PFAS: The Forever Chemicals in Your Water

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent one of the most serious and widespread drinking water contamination issues in American history. These synthetic chemicals have earned the ominous nickname "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment or the human body.

The statistics are sobering:

• PFAS are detected in the blood of 97% of Americans (CDC data)
• Contamination affects water systems serving over 200 million people
• Over 12,000 different PFAS compounds exist
• They're linked to cancer, thyroid disease, reproductive issues, and immune system problems
• Cleanup costs are estimated in the tens of billions of dollars

Despite their dangers, PFAS were only recently regulated. In 2024, the EPA established the first-ever national drinking water standards for six PFAS compounds—but thousands more remain unregulated.

This guide explains what PFAS are, how they got into our water, their health effects, new regulations, and most importantly, how to remove them from your drinking water.

The Chemistry Behind Forever Chemicals

PFAS are synthetic chemicals created in laboratories starting in the 1940s. Their unique chemical structure—carbon atoms bonded to fluorine—makes them extraordinarily stable and useful for industrial and consumer applications.

Key Characteristics:

• Extremely stable: Carbon-fluorine bonds are among the strongest in chemistry
• Water and oil resistant: Repel both water and grease
• Heat resistant: Don't break down at high temperatures
• Persistent: Can last in the environment for thousands of years
• Bioaccumulative: Build up in human blood and tissue over time

Where PFAS Are Used

The same properties that make PFAS dangerous also made them incredibly useful. They've been used in thousands of industrial and consumer products:

The Major PFAS of Concern

While over 12,000 PFAS exist, certain compounds are most studied and regulated:

Primary Contamination Sources

1. Military Bases and Airports (Firefighting Foam)

This is the single largest source of PFAS water contamination. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) containing PFAS has been used since the 1970s for firefighting training and emergencies at:

• Over 700 military installations across the U.S.
• Commercial airports
• Fire training facilities
• Chemical plants

When foam was used, PFAS seeped into soil and groundwater. Communities near military bases like Camp Lejeune (NC), Peterson Air Force Base (CO), and Pease Air Force Base (NH) have severe contamination.

2. Industrial Manufacturing Facilities

Plants that manufactured or used PFAS chemicals released them through:

• Wastewater discharge
• Air emissions (settled into water sources)
• Soil contamination

Notable examples: DuPont/Chemours facilities (West Virginia, North Carolina), 3M plants (Minnesota), and chrome plating operations nationwide.

3. Landfills and Waste Sites

PFAS-containing products end up in landfills, where they leach into groundwater. Landfill leachate is a significant contamination pathway, especially near older, unlined landfills.

4. Wastewater Treatment Plants

PFAS from household products enter wastewater. Standard treatment doesn't remove PFAS, so they pass through and contaminate receiving waters. Biosolids (sewage sludge) applied to agricultural lands also spread PFAS.

5. Agricultural Sources

• Biosolids spread on farmland
• PFAS-containing pesticides
• Food packaging materials

Why PFAS Spread So Widely

PFAS contamination is uniquely challenging:

• High mobility: Travel far from source through groundwater
• Atmospheric transport: Spread globally through air
• Decades of unchecked use: Released for 70+ years before regulation
• Extreme persistence: Don't degrade naturally
• Multiple pathways: Enter water through various routes simultaneously

Extensive research by the EPA, CDC, and academic institutions has documented serious health effects from PFAS exposure. Because PFAS accumulate in the body and don't break down, even low-level chronic exposure is concerning.

Confirmed Health Effects

Vulnerable Populations

Certain groups face higher risks from PFAS exposure:

• Pregnant women and fetuses: PFAS cross the placenta and affect development
• Infants and young children: More vulnerable to immune and developmental effects
• Breastfeeding infants: PFAS transfer through breast milk
• Occupational exposures: Firefighters, chemical workers, military personnel
• Communities near contamination sources: Higher exposure levels

Historic PFAS Drinking Water Standards

In April 2024, the EPA finalized the first-ever national drinking water standards for PFAS—a landmark decision decades in the making.

New Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs):

• PFOA: 4 parts per trillion (ppt)
• PFOS: 4 ppt
• PFNA: 10 ppt
• PFHxS: 10 ppt
• PFBS: 2,000 ppt (less toxic but still regulated)
• GenX chemicals: 10 ppt

Context: These are among the strictest drinking water standards ever set. For comparison, 4 ppt is equivalent to 4 drops of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Implementation Timeline

• 2024-2027: Water systems must test for PFAS
• 2027: Systems must notify public of results
• 2029: Systems must comply with MCLs or implement treatment

What This Means for You

• Your water utility must test for and report PFAS levels
• If levels exceed standards, treatment must be installed
• You'll be notified of PFAS levels in your annual water quality report
• Many systems will need expensive upgrades (funded partly by federal infrastructure bill)

The Challenges Ahead

• Cost: EPA estimates $1.5 billion annually to comply
• Technical difficulty: PFAS are extremely hard to remove
• Time: Full compliance won't be required until 2029
• Thousands of PFAS: Only 6 compounds regulated; many remain unaddressed

PFAS contamination is widespread, but certain areas face particularly severe problems due to proximity to military bases, manufacturing facilities, or airports.

