Water is one of the most essential elements for human survival, yet access to clean, safe drinking water is an ongoing challenge in many parts of the world. As we look for solutions to water contamination, one of the biggest environmental threats today comes in the form of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), more commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals.” These chemicals have been linked to serious health risks, and their presence in drinking water has prompted urgent calls for action from both government agencies and environmental groups. But what exactly are PFAS, how do they affect our health, and what can be done to remove them from our water supply?
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. They are found in products designed to resist heat, water, and oil, which makes them incredibly useful for a wide range of applications. From non-stick cookware to water-repellent clothing and even firefighting foam, PFAS compounds are often present in everyday items. The most notorious chemicals in the PFAS group include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), although hundreds of other compounds fall under this category.
However, despite their utility, PFAS have an alarming downside: they don’t break down easily in the environment, which is why they’re referred to as “forever chemicals.” This persistence means that once they enter the environment, they can stay there for a long time, leaching into soil and water supplies. They accumulate over time, posing a serious risk to both ecosystems and human health. You can read more about these chemicals and their impact on the environment through The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Why Are PFAS a Health Concern?
The primary concern with PFAS is their ability to build up in the human body over time. These chemicals have been shown to remain in human blood for years, with some compounds taking decades to break down. Exposure to high levels of PFAS has been linked to several serious health conditions, including:
- Cancer: PFAS exposure has been associated with an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer.
- Liver Damage: Studies have indicated that long-term exposure can lead to liver damage.
- Endocrine Disruption: PFAS chemicals can interfere with hormone regulation, leading to thyroid problems and other endocrine-related disorders.
- Immune System Suppression: PFAS exposure can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.
- Reproductive Issues: There is growing evidence that PFAS can impact fertility and fetal development, leading to developmental issues in infants.
These health risks have triggered public outcry, especially as PFAS contamination has been discovered in drinking water supplies all over the world. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been actively investigating the issue, but the full extent of the damage is still being uncovered. For more in-depth research on PFAS health effects, you can visit The CDC’s PFAS page.
How Do PFAS Get into Our Drinking Water?
PFAS chemicals enter water supplies through various means, including industrial runoff, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants. Industries that use PFAS chemicals in their products often release these substances into the environment during manufacturing or disposal. Firefighting foam used by military bases and airports is another major source of PFAS contamination, as these foams contain high levels of the chemicals. The risk of contamination increases in areas near military or industrial sites, where chemicals can seep into groundwater or nearby surface water sources.
Once in the water supply, PFAS are difficult to remove due to their chemical structure. Traditional water treatment methods such as sedimentation and filtration don’t effectively remove these chemicals, which is why specialized systems are required to address PFAS contamination.
What Are Regulators Doing About PFAS?
As the dangers of PFAS have become clearer, regulatory agencies around the world have started to take action. In the United States, the EPA has begun to set limits for PFAS levels in drinking water. In 2024, the agency released new guidelines that lowered the acceptable levels for six specific PFAS chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS. These guidelines call for action if PFAS levels exceed 70 parts per trillion (ppt), a threshold based on current scientific understanding of the chemicals’ risks.
However, even with these regulations in place, many areas still face challenges in reducing PFAS levels. Local water suppliers are often tasked with testing and treating their water, but the cost and complexity of these processes can be prohibitive. Some municipalities have even struggled with legal and regulatory hurdles as they work to meet the new standards.
For more details on the EPA’s guidelines for PFAS, check out their official page here.
How Can PFAS Be Removed from Water?
Removing PFAS from drinking water is not a simple task, but several advanced treatment technologies have shown promise. These include:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective ways to remove PFAS from drinking water. This method uses a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants, including PFAS compounds. While it is highly effective, reverse osmosis systems can be expensive to install and maintain, particularly for larger communities or municipalities.
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): Granular activated carbon filters use a porous material to adsorb chemicals from water. GAC is effective at removing many types of contaminants, including some PFAS compounds, but its efficiency can vary based on the type of PFAS present. It also requires regular maintenance and replacement of the carbon material.
- Ion Exchange: Ion exchange resins work by attracting and binding PFAS molecules, removing them from water. This method is effective for specific types of PFAS, but like GAC, it requires ongoing maintenance and replacement of the resins.
- Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP): Advanced oxidation processes, which involve combining chemicals like ozone and hydrogen peroxide, can break down PFAS molecules at the molecular level. While promising, these technologies are still in development and are not yet widely available for residential use.
What Can You Do?
If you’re concerned about PFAS in your drinking water, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your exposure:
- Check Your Local Water Quality Reports: Many municipalities conduct regular water quality tests and provide detailed reports on the levels of various contaminants, including PFAS. You can usually find these reports on your local water supplier’s website.
- Install a Water Filtration System: If PFAS are present in your area, installing a home filtration system, such as reverse osmosis or a specialized activated carbon filter, can help reduce contamination. Just make sure the system is certified to remove PFAS.
- Advocate for Change: Support policies that promote PFAS regulation and clean water initiatives. Public pressure is one of the most effective ways to bring about regulatory changes.
For further resources on how to test and remove PFAS from drinking water, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides an excellent guide.
The Path Forward
The growing awareness of PFAS contamination is prompting more research into alternative methods of water treatment and better ways to regulate and remove these chemicals from our water systems. As more people become aware of the issue, there is hope that regulatory frameworks will continue to evolve, and the development of new treatment technologies will accelerate.
The fight against PFAS contamination will require a coordinated effort from government agencies, industry leaders, and the public to ensure safe, clean water for everyone. While there are still challenges ahead, the progress being made in research and policy gives us hope that we can eliminate these dangerous chemicals from our water supply in the near future.
For more information or to learn how we can help ensure clean, safe drinking water, contact us today!