancing safety
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of public infrastructure conditions
• Improved taste and odour, alongside peace of mind for the household
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to various substances

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, posing a risk to health. If you are harvesting rainwater for household use, however, your risk profile is significantly heightened due to various environmental factors.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, which can introduce harmful bacteria
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire zones, contaminating water quality
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and release heavy metals into your water supply, posing additional health risks
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation, affecting water clarity and taste

This highlights the critical need for a whole-house system for homes relying on tank water, particularly those with children, elderly residents, or frequent visitors who may not be accustomed to untreated water, ensuring that all who enter your home are safe from potential contaminants.

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 and may leave you and your family vulnerable.

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

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration, indicating proven efficacy
• Activated carbon filters engineered for high contact time, ensuring contaminants are thoroughly removed
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants, providing an effective solution
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues, ensuring optimal performance

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 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 mere 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, ensuring it operates efficiently and effectively at all times.

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

Are You Searching for Water Filters That Effectively Remove PFAS?

Inquire about our offerings, which include:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing for comprehensive safety.
• UV + Carbon Combination Systems
  Advanced multi-stage systems designed to neutralise bacteria and filter chemical residues — perfect for properties using rainwater and tank-fed sources, ensuring safe water for all usages.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Add-Ons for Drinking Water
  Installed discreetly beneath your kitchen sink for ultra-purified water at your most frequently used outlets, providing peace of mind for drinking and cooking.