Heavily Impacted States

High-Risk Communities

You're at higher risk if you live near:

• Military bases (past or present)
• Airports (commercial or military)
• Fire training facilities
• Chemical manufacturing plants
• Chrome plating operations
• Landfills
• Wastewater treatment plants

Check your area: Visit our water quality database to see PFAS detection data for your city, or check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

PFAS are extremely difficult to remove because of their chemical stability. However, several proven technologies can effectively reduce PFAS to safe levels:

Most Effective Methods

What DOESN'T Work

Choosing the Right System

If PFAS detected above 4 ppt:

Invest in reverse osmosis system. This is the gold standard and provides comprehensive protection.

If PFAS detected at low levels (under 10 ppt):

NSF P473 certified carbon filter may be sufficient and more affordable.

If you live near contamination source but no data available:

Test your water first, then choose RO for maximum protection if concerned.

If pregnant or have young children:

Consider RO even at low detection levels for extra margin of safety.

See our Complete Water Filter Guide for detailed product recommendations and comparisons.

When to Test

• You live near military bases, airports, or fire training facilities
• You live near chemical manufacturing plants
• Your CCR doesn't include PFAS data (many still don't)
• You're pregnant or have young children and want peace of mind
• You have private well water

Testing Options

State or Local Health Department:

• Some states offer free or low-cost testing in affected areas
• Check with your local health department
• May have waiting lists in high-demand areas

Commercial Labs:

• Comprehensive PFAS testing: $200-500
• Tests for 30-40 different PFAS compounds
• Certified labs provide detailed reports
• Recommended: Eurofins, ALS Environmental, SimpleLab

Home Test Kits:

• Cost: $150-300
• Collect sample at home, mail to lab
• Less comprehensive than full lab testing
• Usually tests for 6-20 PFAS compounds

Important: Make sure any test includes at minimum PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS—the most common and regulated compounds.

While water is a major exposure route, PFAS are in many consumer products. Reduce your total exposure:

In the Kitchen:

• Avoid non-stick cookware; use cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic
• Skip microwave popcorn in PFAS-lined bags
• Avoid takeout food packaging when possible (grease-resistant = often PFAS)
• Don't reuse food wrappers or containers

Around the House:

• Decline stain-resistant treatments on carpets and furniture
• Choose PFAS-free waterproof clothing and outdoor gear
• Vacuum frequently with HEPA filter (reduces house dust PFAS)
• Check cosmetics and personal care products (especially waterproof/long-lasting items)

For Parents:

• Choose PFAS-free school uniforms and children's rainwear
• Avoid stain-resistant treatments on children's furniture
• Breastfeeding is still recommended despite PFAS presence (benefits outweigh risks)

Will boiling water remove PFAS?

No, boiling actually concentrates PFAS by evaporating water while leaving contaminants behind. Never boil water to remove PFAS.

Does my Brita pitcher remove PFAS?

Standard Brita and PUR pitchers do NOT remove PFAS unless specifically certified NSF P473. Check your filter model—some newer models are P473 certified, but most older ones are not.

Should I avoid drinking water if my area has PFAS?

No—drink water, but use filtered water. Dehydration is an immediate health risk; PFAS are a long-term concern. Install PFAS-reducing filtration and continue drinking plenty of water.

Are PFAS in bottled water too?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in some bottled water brands. Bottled water isn't necessarily safer than filtered tap water. Consumer Reports testing found PFAS in several popular brands.

If I already have PFAS in my body, is there any way to remove it?

PFAS gradually leave your body over years (2-9 years depending on compound). You can't actively remove them, but you can stop new exposure through water filtration and avoiding PFAS products. Levels will slowly decline.

Are replacement chemicals safer?

GenX and other "replacement" PFAS were marketed as safer, but emerging research shows they may have similar health effects. The problem is the entire class of PFAS chemicals, not just specific compounds.

Will my water utility tell me if there's PFAS?

Under new EPA rules (2024), yes—utilities must test and report PFAS by 2027. However, until then, many CCRs don't include PFAS data. You can request testing results or test yourself.