Whole House Filters: Effective Protection Against PFAS Water

Even though you cannot smell or taste them, the infiltration of PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals”, is alarmingly penetrating the water we consume on a daily basis. These substances are far from being a fleeting issue; their insidious and pervasive nature makes it crucial for consumers to identify their presence in our environment and take decisive action to mitigate their impact on health and safety.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been used in an extensive range of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very attributes that render PFAS highly effective in manufacturing—such as their incredible durability and resistance to heat and stains—are also what contribute to their environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once they infiltrate the ecosystem, these chemicals persist for many years, accumulating in soil, water, and even the human body, thus compounding the long-term risks associated with exposure to these hazardous substances.

Discover the Alarming Facts About PFAS: Unveiling the Threat of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the organisation 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 fall within national safety standards, their increasing prevalence is concerning, particularly as they are being discovered more frequently in various catchment areas. For an in-depth understanding, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources for additional information.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS to Contaminate Our Drinking Water?

PFAS do not intentionally enter the water supply during the water treatment process. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply through various 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, subsequently flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Given the resilience of these chemicals, even cutting-edge water treatment technologies may not sufficiently eliminate them, raising significant 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 adopting precautionary measures, especially families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those relying on rainwater tanks. In such cases, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes essential for ensuring peace of mind and protecting health.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

To put it plainly, most standard water filters are ineffective at removing PFAS.

Common 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 lack the necessary performance standards to ensure safety.

To effectively eliminate these stubborn chemicals, a more advanced approach is required. Proper removal typically involves:

• Extended contact carbon block filtration methods, which allow for a longer interaction time with the water
• Anion exchange resins, specifically designed to attract and remove charged particles
• Reverse osmosis — sophisticated technologies that are not usually included in standard, off-the-shelf filters, but are crucial for thorough purification.

This situation raises serious 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 incorporate the necessary filtration processes or contact time to significantly reduce PFAS levels, potentially leaving residents exposed to harmful substances.

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

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those offered by Creek to Coast Plumbing, become vitally important for protecting health.

These cutting-edge systems ensure that every drop of incoming water is treated before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, thereby guaranteeing that all water used in the home is free from contaminants.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — this is crucial for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater, thereby enhancing the overall 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.

This approach is not solely about improving the taste of your water; it is about safeguarding your entire household from harmful contaminants right at the source, ensuring that all water used for showers, laundry, and cooking is safe and pure, not just for drinking.

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

While a single under-sink filter may protect your kitchen tap, PFAS can still infiltrate your home through numerous 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, which is essential for daily health
• Water for bathing and brushing, thereby 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 Impact Water Quality?

Absolutely, particularly 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, enhancing safety
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of public infrastructure conditions
• Improved taste and odour, along with peace of mind for the household
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to various substances

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

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still permeate into your home, posing substantial health risks. However, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile increases significantly 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 from decomposing vegetation, affecting water clarity and taste

This underscores the critical necessity for a whole-house system for homes reliant on tank water, particularly those with children, elderly residents, or frequent visitors who may not be accustomed to untreated water, ensuring that everyone who enters your home is protected from potential contaminants.

How Can You Determine 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 contamination.

To ensure your system is capable of addressing 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 delivering 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 gain more insights 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, encompassing 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 — ideal for properties using rainwater and tank-fed sources, ensuring safe water for all uses.
• 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.