Part of the GroLifeHealth Water Filtration Guide
Clean drinking water is an important part of a healthy home. This article is part of the GroLifeHealth Water Filtration Guide, where we provide evidence-based information to help you understand water quality and make informed decisions about filtration. If you’re just beginning your research, we recommend starting with our Water Filtration Guide before learning about specific contaminants such as PFAS.
In recent years, PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” have become one of the most discussed topics in drinking water.
News reports, government advisories, and scientific studies have increased public awareness of these chemicals, leaving many homeowners wondering whether PFAS are present in their own water supply—and if they should be concerned.
Although the headlines can be alarming, it’s important to understand what PFAS are, where they come from, and what current scientific evidence tells us.
PFAS are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in manufacturing and consumer products for decades because they resist heat, water, grease, and stains. Unfortunately, those same characteristics allow many PFAS compounds to persist in the environment for long periods, which is why they are commonly referred to as forever chemicals.
However, finding PFAS in the environment does not automatically mean that every home has unsafe drinking water.
The level of concern depends on several factors, including:
- Your water source
- Local environmental conditions
- Whether PFAS have been detected in your community
- The concentration of PFAS present
Rather than reacting out of fear, homeowners should begin with reliable information.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What PFAS are
- Why they are called forever chemicals
- Where PFAS come from
- How they may enter drinking water
- Potential health concerns
- How to determine whether PFAS may affect your home
- Which water filtration technologies may reduce certain PFAS compounds
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of PFAS and practical steps you can take to make informed decisions about your home’s water.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large family of synthetic chemicals that has been used in industrial processes and consumer products since the 1940s.
Rather than referring to a single chemical, PFAS includes thousands of different compounds.
These chemicals were developed because they possess unique properties that make products more resistant to:
- Water
- Oil
- Grease
- Heat
- Stains
As a result, PFAS have been used in many everyday products, including:
- Some nonstick cookware
- Certain stain-resistant fabrics
- Water-resistant clothing
- Some food packaging
- Firefighting foams
- Various industrial applications
Today, the use of some PFAS compounds has declined or been phased out in certain products. However, other PFAS continue to be manufactured and used for specific applications.
Why Are PFAS Called “Forever Chemicals”?
PFAS are commonly known as forever chemicals because many of these compounds break down very slowly in the environment.
Unlike many naturally occurring substances, certain PFAS can remain in:
- Soil
- Groundwater
- Rivers
- Lakes
- Some drinking water sources
for years or even decades.
This persistence is related to the strong carbon-fluorine bonds within many PFAS compounds, which are among the strongest chemical bonds found in organic chemistry.
Because these chemicals degrade slowly, they may accumulate in the environment over time.
It’s important to note, however, that persistence in the environment does not automatically indicate that everyone is exposed to harmful levels.
Exposure depends on where you live, your water source, and local environmental conditions.
Where Do PFAS Come From?
PFAS have been used in many industries for decades.
Historically, some of the most significant sources have included:
- Manufacturing facilities
- Airports using certain firefighting foams
- Military installations
- Industrial wastewater
- Some landfills
Over time, PFAS released into the environment may move through soil and eventually reach groundwater or surface water.
Municipal water systems regularly monitor and treat water according to applicable regulations. In addition, regulatory agencies continue to update standards as scientific understanding evolves.
Private well owners, however, are generally responsible for monitoring their own water quality and may need to arrange testing if PFAS are suspected in their area.
How Can PFAS Enter Drinking Water?
PFAS can enter drinking water through several environmental pathways.
For example, chemicals released into soil may migrate into groundwater. Likewise, surface water used as a drinking water source may receive PFAS from upstream industrial activities or historical contamination.
Once PFAS enter a water source, they may remain there unless removed through water treatment processes.
Not every community has detectable PFAS in its drinking water. Nevertheless, awareness has increased as testing methods have become more sensitive and regulatory agencies have expanded monitoring programs.
Potential Health Concerns Associated with PFAS
Researchers continue to study PFAS and their potential effects on human health.
According to public health agencies, scientific evidence suggests that exposure to certain PFAS above recommended levels over extended periods may be associated with a variety of health concerns.
