Whole House Filters for Optimal PFAS Water Safety

Even though you cannot smell or taste them, the infiltration of PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals”, is affecting the water we consume every day. These substances are not merely a fleeting issue; they are pervasive and insidious. Therefore, it is crucial for consumers to understand their presence in our environment and take the necessary steps to mitigate their impact.

Since their inception in the 1950s, these chemicals have been integrated into a wide variety of products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very properties that make PFAS desirable for manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability and resistance to heat and stains—are also what create significant challenges for the environment: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals infiltrate the ecosystem, they can persist for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thus amplifying the health risks associated with prolonged exposure.

Key Insights on PFAS: Unveiling the Threat Posed by “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the governing body responsible for managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, confirmed the detection of trace amounts of PFAS in both raw and treated water across the region. Although these levels remain low and within national safety standards, their increasing frequency is alarming, especially as they are being detected in various catchment areas. For a more detailed understanding, you may refer to Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

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

PFAS do not accidentally enter the water supply during the water treatment process. Instead, they infiltrate through external pathways, including industrial waste, landfill runoff, fire training sites, and stormwater runoff. During rainfall, 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 state-of-the-art water treatment technologies may not effectively eliminate them, raising serious concerns regarding the safety of our drinking water.

While the current risks associated with these contaminants are 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, installing whole-house water filtration systems becomes crucial for ensuring peace of mind and safeguarding health.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Remove PFAS Contaminants?

In conclusion, most standard water filters fall short in effectively removing PFAS contaminants.

Common 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 PFAS contaminants, these systems do not meet the necessary performance standards to ensure safety.

To effectively eliminate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced approach is essential. Proper removal typically 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 not typically included in standard, off-the-shelf filters, yet vital for thorough purification.

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 lack the necessary filtration processes or contact time to effectively lower PFAS levels, potentially leaving residents exposed to harmful substances.

What Importance Do Whole House Filtration Systems Hold in Mitigating PFAS Exposure?

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

These innovative 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 harmful contaminants.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — essential for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilise acidic rainwater, enhancing overall water quality
• 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 merely about improving the taste of your water; it’s about safeguarding your entire household from harmful contaminants at the source, ensuring that all water used for showers, laundry, and cooking is safe and pure, not just for drinking.

Why Opt for 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 various outlets such as bathroom taps, showers, garden hoses, and washing machines. Whole-house systems provide comprehensive protection across all outlets, ensuring safety in:

• Drinking and cooking water, essential for maintaining daily health
• Water for bathing and brushing, protecting your skin and personal 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?

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

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

Town Water Versus Rainwater: Assessing the Risks Associated with Both Supplies

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still infiltrate your home, posing health risks. If you harvest rainwater for household use, however, your risk profile is considerably 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 underscores 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 safeguarded from potential contaminants.

How Can You Determine If Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS?

If your current filtration system does not explicitly mention PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for this purpose and may leave your family vulnerable.

To ensure your system can effectively tackle 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 thorough removal of contaminants
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants, offering an effective solution
• Professional installation to avoid pressure drops or bypass issues, ensuring optimal performance

Select 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 the unique conditions of Queensland, 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, acknowledging that effective filtration is more than just taste; it’s about providing peace of mind for you and your family.

With our extensive annual servicing and filter replacement programmes, you’ll never have 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 discover 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.