Whole House Filters: Effective Protection Against PFAS Water

Even though you cannot smell or taste them, the presence of PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals”, is infiltrating the water we consume on a daily basis. These substances are not merely a transient issue; they are insidious and pervasive, making it imperative for consumers to acknowledge their presence in our environment and take appropriate measures to mitigate their effects. Understanding the implications of PFAS contamination is critical for ensuring our health and the safety of our communities.

Since their introduction 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 particularly effective in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability and resistance to heat and stains—are precisely what contribute to their environmental challenges: they resist degradation. Once these chemicals infiltrate the ecosystem, they can persist for many years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thereby compounding the risks associated with long-term exposure.

Unveiling the PFAS Threat: Essential Insights into “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the authority overseeing 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 are minimal and comply with national safety standards, their increasing presence is alarming, especially as they are being identified more frequently in various catchment areas. For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of this issue, you can visit Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources for further details.

What Are the Pathways for PFAS Contaminating Our Drinking Water?

PFAS do not intentionally enter the water supply through the water treatment process. Instead, they infiltrate the water supply via 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, eventually flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Given the resilience of these chemicals, even the most advanced water treatment technologies may not completely 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 taking precautionary measures, particularly families with young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those who rely on rainwater tanks. In such scenarios, the installation of whole-house water filtration systems becomes crucial for ensuring peace of mind and safeguarding the health of all household members.

Can Standard Water Filters Effectively Eliminate PFAS Contaminants?

In summary, most standard water filters are ineffective when it comes to the removal of PFAS contaminants from water supplies.

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 tackling PFAS contaminants, these systems fail to meet the necessary performance standards required to ensure safety for consumers.

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

• Extended contact carbon block filtration techniques, which allow for a longer interaction period with the water
• Anion exchange resins, specifically designed to attract and remove charged particles from the water
• Reverse osmosis — advanced technologies not typically included in standard, off-the-shelf filters, but critical for thorough purification.

This 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 essential filtration processes or contact time required to significantly lower PFAS levels, leaving residents at risk of exposure 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 protecting health and well-being.

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, which are equipped with:

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time — a critical factor 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, thus 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 against contaminants.

It is not solely about enhancing the taste of your water; it’s about protecting your entire household from harmful contaminants at the source, thereby ensuring that all water used for showers, laundry, and cooking is both 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 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, which is essential for daily health and nutrition
• 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 and reliable 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 in their drinking water. While Seqwater is actively managing water quality, implementing filtration at the home level provides:

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

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

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments, which can introduce harmful bacteria and pathogens
• Airborne chemicals from industrial activities or bushfire zones, contaminating water quality and safety
• 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, taste, and overall quality.

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 protected 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 exposure.

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 and safety
• Activated carbon filters designed for high contact time, ensuring contaminants are thoroughly removed
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants, providing an effective and reliable solution
• Professional installation to avoid issues such as pressure drops or bypass problems, ensuring optimal performance of your filtration system.

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 the unique conditions of Queensland, 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 fundamentally 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 without compromise.

Call 1300 793 962 or contact us online to learn more about our services and how we can assist you.

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 and protection.
• 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 household 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 you with peace of mind for drinking and cooking.