Why PFAS in Drinking Water Is Getting So Much Attention

In recent years, few water quality topics have generated as much concern as PFAS in drinking water. Once largely unknown outside of scientific and regulatory circles, PFAS have become a mainstream issue as testing improves and awareness grows.

Homeowners across the U.S. are asking important questions:

• What exactly are PFAS?

• How do they end up in drinking water?

• Why are they so hard to remove?

• And what does their presence mean for long-term water safety?

Unlike traditional water contaminants that can often be addressed with basic treatment methods, PFAS present a unique challenge. Their chemical structure makes them highly persistent in the environment — and in water supplies — earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Understanding PFAS in drinking water is not about panic. It’s about awareness, education, and making informed decisions in a rapidly changing water quality landscape.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in manufacturing and consumer products since the mid-20th century.

These chemicals were valued for their ability to resist:

• Heat

• Oil and grease

• Water

• Staining

As a result, PFAS have been used in products such as:

• Non-stick cookware

• Water-resistant fabrics

• Food packaging

• Firefighting foams

• Industrial coatings

The same properties that made PFAS useful in manufacturing are what make them problematic in the environment. PFAS do not easily break down, which allows them to persist in soil, water, and even the human body over long periods of time.

Why PFAS Are Called “Forever Chemicals”

The term “forever chemicals” refers to the exceptionally strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make up PFAS compounds. These bonds are among the strongest in chemistry, meaning PFAS resist natural degradation processes that would typically break down other contaminants.

Because of this:

• PFAS accumulate in the environment

• PFAS can migrate through soil into groundwater

• PFAS can remain in water supplies for decades

Once PFAS enter a water system, they are difficult to remove without advanced treatment approaches. This persistence is why PFAS in drinking water has become a growing concern for municipalities and homeowners alike.

How PFAS Enter Drinking Water

PFAS contamination does not originate from a single source. Instead, it often results from decades of widespread use across industries.

Common pathways for PFAS entering drinking water include:

Industrial Discharge

Manufacturing facilities that historically used PFAS may have released them into nearby waterways or groundwater sources.

Firefighting Foam

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), used extensively at military bases and airports, is one of the most significant sources of PFAS contamination in water supplies.

Landfills and Waste Sites

Products containing PFAS can leach these chemicals into surrounding soil and groundwater as they degrade in landfills.

Municipal Water Sources

Once PFAS enter rivers, lakes, or aquifers, they can make their way into municipal drinking water systems — even after conventional treatment.

Because PFAS are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, their presence in drinking water often goes unnoticed without specialized testing.

Why PFAS in Drinking Water Is a Concern

Research into PFAS exposure is ongoing, but long-term exposure has raised concerns among scientists and public health officials.

Potential concerns associated with prolonged PFAS exposure include:

• Bioaccumulation in the body

• Possible links to immune system effects

• Potential impacts on hormone regulation

It’s important to note that the presence of PFAS in drinking water does not automatically indicate immediate danger. Risk is influenced by concentration, duration of exposure, and individual health factors.

However, the long-term nature of PFAS exposure is what makes understanding and addressing PFAS in drinking water so important.

Why PFAS Are Difficult to Remove From Water

Traditional water treatment methods were not designed with PFAS in mind. Many municipal systems were built decades ago to address contaminants like bacteria, sediment, and chlorine — not complex synthetic chemicals.

PFAS present unique challenges because:

• They are extremely stable

• They dissolve easily in water

• They do not readily bind to conventional filtration media

As a result, PFAS can pass through basic treatment processes largely unaffected. This is why PFAS in drinking water often requires more advanced, carefully engineered treatment strategies that focus on contact time, adsorption, and system design.

PFAS Regulation and the Changing Water Landscape

Regulation around PFAS in drinking water is evolving rapidly. In recent years, federal and state agencies have increased monitoring efforts and proposed stricter limits for certain PFAS compounds.

While regulatory standards continue to develop, testing data has already revealed that PFAS contamination is more widespread than previously understood.

For homeowners, this shifting regulatory environment highlights the importance of:

• Staying informed about local water quality reports

• Understanding what is (and isn’t) regulated

• Taking a proactive approach to water awareness

Regulations can guide municipal action, but they don’t eliminate PFAS already present in water sources.

How Homeowners Can Stay Informed About PFAS in Drinking Water

Education is one of the most powerful tools homeowners have when it comes to PFAS.

Steps homeowners can take include:

Reviewing Local Water Quality Reports

Annual water quality reports can provide insight into testing results and detected contaminants.

Understanding Testing Limitations

Not all water reports include comprehensive PFAS testing, and some only test for a limited number of PFAS compounds.

Monitoring Regional PFAS Developments

Areas near industrial sites, military bases, or airports may face higher PFAS risks.

Awareness allows homeowners to ask better questions and make informed decisions about their water.

Why System Design Matters for Addressing PFAS

When it comes to PFAS in drinking water, how water moves through a system is just as important as the filtration media itself.

Effective PFAS reduction often depends on:

• Adequate contact time

• Controlled water flow

• Even distribution through treatment media

Rushed water flow can limit the ability of treatment media to interact with PFAS compounds effectively. This is why modern water treatment solutions increasingly focus on engineering efficiency and performance, rather than relying solely on basic filtration.

PFAS, Emerging Contaminants, and the Future of Water Treatment

PFAS are not the only emerging contaminants of concern. Microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and disinfection byproducts are also drawing increased scrutiny.

Together, these challenges are reshaping how we think about water treatment:

• One-size-fits-all solutions are becoming less effective

• System intelligence and efficiency matter more than ever

• Long-term water quality planning is essential

Addressing PFAS in drinking water is part of a broader shift toward future-ready water treatment approaches designed to adapt as water conditions evolve.

A Proactive Approach to Water Quality

PFAS in drinking water is a complex issue — but complexity doesn’t have to lead to confusion. By understanding where PFAS come from, why they persist, and how they interact with water systems, homeowners can take a proactive approach to protecting their water quality.

Clean water isn’t just about what we can see, smell, or taste. It’s about confidence in what flows through our homes every day.

As research advances and technology continues to evolve, education remains the first and most important step in navigating the future of water quality.