Removing PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) from your water at home is crucial if you’re concerned about the potential health risks these “forever chemicals” pose. PFAS are resistant to breaking down, and they accumulate in the environment and the human body over time. They’re linked to various health problems like cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues. Unfortunately, PFAS are not easily removed by standard water filters, so you need specific technologies that are proven to be effective.
Here’s a guide on how to remove PFAS from your water at home:
Effective Methods to Remove PFAS
1. Activated Carbon Filtration (Granular Activated Carbon – GAC)
Best For: Whole-house systems, point-of-use filters like under-sink and countertop units.
- How It Works: Activated carbon (specifically granular activated carbon or GAC) adsorbs contaminants, including PFAS. The carbon has a large surface area that traps PFAS molecules.
- Effectiveness: GAC filters can remove up to 90% or more of PFAS depending on the carbon quality and water flow rate. They are particularly effective for long-chain PFAS like PFOA and PFOS.
- Maintenance: These filters need to be replaced regularly, as they lose effectiveness when the carbon becomes saturated with contaminants.
- Options:
- Whole-house GAC filters: Treat all the water in your home, including water for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
- Point-of-use GAC filters: Installed under sinks or attached to faucets to treat water for drinking and cooking.
Best GAC Filters for PFAS:
- Clearly Filtered Under Sink Filtration System: Removes up to 99.9% of PFAS.
- Aquasana OptimH2O Under Sink: Combines activated carbon and Claryum technology for high PFAS removal.
2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
Best For: Drinking water and specific point-of-use applications like under-sink and countertop systems.
- How It Works: Reverse osmosis forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks most contaminants, including up to 99% of PFAS. RO systems also typically include pre-filters and post-filters (like carbon filters) for additional contaminant removal.
- Effectiveness: RO systems are one of the most effective ways to remove both long-chain and short-chain PFAS, as well as a wide range of other contaminants like heavy metals, nitrates, and pesticides.
- Maintenance: RO membranes and filters need periodic replacement (every 6-12 months) to maintain performance.
- Options:
- Under-sink RO systems: Provide filtered water at a single point (e.g., kitchen faucet).
- Countertop RO systems: Smaller units that sit on the counter and connect to your faucet.
Best RO Systems for PFAS:
- Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis System: NSF certified for PFAS removal, featuring RO, Claryum filtration, and remineralization.
- Waterdrop G3 RO System: Compact, tankless RO system with 99.9% PFAS removal and smart indicators for filter replacement.
3. Ion Exchange Resin
Best For: High-efficiency PFAS removal in specific applications, sometimes combined with other filtration technologies.
- How It Works: Ion exchange resins exchange ions in the water (like calcium or magnesium) with non-harmful ions. In some specialized systems, resins are used to target PFAS molecules.
- Effectiveness: Highly effective for removing PFAS, especially in municipal water treatment facilities. Some point-of-use systems also use ion exchange resin, though it’s less common in home setups.
- Maintenance: The resin must be replaced or regenerated periodically to maintain performance.
- Options: This technology is more common in industrial or municipal water treatment settings, but some home water systems combine ion exchange with other technologies like RO.
Combination Filters: Best of Both Worlds
If you want to maximize PFAS removal while also addressing other contaminants, combination filtration systems are a great option. These systems often combine multiple filtration technologies (e.g., reverse osmosis and activated carbon) for broader coverage.
Best Combination Filters for PFAS:
- Aquasana Rhino Whole House System: Uses carbon and ion exchange filtration for whole-house protection.
- Clearly Filtered Under Sink: Combines carbon filtration with other media to remove 99.9% of PFAS and over 200 other contaminants.
Other Home Water Treatment Options for PFAS
1. Whole-House Filtration Systems
If you want PFAS-free water for all household uses—including drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry—a whole-house filtration system may be the best choice. These systems treat all water that enters your home and often combine GAC or RO technology to remove PFAS and other contaminants. Whole-house systems are ideal if you want to avoid skin contact with PFAS during showers and baths.
- Aquasana Rhino Whole House Filter: Provides filtration for the entire home, removing PFAS, chlorine, and other harmful chemicals.
2. Countertop and Pitcher Filters
Some countertop water filters or water filter pitchers are effective at reducing PFAS for drinking water. However, not all are certified for PFAS removal, so you’ll need to carefully choose models that specifically target PFAS.
Best Pitcher for PFAS Removal:
- Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher: Removes up to 97.9% of PFAS, along with other heavy metals and chemicals.
Why Boiling Water Doesn’t Remove PFAS
It’s important to note that boiling water does NOT remove PFAS. In fact, it may concentrate the chemicals further because PFAS molecules don’t evaporate with the water, meaning the concentration of PFAS increases as the water volume decreases.
Key Considerations Before Choosing a PFAS Removal System
1. Water Source
- Well Water: If you rely on well water, PFAS contamination can be higher due to proximity to industrial sites or landfills. In this case, a whole-house system might be more effective.
- Municipal Water: For city water supplies, a point-of-use filter (under-sink, RO system, or countertop filter) may suffice, especially if you’re primarily concerned about drinking and cooking water.
2. Maintenance and Filter Lifespan
- Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the system’s effectiveness in removing PFAS. Some systems, like reverse osmosis, require filter changes every 6-12 months, while GAC filters may last longer but also require timely replacement.
3. Budget
- Reverse osmosis systems are typically more expensive than GAC filters, but they offer the highest PFAS removal rates. Budget for both the initial cost and ongoing filter replacements.
Conclusion
If you’re concerned about PFAS in your home water supply, the most effective methods for removal are reverse osmosis, granular activated carbon filters, and ion exchange systems. For comprehensive protection, consider a whole-house filtration system or a point-of-use filter for drinking water. Make sure to choose a system that’s certified for PFAS removal, and keep up with regular maintenance to ensure the filter is functioning properly.
With the right filter, you can greatly reduce or eliminate PFAS from your water, ensuring safer and cleaner water for your family.