However, research is ongoing, and not every PFAS compound has been studied to the same extent.
Current scientific literature has investigated possible associations with:
- Changes in cholesterol levels
- Reduced immune response to some vaccines
- Pregnancy-related effects
- Liver function changes
- Thyroid effects
- Increased risk of certain cancers for some PFAS compounds
Importantly, an association does not necessarily prove that PFAS directly caused a specific health outcome in an individual.
Because this field continues to evolve, recommendations may change as new research becomes available.
DNP Insight
Understanding PFAS Without Unnecessary Fear
One of the most important parts of evidence-based healthcare is distinguishing potential risk from proven harm. PFAS are an excellent example of why that distinction matters.
Scientific studies have linked long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds with several health concerns. However, these studies often evaluate populations with varying exposure levels over many years, and they do not mean that every person exposed to PFAS will develop health problems.
Rather than reacting out of fear, we encourage homeowners to focus on what they can control. Start by learning about your local water quality, review your Consumer Confidence Report if you receive municipal water, consider testing if you have a private well or specific concerns, and choose water treatment based on reliable evidence rather than headlines.
The goal isn’t to eliminate every possible environmental risk, an impossible task, but to make informed decisions that meaningfully reduce exposure while supporting your family’s long-term health.
Which PFAS Are Most Common?
Although PFAS includes thousands of different chemicals, only a relatively small number have been studied extensively.
Among the most well-known are:
- PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) – Historically used in certain manufacturing processes and some nonstick cookware production.
- PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate) – Previously used in firefighting foams and various industrial applications.
- GenX chemicals – Developed as replacements for some older PFAS compounds but still the subject of ongoing research.
- PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid) – Another replacement compound that may be detected in some water sources.
Today, regulatory agencies monitor several PFAS compounds because of their environmental persistence and the growing body of scientific research evaluating potential health effects.
However, it’s important to recognize that not every PFAS compound behaves the same way, and scientific understanding continues to evolve.
How Do You Know if PFAS Are in Your Drinking Water?
Fortunately, homeowners do not have to guess.
The best approach depends on where your water comes from.
Municipal Water
If your home receives water from a public water system, begin by reviewing your utility’s:
- Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- Water quality reports
- Local utility updates regarding PFAS monitoring
Many water systems now provide information about PFAS testing as federal and state monitoring requirements continue to expand.
Private Wells
Private well owners are responsible for monitoring their own water quality.
If your property is located:
- Near industrial facilities
- Near airports
- Near military installations
- Near areas with known PFAS contamination
professional water testing may be appropriate.
Because PFAS cannot be identified by taste, smell, or appearance, laboratory testing is currently the only reliable way to determine whether these compounds are present.
Which Water Filters Reduce PFAS?
After learning about PFAS, many homeowners immediately ask:
Can water filters remove PFAS?
The answer is:
Some can—but not all.
The effectiveness depends entirely on the filtration technology and whether the system has been independently evaluated for PFAS reduction.
Current evidence suggests that certain filtration technologies may reduce some PFAS compounds, including:
- Reverse osmosis systems
- Certain activated carbon filters
- Some specialty filtration systems certified for PFAS reduction
However, performance varies by product.
Therefore, homeowners should always review independent certifications rather than relying solely on marketing claims.
Reverse Osmosis vs. Activated Carbon for PFAS
Two of the most commonly discussed technologies are reverse osmosis and activated carbon.
Although both may reduce certain PFAS compounds, they operate differently.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis uses a semi-permeable membrane to reduce a wide range of dissolved contaminants.
Depending on the specific system and certification, reverse osmosis may reduce:
- Certain PFAS compounds
- Lead
- Nitrates
- Fluoride
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
Because of its broad contaminant reduction capabilities, reverse osmosis is often recommended for drinking water when multiple contaminants are a concern.
Activated Carbon
Activated carbon filtration primarily works by adsorbing certain chemicals onto a highly porous carbon surface.
Depending on the filter design and certification, activated carbon may reduce:
- Chlorine
- Taste and odor compounds
- Some volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Certain PFAS compounds
However, not every activated carbon filter is certified for PFAS reduction.
