PFAS in Your Water: What To Do Next?
Have you heard about PFAS—those “forever chemicals”—and wondered what they mean for your water, your health, and your family? You’re not alone. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have become a hot topic in recent years, raising concerns across communities worldwide.
I have especially written this guide to make you understand what PFAS are, why they matter, and, most importantly, how to remove PFAS from water in your home. So, let’s dig in!
What Are PFAS & Why Are They in My Water?
PFAS is not anything new, it is a family of synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1940s. Shocked? But this is true. This chemical is used by us every single day, thinking how? Well, it is very much there on nonstick cookware, waterproofing clothing, firefighting foams and food packaging.
And their superpowers are that they resist –
- Heat
- Oil
- Water, and
- Stains
They are even extremely persistent in the environment. That’s why they’re called “forever chemicals”—once released, they stick around for decades, contaminating soil, air, and especially water.
PFAS can enter your drinking water from industrial sites, landfills, firefighting activities, or even runoff from treated products. Studies show that PFAS are now found in rain, rivers, and even the blood of nearly all Americans.
Are PFAS Harmful?
I will not answer in ‘yes’ or ‘no’, just go through the list of health issues associated with PFAS and you’ll know –
- Higher cholesterol
- Liver damage
- Increased risk of thyroid disease
- High blood pressure during pregnancy
- Lower birth weights in infants
- Weakened immune response in children
- Increased risk of certain cancers
While not every exposure leads to illness, the risks are serious enough that experts and regulators are working to reduce PFAS in drinking water.
How to Remove PFAS from Water?
Okay, so you’re probably wondering, “How can I actually get these PFAS out of my water?” You’re already on the right track just by being aware of the issue! Protecting your family starts with understanding your options. Let’s break down how to tackle PFAS in your home water supply:
Know What’s in Your Water (or Could Be)
- Public Water? Good news – many water companies are now testing for PFAS. Dig into your water provider’s annual report (they usually have it online) and see if they’ve got any PFAS data. It’s a good starting point.
- Well Water? If you’re on a private well, you’ll want to be a bit more proactive. Especially if you’re near any industrial areas, airports, or even landfills, it’s worth getting your water tested. It’s the only way to know for sure.
Filtration
Okay, so you might have PFAS. What now? Here are some filtration options that can help reduce those levels in your home:
Activated Carbon Filters
Think of these like tiny sponges that soak up certain PFAS, especially the longer-chain ones like PFOA and PFOS. When you’re shopping, look for filters that are certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58 specifically for PFAS removal. That certification means they’ve been tested and proven to work.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
This is like the heavy-duty option. It forces water through a super-fine membrane, removing a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS. It’s generally more effective than carbon filters alone, but it can be a bit more expensive and the water flow can be slower.
Ion Exchange Resins
These are a bit more specialized and used in some of the fancier, advanced filters. They’re designed to target specific PFAS compounds.
Stay Informed and Make Your Voice Heard
Keep Up-to-Date – This is a rapidly evolving field. New regulations are coming out, and treatment technologies are improving all the time. Keep an eye on updates from your local health department or water provider.
Advocate for Change –Support local efforts to upgrade water treatment plants in your community. The more we push for stricter PFAS regulations, the better protected we’ll all be.
What If My Water Tests Positive for PFAS?
Okay, so I have talked about water, but PFAS are sneaky and can show up in other places too. Here’s how to minimize your overall exposure in your daily life:
Everyday Ways to Cut Down on PFAS
Clothing and Carpets – That stain-resistant or water-repellent stuff? Often contains PFAS. Unless you’re sure it’s PFAS-free, maybe skip it.
Fast Food and Takeout – Sadly, a lot of those wrappers and containers are treated with PFAS to make them grease-resistant. Try to minimize your reliance on takeout.
Read Those Labels! Look for ingredients like “PTFE,” “fluoro,” or “perfluoro” on product labels. If you see them, consider an alternative.
Personal Care Products – Some cosmetics and other personal care items contain PFAS. Look for brands that are committed to avoiding these chemicals.
In a Nutshell
PFAS in your water can sound scary, but you’re not powerless. By understanding the risks, testing your water, and using the right filtration methods, you can take meaningful steps to reduce your exposure.
Stay informed, ask questions, and remember: how to remove PFAS from water is a challenge we can tackle together
