Why Drinking Water?
Drinking water is one of the primary exposure pathways for PFAS. Due to their high water solubility and environmental mobility, PFAS readily contaminate groundwater and surface water sources used for drinking water supply.
Key contamination sources include:
- Industrial facilities manufacturing or using PFAS
- Airports and military bases using PFAS-containing firefighting foams
- Wastewater treatment plant discharges
- Landfill leachate
- Agricultural use of contaminated biosolids
Regulatory Limits
Different jurisdictions have established varying limits for PFAS in drinking water:
| Region | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU | 100 ng/L (sum of 20 PFAS) 500 ng/L (total PFAS) |
Drinking Water Directive 2020, effective January 2026 |
| US EPA | 4 ng/L (PFOA, PFOS individually) | Final rule 2024, enforceable limits |
| Denmark | 2 ng/L (sum of 4 PFAS) | Among strictest in world |
| Germany | 100 ng/L (sum of 20 PFAS) | Following EU directive |
Note: Regulations are evolving rapidly. Check with local water authorities for current applicable limits in your area.
Testing Your Water
Options for testing your drinking water for PFAS:
Contact Your Water Utility
Public water systems may have PFAS testing data available. In the US, large systems must test and report PFAS levels under new EPA rules.
Private Well Testing
If you have a private well, consider laboratory testing, especially if you live near potential contamination sources. Certified labs can test for 20+ PFAS compounds.
Treatment Options
If PFAS are detected in your drinking water, several treatment technologies can reduce levels:
Point-of-Use Filters
- Activated Carbon Filters: Effective for long-chain PFAS like PFOA and PFOS. Look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification for PFAS removal.
- Reverse Osmosis: Highly effective for most PFAS. Typically removes 90%+ of PFAS compounds.
- Ion Exchange Filters: Some newer filters specifically designed for PFAS removal.
What to Look For
- NSF/ANSI certification specifically for PFAS removal
- Third-party testing data
- Regular filter replacement schedule
- Proper installation and maintenance
Important: Not all water filters remove PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and refrigerator filters may have limited effectiveness. Check manufacturer specifications for PFAS removal claims.
Reducing Exposure
Beyond water treatment, you can reduce PFAS exposure by:
- Using filtered water for drinking and cooking
- Being aware of other PFAS sources in your home
- Staying informed about local water quality