The Problem
What Are PFAS — and Why Can’t Your Body Get Rid of Them?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in manufacturing since the 1940s. They’re in non-stick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foam, stain-resistant fabrics — and now, in your water.
The carbon-fluorine bond in PFAS is one of the strongest in chemistry. It doesn’t break down in the environment. It doesn’t break down in your body. It accumulates. That’s why they’re called “forever chemicals.”
They enter groundwater through manufacturing runoff, military base firefighting drills, and contaminated landfills — then move into both municipal supplies and private wells.
- Found in 45% of U.S. tap water (municipal and private wells)
- Detectable in nearly all Americans’ blood
- Private well owners have zero federal protection — no testing required, no limits
- Short-chain PFAS (GenX, PFBS) are now showing up as replacements — also dangerous
What About Bottled Water?
Many people assume bottled water is PFAS-free. It isn’t — and it creates new problems:
- •Plastic bottles leach microplastics and BPA, especially in heat
- •The FDA does not require PFAS testing for bottled water
- •The average household spends $1,000–$1,500/year on bottled water
- •A point-of-use RO system costs a fraction of that over 5 years
Bottled water trades one contamination risk for another. Filtration is the only solution that addresses both.
The Regulatory Catch
In April 2024, the EPA finalized drinking water limits for PFOA and PFOS — the strictest ever. But in May 2026, EPA proposed rolling back regulations for 4 other PFAS compounds and extending the compliance deadline to 2031 for public water systems.
Translation: Your utility may be legally allowed to deliver PFAS-contaminated water through this decade. A point-of-use filter puts you in control today.
See Certified PFAS Filters →