Are PFAS Found In Drinking Water?

The quality of the water your family drinks should be the last thing you have to worry about. But many homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of the presence of contaminants in their drinking water. One group of contaminants that has recently gained attention is PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.

At American Water, we believe in educating our customers about potential water quality issues and providing effective solutions to ensure the safety of your home’s drinking water.

What Is PFAS In Drinking Water?

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. These chemicals are known for their water and oil-repellent properties, as well as their ability to resist heat, making them useful in products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing and firefighting foam.

Unfortunately, PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment and can accumulate over time. As a result, PFAS can find their way into drinking water sources, posing potential health risks to those who consume contaminated water.

How PFAS Enter Drinking Water

PFAS can enter drinking water through several pathways, including:

• Industrial discharge — Factories that use or manufacture PFAS can release these chemicals into nearby water sources which can contaminate groundwater and drinking water supplies.
• Firefighting foam — The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at military bases, airports and firefighting training facilities can lead to the contamination of nearby water sources.
• Landfills — When items containing PFAS are disposed of in landfills, they have the potential to seep into the soil and underground water systems, eventually finding their way into sources of drinking water.

Understanding these pathways highlights the importance of monitoring and regulating PFAS to safeguard our drinking water.

Health Effects Of PFAS Contaminants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a health advisory level for two of the most common PFAS — PFOA and PFOS, at 70 parts per trillion (ppt) combined. However, some states have established lower advisory levels, recognizing the potential health risks associated with even lower concentrations of these chemicals.

Studies have linked exposure to PFAS with several potential health effects, including:

• Increased risk of certain cancers
• Decreased fertility and birth weight
• Hormonal disruptions and developmental delays in children
• Reduced effectiveness of vaccines
• Increased cholesterol levels

While research is ongoing to understand the health implications of PFAS exposure fully, it’s clear that minimizing the presence of these contaminants in drinking water is crucial for protecting public health.

Protecting Your Home With A Drinking Water Filter

To ensure that your family has access to clean, safe drinking water, it is essential to consider a high-quality drinking water filtration system. At American Water, we offer advanced Kinetico reverse osmosis systems that are designed to effectively remove PFAS and other contaminants from your home’s drinking water.

Our reverse osmosis systems use a multi-stage filtration process to remove impurities, including PFAS, lead, chlorine and other harmful substances. By investing in a Kinetico drinking water filter from American Water, you can have peace of mind knowing that your family is protected from the potential health risks associated with PFAS contamination.

Clean Drinking Water Systems

By understanding what PFAS are, how they enter drinking water and the potential health effects they can cause, you can make informed decisions about your home’s water quality.

At American Water, our mission is to provide our customers in the Round Rock, TX area with the highest quality water filtration solutions. If you’re concerned about the presence of PFAS or other contaminants in your drinking water, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our Kinetico reverse osmosis systems can help keep your family safe and healthy.