Understanding the risks of PFAS contamination and the practical steps you can take to protect your home’s drinking water.
Key Takeaways
- PFAS are persistent man-made chemicals found in many water supplies that can accumulate in the body over time.
- Not all water filters remove these chemicals, so choosing the right certification (like NSF/ANSI 53) is critical for safety.
- You can check your local water quality report to see if PFAS have been detected in your municipal supply before investing in filtration.
Recent headlines about “forever chemicals” in water have understandably caused concern for many homeowners and renters. While the science behind these substances is complex, the path to ensuring your tap water is safe doesn’t have to be. Contamination is a widespread issue affecting municipal systems and private wells alike, but you are not without options. At UtilitiesForMyHome, we want to help you understand what these chemicals are so you can choose a filtration solution that effectively protects your home and family.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They in Our Water?
PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s. You might know them by their nickname, “forever chemicals.” They earned this label because they possess a very strong chemical bond that prevents them from breaking down naturally in the environment or in the human body.
These chemicals were originally prized for their ability to resist heat, water, and grease. They became common ingredients in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, stain-resistant carpeting, and firefighting foams used at airports and military bases. Unfortunately, because they don’t degrade, they linger in the soil and water indefinitely.
PFAS enter the water supply through various channels. Industrial discharge can release them directly into waterways, while runoff from airfields or landfills can seep into groundwater aquifers. Once these substances are in the environmental cycle, they easily migrate into public water systems. While you might occasionally see the term spelled as “PFAs” in casual searches, the scientific community and regulators strictly refer to this group of contaminants as PFAS.
Potential Health Risks of PFAS Exposure
The health effects of PFAS are a subject of ongoing research, but major regulatory bodies have identified significant causes for concern. Because these chemicals build up in your body over time, even small amounts in drinking water can lead to elevated levels in your blood.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to certain PFAS levels may lead to adverse health outcomes. Because potential health effects can occur at very low concentrations, the EPA’s new national drinking water standards for certain PFAS are measured in parts per trillion (ppt), not parts per million like many other contaminants. Current peer-reviewed scientific studies suggest links to several risks, including:
- Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight.
- Increased risk of some cancers, such as prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
- Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response.
- Interference with the body’s natural hormones.
- Increased cholesterol levels and potential risk of obesity.
It is important to rely on verified data when assessing these risks. For the most up-to-date and detailed information, you can review the EPA’s page on Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS or the ATSDR’s health effects overview.
How to Check Your Local Water for PFAS
Before you spend money on expensive filtration systems, you should determine if your specific water supply is affected. Contamination levels vary significantly depending on where you live and your proximity to industrial sites.
Review Your Consumer Confidence Report
Regulators have been tightening monitoring requirements for PFAS, so many utilities now list these results in their reports as testing expands. Public water utilities are required by law to test their water and provide an annual quality report, often called a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). You can usually find this on your local utility’s website or by contacting them directly.
Utilize Home Testing Kits
If you rely on a private well or if your utility report is unclear, you can test the water yourself. While professional lab testing provides the highest level of accuracy, it can be costly. Reputable mail-in testing kits are a convenient alternative. You simply collect a sample from your tap and mail it to a certified laboratory for analysis. Look for laboratories accredited for PFAS testing to ensure the results are reliable.
Best Ways to Remove PFAS From Tap Water
If testing confirms the presence of PFAS in your water, the next step is filtration. However, not every filter on the market is up to the task. You need to look for specific technologies and third-party certifications to ensure the system actually removes these persistent chemicals.
When shopping for a filter, look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 (for carbon-based filters) or NSF/ANSI Standard 58 (for reverse osmosis systems). These standards mean the product has been independently tested for specific contaminants, but you still need to confirm that the model is explicitly certified for PFOA, PFOS, or PFAS reduction, not just general taste and odor.
| Filtration Method | Effectiveness for PFAS | Cost Range | Eco Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | High (Certified Systems) | $$$ (High) | Creates wastewater; energy intensive |
| Activated Carbon Filter | High (Must be certified for PFOA/PFOS) | $$ (Medium) | Replaceable cartridges create waste |
| Whole-Home Ion Exchange | High (Requires specific resin) | $$$$ (Very High) | Uses salt and water for regeneration |
| Standard Pitcher | Low / None | $ (Low) | Plastic waste; limited efficacy |
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
Reverse osmosis is often considered the gold standard for removing a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS. These systems force water through a semipermeable membrane that blocks molecules larger than water itself. While highly effective, RO systems are typically more expensive and require installation under the sink. They also produce wastewater during the filtration process, which is a factor to consider if you are looking for the most eco-conscious option. For tips on reducing your overall water usage, check out our guide on how to save water at home.
Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon is the technology found in many refrigerator filters and pitcher filters. It works by attracting and trapping contaminants in the pores of the carbon. However, effectiveness varies greatly. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and carbon block filters can be effective at reducing PFAS, but you must check the packaging for the specific NSF/ANSI 53 certification for PFOA and PFOS reduction. Without this certification, the filter may only be removing chlorine and taste.
Ion Exchange Resins
Ion exchange treatment is another effective method, often used in whole-home water softening and filtration systems. These systems use specialized resins that act like tiny magnets, swapping safe ions for the contaminant ions. Like the other methods, verifying the system’s capacity specifically for PFAS removal is essential.
For more information on setting up your home’s utilities, including water service, visit our water utility hub.
Water Treatment Methods That Do Not Work
There are several common misconceptions about purifying water that can lead to a false sense of security. Knowing what doesn’t work is just as important as knowing what does.
Boiling Water
Unlike bacteria or viruses, you cannot kill or destroy PFAS by boiling your water. In fact, boiling water can actually increase the concentration of these chemicals because some of the water evaporates while the chemicals remain behind.
Standard Pitcher Filters
Generic water pitchers designed primarily for taste often lack the density or specific filter media required to trap PFAS molecules. Unless the packaging explicitly states it is certified to remove “forever chemicals” or cites NSF Standard 53, assume it does not.
Taking Action for a Healthier Home
While the presence of PFAS in drinking water is a serious issue, you have the tools to manage it effectively. By checking your local water report, testing your supply if necessary, and investing in certified filtration technology, we believe you can ensure the water in your glass is clean and safe. Prioritizing these steps now gives you peace of mind and contributes to a healthier living environment for everyone in your household.
FAQs About PFAS in Water
Do standard refrigerator filters remove PFAS?
How can I remove PFAs from my water?
Can you boil PFAS out of water?
Is bottled water free of PFAS?
What does “parts per trillion” mean?
How do PFAS get into the water supply?
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.