How to Remove PFAS from Water

PFAS in Drinking Water

PFAS, PFOA, and GenX can be effectively removed from water using Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, activated carbon filtration, or ion exchange. RO systems are particularly efficient, often removing over 99% of PFOS and other PFAS contaminants.

Ways to Remove PFAS and PFOS from Drinking Water

1. Reverse Osmosis: Utilizes a semipermeable membrane that can remove over 99% of PFOS.
2. Activated Carbon Filtration: Adsorbs PFOS from water, making it an effective method for reducing or removing these contaminants.
3. Ion Exchange: Swaps harmful PFOS ions with harmless ions, effectively removing them from water.

PFAS, PFOS, and other related forever chemicals are persistent and potentially harmful. Because they are commonly found in everyday products such as cleaning products and food packaging, forever chemicals have infiltrated our water supplies, posing risks to human health. In fact, the U.S. Geological Survey recently tested the nation's drinking water and found that at least 45 percent of water samples in the U.S. had one or more forever chemicals present.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filters: A Solution for Forever Chemicals

Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective methods for removing PFOS and other PFAS from drinking water. RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants, including PFOS, by forcing water through tiny pores that block larger molecules. Research indicates that many RO systems can remove more than 99% of PFAS, making them a reliable choice for safeguarding your water.

An effective solution is the use of reverse osmosis water filters, which offer a powerful shield against "forever chemicals."

Viqua VIQUA IHS22-D4 Integrated 12 GPM UV System with Sediment and Carbon with Lead Reduction Filters IHS22-D4-

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Microline TFC-400 RO

The Microline TFC-400 is a proven, cost-effective water filtration solution that can deliver up to 50 gallons of crisp, clean drinking water daily. This four-stage reverse osmosis system greatly improves the taste, odor, and quality of your water by eliminating 99% of contaminants such as lead, pesticides, VOCs, chlorine, arsenic, and others.

The TFC-400 under-sink RO filter comes with a designer faucet for air-gap faucet connection. The system's 4-gallon tank makes for an easy fit under the sink.

What are the Dangers of Forever Chemicals in Water?

PFAS compounds like PFOS have been linked to various health issues, including developmental problems, liver damage, and increased cancer risk. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established strict guidelines for PFAS levels in drinking water, emphasizing the importance of removing these chemicals to protect your health.

Health Risks of Forever Chemicals

PFOS and other PFAS are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body, leading to potential health risks such as:

Increased cholesterol levels
Thyroid hormone disruption
Liver and kidney damage
Increased cancer risk

Due to their widespread use in everyday products, PFOS contamination is a growing concern. Ensuring your drinking water is free from these contaminants is crucial for long-term health.

Bioaccumulation of Forever Chemicals

PFAS can accumulate in the tissues of living organisms, including fish and other aquatic life. This can result in higher concentrations of forever chemicals in organisms higher up the food chain, posing a risk to both wildlife and humans who consume contaminated food.

Chemicals that Never Leave

PFAS and other "forever chemicals" are particularly concerning is their resistance to breaking down over time and their prevalence in water sources. Exposure to PFAS through contaminated drinking water can pose long-term health risks.

Contamination of Drinking Water

PFAS have been found in drinking water supplies around the world, including tap water and groundwater. Contaminated drinking water sources can lead to human exposure and associated health risks.

Is GenX Safer than PFOS?

Both PFOS and GenX are concerning due to their persistence in the environment and potential health effects.

While GenX was initially considered a safer alternative to some older PFAS, research is ongoing to understand the environmental fate and health implications of these newer compounds.

The scientific community continues to study the behavior, toxicity, and potential risks associated with various PFAS, including GenX, to inform regulatory decisions and public health guidelines.

Forever chemicals are commonly found in fire fighting foam

What are Forever Chemicals?

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial processes and consumer products, including non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam.

PFAS are known for their unique properties, such as being resistant to water, grease, and oil, as well as their ability to withstand heat.

These "forever chemicals" earned their nickname due to their resistance to breaking down in the environment, leading to long-term contamination in water sources.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a warning regarding these “forever” chemicals as they pose serious health risks, even at extremely low levels.

“Once you're exposed, they remain in your body,” says Eric Yeggy, Technical Affairs Director for the Water Quality Association. “Nothing in nature can destroy them once they enter the environment.”

What does that mean for your family and your drinking water? It's advisable to stay informed about your local water quality reports and install an RO water filter system that can remove "forever chemicals".

NOTE: PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances)is a large group of man-made chemicals that includes various compounds with fluorinated carbon chains. PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) is a specific type of PFAS and a subset within the broader category of PFAS.

FAQs About Forever Chemicals in Water

How to Remove PFOS from Drinking Water

In a reverse osmosis system, activated carbon filtters and reverse osmosis membranes have proven to effectively eliminate more than 99% of PFAS from drinking water. Other filtration methods, such as nano filtration are shown to remove only 70–99% of PFAS.

How Do PFAS and PFOS Get Into Our Drinking Water

PFAS can enter drinking water sources through industrial discharges, runoff from firefighting foam, and the use of products containing PFAS. Contamination can occur in both surface water and groundwater.

What Health Risks are Associated with PFAS Exposure?

PFAS exposure has been linked to health issues, including low weight at birth in infants, diminished fertility, increased cholesterol levels, irregular thyroid hormone levels, inflammation of the liver, compromised immune system, and the potential for developing testicular and kidney cancer.

Can Boiling Water Remove PFAS?

No, boiling water does not remove PFOS. In fact, it can concentrate these chemicals as the water evaporates. Effective removal requires specialized filtration systems like reverse osmosis or activated carbon.

How Do PFAS Contaminate Drinking Water?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, can contaminate drinking water through various pathways. These chemicals are water-soluble, allowing them to easily migrate from soil into groundwater or surface water. PFAS contamination is often found near facilities that manufacture or previously manufactured PFAS, as well as near locations where products containing PFAS are used. Sites such as military bases, airports, and firefighting training centers are particularly prone to contamination due to the use of PFAS-based firefighting foam. Additionally, PFAS can enter water sources from landfills. When products containing PFAS are disposed of, these chemicals persist in the soil and eventually leach into nearby water supplies.

Are Forever Chemicals Like PFAS in My Drinking Water

For PFAS testing of your water, get in touch with your state authorities to obtain a roster of labs certified for PFAS analysis using EPA Method 537. To locate EPA Certified Labs for assessing drinking water online, visit the EPA's website. If you receive water from a public supply, you can also inquire with your local water provider, as they might conduct PFAS sampling.

Testing Your Water for PFAS?

To determine if PFOS is present in your drinking water, you can:

Contact Your Local Water Utility: They can provide recent water quality reports.
Use a Certified Laboratory: For more detailed analysis, consider having your water tested by a state-certified laboratory using EPA methods.

Regular testing is the only way to ensure your water is free from these harmful contaminants.

If you have any questions about any of these systems, please call our customer support team at (877) 377-9876 Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Central Time (U.S.).

ESPWaterProducts.com offers top-quality water filtration systems at affordable prices.

Since 2003, we've been a leader in the water filtration industry. This longevity has led us to the very best reverse osmosis systems on the market. When you purchase from ESPWaterProducts.com, you can trust that your system will be manufactured with the highest-quality components, has an outstanding warranty, and has the very highest ratings for customer satisfaction.

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