Consequently, consumers should review product documentation carefully before making a purchasing decision.
How to Choose a Water Filter for PFAS
Choosing a filtration system begins with understanding your water.
Rather than purchasing the most expensive filter available, follow a systematic approach.
Step 1: Determine Whether PFAS Are a Concern
Review your Consumer Confidence Report or consider laboratory testing if you have a private well or specific concerns.
Step 2: Identify Your Water Treatment Goals
Ask yourself:
- Are PFAS my primary concern?
- Are there additional contaminants identified in my water?
- Do I want whole-home treatment or drinking water treatment only?
These questions help narrow your options.
Step 3: Look for Independent Certifications
Choose products supported by independent testing whenever possible.
Review:
- NSF certifications
- Manufacturer performance data
- Product documentation
- Replacement filter requirements
Step 4: Maintain Your System
Even the best filtration system requires routine maintenance.
Replace filters according to the manufacturer’s schedule to help maintain performance over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS
What does PFAS stand for?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large family of synthetic chemicals used in industrial processes and consumer products.
Why are PFAS called “forever chemicals”?
Many PFAS compounds break down very slowly in the environment because of their strong chemical structure.
This persistence has led to the nickname “forever chemicals.”
Can I see, taste, or smell PFAS?
No.
PFAS generally cannot be detected by appearance, taste, or odor.
Laboratory testing is needed to determine whether they are present.
Does boiling water remove PFAS?
No.
Boiling water is not considered an effective method for removing PFAS and may actually concentrate dissolved substances as water evaporates.
Should everyone install a PFAS filter?
Not necessarily.
The decision should depend on your local water quality, available testing information, and your household’s specific concerns.
For many homeowners, reviewing available water quality reports is an appropriate first step before investing in additional treatment.
Key Takeaways
- PFAS are a large family of synthetic chemicals commonly referred to as forever chemicals because many persist in the environment.
- Not every community has PFAS in its drinking water, and exposure depends on local conditions.
- Municipal water customers should review their Consumer Confidence Report, while private well owners may consider laboratory testing when appropriate.
- Certain reverse osmosis systems and some activated carbon filters may reduce specific PFAS compounds.
- Always choose products supported by independent certifications and maintain them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Conclusion
Learning about PFAS (“forever chemicals”) can feel overwhelming, especially given the amount of information available online. However, understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions without unnecessary fear.
PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment, and research continues to improve our understanding of their potential health effects. At the same time, not every community has significant PFAS contamination, and the appropriate response depends on your home’s specific water quality.
Rather than assuming PFAS are present—or purchasing a filtration system based solely on headlines—begin with objective information. Review your local water quality reports, consider professional testing if appropriate, and choose treatment systems based on independently verified performance.
At GroLifeHealth, we believe healthier homes begin with evidence-based decisions. Understanding your water and selecting the right filtration technology for your needs is one of the most practical steps you can take to protect your household’s drinking water.
Continue Exploring
Continue learning about healthier water with these GroLifeHealth guides:
- Water Quality Guide: Creating Healthier Water at Home
- Water Filtration Guide
- Common Drinking Water Contaminants: What They Are and When to Be Concerned
- Water Testing Guide
- Water Filter Certifications Explained
- Reverse Osmosis vs. Carbon Filters: Which Is Better?
- Whole-House Water Filters: Pros, Cons, and Costs
- Hard Water Vs Soft Water Explained
- Water Softeners vs. Water Conditioners
- Best Whole-House Water Filters for a Healthy Home
Coming Soon
- Best Water Filters for PFAS
- Best Reverse Osmosis Systems
- Understanding Consumer Confidence Reports
References
This article was developed using evidence-based information from trusted organizations, including:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – PFAS health advisories, drinking water regulations, and consumer guidance.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) – Public health information on PFAS exposure and ongoing research.
- NSF International – Certification standards for residential water treatment products.
- Water Quality Association (WQA) – Educational resources on water filtration technologies and residential treatment.
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Drinking-water quality guidance and environmental health information.