While PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals“, cannot be smelled or tasted, they are alarmingly infiltrating the water we consume every day. This contamination is becoming increasingly pervasive and insidious, emphasizing the need for consumers to stay informed about the presence and risks of these hazardous substances in their drinking supply.

Since their introduction in the 1950s, these chemicals have been included in various products, including firefighting foam, fast food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant clothing. The very attributes that make PFAS desirable in manufacturing—such as their remarkable durability—contribute to their environmental challenges, as they resist natural degradation. Once these chemicals infiltrate the ecosystem, they can persist for many years, accumulating in soil, water, and even within the human body, thus compounding the health risks associated with prolonged exposure.

Essential Insights on PFAS: Understanding the Threat of “Forever Chemicals”

Recently, Seqwater, the authority managing the drinking water supply in South East Queensland, reported the detection of trace amounts of PFAS in both raw and treated water throughout the region. Although these levels are minimal and comply with national safety standards, their rising prevalence is concerning, particularly as they are increasingly found in various catchment areas. For more detailed insights, you can explore Seqwater’s dedicated PFAS resources.

Understanding How PFAS Contaminates Our Drinking Water Supply

PFAS are not deliberately added during the water treatment process. Instead, they enter the water supply through external sources 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, flowing into the rivers and dams that supply our water treatment facilities. Due to their resilient nature, even state-of-the-art water treatment technologies may not completely eliminate these contaminants, highlighting a significant environmental challenge.

Even though the risks posed by these contaminants are currently deemed low, many households in Queensland are taking appropriate precautions, particularly those with young children, individuals who have weakened immune systems, or those who depend on rainwater tanks. In these cases, implementing a whole-house water filtration system becomes essential to ensure safety and peace of mind.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Standard Water Filters Against PFAS Contaminants

In summary, most standard water filters are ineffective when it comes to removing PFAS contaminants from your drinking supply.

Common filtration systems like pitcher jugs, tap-mounted units, and basic under-sink systems are primarily designed to improve taste, reduce chlorine levels, and capture sediment. However, these systems are inadequate for addressing PFAS contaminants, as they do not meet the necessary standards for effective removal.

To successfully eradicate these persistent chemicals, a more advanced filtration approach is required. Effective removal typically involves:

• Extended contact carbon block filtration methods
• Anion exchange resins, or
• Reverse osmosis — sophisticated technologies that are not commonly found in standard, off-the-shelf filters.

This raises significant concerns for households using plumbed-in refrigerators, where filtered water may seem clean but is not specifically treated for PFAS. Most tap filters or refrigerator filter cartridges lack the essential filtration processes or contact time necessary to significantly reduce PFAS levels, making it crucial for consumers to be aware of these limitations.

The Importance of Whole House Filtration Systems in Minimizing PFAS Exposure

This is where whole-house filtration systems, such as those provided by Creek to Coast Plumbing, play a vital role.

These innovative systems treat every drop of incoming water before it reaches any tap, appliance, or plumbing fixture, including your refrigerator, ensuring comprehensive protection.

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

• Carbon block filters designed for extended contact time, essential for effective PFAS reduction
• pH correction filters to stabilize acidic rainwater
• UV disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Optional reverse osmosis integration for additional filtration at kitchen taps when desired

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

Key Reasons to Opt for Whole House Filtration Systems

While a single under-sink filter may protect your kitchen tap, PFAS can still infiltrate your home through various entry points such as bathroom taps, showers, garden hoses, and washing machines. Whole-house systems provide comprehensive protection throughout 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 directly at the point of entry by our skilled and licensed team.

Do Whole House Filtration Systems Truly Make a Difference?

Absolutely, particularly for families concerned about cumulative exposure to harmful chemicals. While Seqwater is actively overseeing water quality, implementing filtration at the residential level provides:

• An additional barrier against chemical intrusion
• A consistent line of defense, regardless of public infrastructure
• Enhanced taste and odor, along with peace of mind
• Support for individuals with allergies or sensitivities

Comparing Town Water and Rainwater: Assessing the Risks of Each Supply

Even if you are connected to a town water supply, PFAS can still permeate into your home. If you are collecting rainwater for domestic use, however, your risk profile is substantially elevated.

Rainwater in Queensland may contain:

• Animal waste from roof catchments
• Airborne chemicals resulting from industrial activities or bushfire zones
• Low pH water that can corrode pipes and release heavy metals into your water supply
• Tannins from decomposing vegetation

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

How to Determine if Your Filter Effectively Addresses PFAS Contamination

If your current filtration system lacks specific mention of PFAS reduction, it is likely inadequate for this purpose.

To confirm your system’s capability to tackle this issue, look for filters that include:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS filtration
• Activated carbon filters designed for high contact time
• Reverse osmosis or hybrid systems rated for PFAS contaminants
• Professional installation to prevent pressure drops or bypass issues

Choose Creek to Coast Plumbing: Your Trusted Local Experts for Effective Water Filtration Solutions

As certified Puretec installers, we specialize in designing and implementing whole-house water filtration systems tailored to the unique conditions of Queensland, whether you are connected to town supply or utilizing off-grid tank water. We proudly serve homes throughout the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and inland regions, recognizing that effective filtration goes beyond taste; it’s about delivering peace of mind for you and your family.

With our comprehensive annual servicing and filter replacement programs, you’ll never need to worry about your system’s performance.

Call 1300 793 962 or reach out to us online.

Are You Seeking Water Filters That Effectively Mitigate PFAS Contamination?

Inquire about our extensive offerings:

• Whole House Carbon Block Filtration
  Treats all water entering your home, including taps, showers, appliances, and refrigerator plumbing to ensure safety.
• UV + Carbon Combination Systems
  Advanced multi-stage systems designed to neutralize 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.