Whole House Filters: Protecting Water from PFAS Contamination

Although you might not be able to smell or taste them, PFAS chemicals, often labelled as “forever chemicals”, are alarmingly pervading the water we drink daily. Their presence is a significant concern, prompting consumers to acknowledge the serious implications of these contaminants in their drinking water and to grasp the potential health risks they pose to individuals and communities.

Since their inception in the 1950s, these chemicals have infiltrated a diverse range of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very qualities that make PFAS advantageous in manufacturing—such as exceptional durability and heat resistance—also lead to severe environmental challenges. These substances are notoriously resistant to breakdown; once they enter the ecosystem, they can endure for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby increasing the risks associated with long-term exposure.

Deep Dive into PFAS: Uncovering the Dangers of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the authority overseeing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, revealed the detection of trace amounts of PFAS in both raw and treated water across the region. Although these levels are currently low and meet national safety standards, the rising frequency of detections is alarming, especially as they are being found in various catchment areas. For comprehensive information, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources, which offer critical insights into this urgent concern.

Understanding How PFAS Contaminates Our Drinking Water: Key Pathways Uncovered

PFAS does not purposefully enter our water treatment processes; instead, these chemicals infiltrate the water supply through various external pathways, including industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. During rainfall, these chemicals can wash off surfaces like roads, roofs, and soil, ultimately flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to their resilience and persistence, even the most advanced water treatment technologies may find it challenging to completely eliminate them, resulting in potential health hazards.

While the current risks associated with these contaminants are considered low, many households in Queensland are understandably adopting precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those who rely on rainwater tanks for their water supply. In such situations, implementing whole-house water filtration systems becomes a crucial strategy for ensuring access to safe drinking water and providing peace of mind.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Standard Water Filters for PFAS Removal

In summary, most standard water filters are not effective in removing PFAS contaminants from drinking water.

Common filtration systems, such as pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems, are primarily designed to enhance taste, lower chlorine levels, and trap sediment. However, these systems do not meet the necessary filtration standards when it comes to effectively addressing PFAS contaminants. The persistent nature of these chemicals necessitates a more advanced filtration solution.

To effectively eliminate these resilient chemicals, a more sophisticated filtration approach is crucial, typically involving:

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

This raises significant concerns for households that utilise plumbed-in refrigerators, where the filtered water may appear clear and clean but is inadequately treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges do not incorporate the necessary filtration processes or provide sufficient contact time to significantly reduce PFAS levels, leaving families vulnerable to contamination.

Why Whole House Filtration Systems are Essential for Reducing PFAS Exposure

This is where whole-house filtration systems, like those offered by Creek to Coast Plumbing, are crucial in safeguarding your family’s health.

These advanced systems purify every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, providing comprehensive protection throughout your home.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — crucial for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater and reduce corrosion risks
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present in your water supply
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for enhanced filtration at kitchen taps, if desired for maximum purity

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

The Crucial Role of Whole House Filtration Systems in Your Home’s Water Safety

While a single 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 offer 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, ensuring that water safety is maximised.

The Impact of Whole House Filtration Systems on Water Quality

Absolutely, particularly for families concerned about cumulative exposure to contaminants. While Seqwater actively manages water quality, implementing filtration at the household level provides:

• An additional barrier against chemical intrusion, thus safeguarding your health
• A consistent line of defence, regardless of the condition of public infrastructure
• Improved taste and odour in your water, along with enhanced peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities, ensuring cleaner air and water

Assessing the Risks of Town Water vs. Rainwater Supplies

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still infiltrate into your home through the plumbing system. However, if you are harvesting rainwater for household use, your risk profile significantly escalates.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, posing serious health risks
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire zones, which can contaminate your water
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes, leading to the leaching of heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins resulting from decomposing vegetation, affecting overall water quality

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

How to Confirm Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS Contamination

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

To ensure that your system can effectively tackle the issue, look for filters that include:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration, indicating compliance with industry standards
• Activated carbon filters engineered for high contact time to enhance efficacy
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems that are rated for PFAS contaminants
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues, ensuring optimal performance

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Local Experts for Reliable 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 is not merely about taste; it’s about providing peace of mind for you and your family regarding the quality of your water.

With our comprehensive annual servicing and filter replacement programs, you’ll never need to worry about your system’s performance, ensuring that your water remains safe and clean at all times.

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

Are You Looking for Effective Water Filters that Remove PFAS Contaminants?

Inquire about our extensive offerings:

• 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 — 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 your most frequently used outlets, ensuring maximum safety.